How to intonate a guitar?

[funktastic]

anyone got tips on how to setup a guitar?
i've learnt how to adjust the action on a strat by exploring and of course restringing.
just wondering. how to you intonate a guitar? =x

 

[ShredCow]

you need one thing first... a VERY important thing.

1) Good ears

or

2) Good tuner.

You will need to compare identical notes to intonate... so... What do you have?

 

[Liquidribs]

Hey, you can try youtube. there's quite a number of vids that show intonation

 

[funktastic]

i think i have a good tuner. lol
so what are the steps to it?
i've read about using pitch harmonics... any other ways?

 

[ShredCow]

The steps are available online and stuff - do a search first.

The important thing to note, and the online stuff might not mention it, is that intonation also depends on things like:

1) New strings
2) Your touch

Make sure you have fresh strings on - properly stretched. Maybe a day old.

Then when you fret the notes, your touch is important. Do you grip with an iron grip? Or do you have a light touch? You should fret as per how you normally play.




Give it a shot... if you're afraid you'd screw up, then take measurements of the current position of the bridge - you can always reverse the process then. Get it right... and you'll be playing chords way past the 12th fret, in tune!

 

[j_m_s]

http://projectguitar.com/tut/intonate.htm


there you go.

 

[funktastic]

wow. thanks guys!
trying to learn everything myself. realize i've been spending qutie a sum on set ups...