luthierintonationguitar setup
A Practical Guitar Intonation Checklist
David Ehlers/
Intonation is the relationship between an open string and the same note at the 12th fret. The checklist is simple; the useful part is measuring it consistently.
Before you adjust anything
- Install the strings and tune to the player’s intended tuning.
- Check neck relief and action first.
- Tune the open string precisely.
- Play the 12th-fret harmonic, then the fretted 12th-fret note with the same touch each time.
- Record whether the fretted note is sharp or flat before moving the saddle.
The 12th-fret harmonic is the reference. A fretted note that is sharp usually needs more string length; a flat note usually needs less. Make small changes, retune, and measure again.
Keep your readings, string gauges, and saddle adjustments in your own setup notes so the next setup is repeatable.
