String Intonation
Accurate string intonation settings ensure that
your instrument will play in tune at any point
on the neck. Although "perfect intonation" is an
impossibility with a fretted instrument, the prop-
er adjustments will maximize the accuracy
of individual notes up and down the neck.
lntonation is set by comparing the pitch of an
open string to the pitch of the same string when
played one octave higher at the 12th fret. The
actual "vibrating length" of that string is varied
until the notes are both at the correct pitch. The vibrating length of the
string is altered by adjusting the individual saddles either forward or back-
ward, depending on whether the fretted note is sharper or flatter in pitch
than the open note.
9 rr^rrF This process should always be performed with new strings.
(D IUU I E lntonation problems can often result from worn strings. tt is
J often difficult for the untrained ear to determine when the
open note and the fretted note are at precisely the same pitch. Some play-
ers find that comparing the 'l2th fret harmonic of the string (rather than the
open note) to the fretted note is much easier.
A harmonic is played by plucking the string with the right hand while
touching the string with the left index finger (as lightly as possible) directly
above the 12th fret. The left finger is drawn away as quickly as possible
after the string is plucked, producing a "chime' effect. This chimed note is
then compared to the fretted note. For greater ease and accuracy, we rec-
ommend one of the many types of electronic guitar tuners that are available
from most music stores.
1. Ensure that the torsion rod and string height settings are accurate
and the strings are new.
2. Tune the instrument to standard (A-44O) pitch.
3. Hold the instrument in a normal playing position or place the
guitar on a clean, flat surface so that the body is in contact with
the work surface. Any pressure on the neck will affect intonation
settings.
4. Ptay the first (E) string open and compare it to the pitch of the
same string when it is played at the 12th fret. These notes should
sound the same. (Actually, there is an octave difference.)
