{"id":47251,"date":"2025-09-16T10:29:04","date_gmt":"2025-09-16T09:29:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/?p=47251"},"modified":"2025-09-16T11:06:41","modified_gmt":"2025-09-16T10:06:41","slug":"guitar-intonation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/guitar-intonation\/","title":{"rendered":"Guitar Intonation Guide &#8211; Learn How to Intonate Your Guitar"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/guitar-intonation\/#Key_takeaways\" >Key takeaways\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/guitar-intonation\/#What_is_guitar_intonation\" >What is guitar intonation?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/guitar-intonation\/#What_affects_guitar_intonation\" >What affects guitar intonation?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/guitar-intonation\/#How_to_adjust_your_guitars_intonation\" >How to adjust your guitar\u2019s intonation\u00a0<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/guitar-intonation\/#1_Check_your_intonation\" >1. Check your intonation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/guitar-intonation\/#2_Adjust_the_saddle\" >2. Adjust the saddle<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/guitar-intonation\/#3_Keep_checking_as_you_work\" >3. Keep checking as you work<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/guitar-intonation\/#FAQs\" >FAQs\u00a0<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/guitar-intonation\/#Is_it_possible_to_perfectly_intonate_a_guitar\" >Is it possible to perfectly intonate a guitar?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/guitar-intonation\/#Why_cant_my_guitar_be_intonated\" >Why can&#8217;t my guitar be intonated?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/guitar-intonation\/#Should_you_loosen_strings_when_adjusting_intonation\" >Should you loosen strings when adjusting intonation?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/guitar-intonation\/#Final_thoughts\" >Final thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #999999;\">Featured image: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Guitar-and-Bass\/LA-Electric-Guitar-by-Gear4music-Blue\/8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">LA Electric Guitar by Gear4music<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It\u2019s a frustrating moment we\u2019ve all experienced: you tune up your <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Guitars.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">guitar<\/a><\/strong>, start playing, then realise something is wrong as you move up the neck. Sounds like an intonation problem! Luckily, that\u2019s something you can fix for yourself, and all you need is a little know-how&#8230; which is where we come in. In this guide, we&#8217;ll show you what <strong>guitar intonation <\/strong>is and how you can adjust it yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hopefully by the end of the article, you\u2019ll know how to recognise intonation issues, what to do to correct them, and (most importantly) how to do it. No matter how good your playing is, poor intonation can make you sound bad. It\u2019s one of the most useful setup jobs you can do, so it\u2019s well worth the effort to learn. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It&#8217;s important to note that this guide is for instruments with adjustable saddles. In most cases, that means electric guitars, not acoustic.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/07\/Secondhand-Guitars.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;Secondhand Guitars&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Secondhand-Guitars&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/secondhand\/guitars?utm_source=blog&#038;utm_medium=banner&#038;utm_campaign=secondhand_guitars&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Secondhand Guitars Banner&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_module=&#8221;41670&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Key takeaways &#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#f08000&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_takeaways\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Key takeaways<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Check your intonation: tune each string in turn. Once it\u2019s at the correct pitch, check the tuning at the 12<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> fret.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Adjust the string: If your string is sharp at the 12<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> fret, the saddle is too far forward. If your string is flat at the 12<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> fret, the saddle is too far back.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">After adjusting a saddle, make sure to check the open tuning again before the 12<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> fret.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Once each string is in tune when played open and at the 12<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> fret, you\u2019re ready to go!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Electric_Guitars\/Guitar_Strings_and_Accessories.html&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;SHOP GUITAR ACCESSORIES&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;NEW CTA Button&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_size=&#8221;14px&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; button_bg_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_border_width=&#8221;0px&#8221; button_border_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_font=&#8221;Arial|700|||||||&#8221; button_icon=&#8221;&#x35;||divi||400&#8243; button_icon_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;10px|30px||30px|false|false&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset6&#8243; box_shadow_blur=&#8221;2px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;What is guitar intonation? &#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#f08000&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_guitar_intonation\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What is guitar intonation?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Guitar intonation is just a technical term for the accuracy of your tuning across the entire neck. Even if you\u2019ve made sure everything is perfect when playing the open strings, once you start getting up to the dusty end of the fretboard, poor intonation means fretted notes can sound sharp or flat.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You can test your guitar\u2019s intonation by comparing the pitch of an open string to the same string fretted at the 12th fret. If the fretted note is noticeably out of tune, your intonation isn\u2019t right. It\u2019ll need adjusting to get your guitar sounding the way it should. This is easier than it sounds and involves fine-tuning the position of the individual saddles.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Once you\u2019ve got your intonation sorted, you\u2019ll find chords and single notes will sound in tune no matter where you are on the neck, and you\u2019ll be ready to get back to playing.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It\u2019s important to note that intonation isn\u2019t a job you can do once and then forget; it\u2019s something that naturally drifts over time for a whole range of reasons! Knowing how to check and adjust it can save you frustration and help keep your playing sounding the way it\u2019s supposed to.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-42567\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/12\/Featured-image-How-to-read-guitar-tabs.jpg\" alt=\"A woman playing a red electric guitar\" width=\"1330\" height=\"665\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/12\/Featured-image-How-to-read-guitar-tabs.jpg 1330w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/12\/Featured-image-How-to-read-guitar-tabs-600x300.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/12\/Featured-image-How-to-read-guitar-tabs-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/12\/Featured-image-How-to-read-guitar-tabs-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/12\/Featured-image-How-to-read-guitar-tabs-1080x540.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/12\/Featured-image-How-to-read-guitar-tabs-1280x640.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/12\/Featured-image-How-to-read-guitar-tabs-980x490.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/12\/Featured-image-How-to-read-guitar-tabs-480x240.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1330px) 100vw, 1330px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;What affects guitar intonation?&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#f08000&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_affects_guitar_intonation\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What affects guitar intonation?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There are a lot of things that can affect your guitar\u2019s intonation, but some of the most common are:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Changing your strings<\/strong> \u2013 this can shift the saddles slightly, which may throw the intonation out. If you\u2019ve restrung your guitar, stretched the new strings, and found that you\u2019re out of tune at the 12<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> fret, it\u2019s intonation time.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>Switching to a different string gauge<\/strong> \u2013 this affects the tension across the neck and bridge. A change in tension can easily lead to an issue with intonation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Temperature and humidity changes<\/strong> \u2013 the wood of your guitar expands and contracts with shifts in climate, and even small movements in the neck or bridge can impact tuning accuracy. If your guitar travels between different environments, it&#8217;s worth checking intonation regularly. Yes, this includes hot and sweaty gigs!<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There are many other things that can lead to the intonation being out, of course. These include issues with the action, uneven frets, an incorrectly cut nut, and more. If you think there\u2019s something complex causing your problems, it may be time to contact an experienced guitar tech for some professional help.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;How to adjust your guitar\u2019s intonation &#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#f08000&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_adjust_your_guitars_intonation\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How to adjust your guitar\u2019s intonation<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Before getting started, you\u2019ll want to make sure that your guitar is on a flat and stable surface and protected from scratches. Our <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Guitar-and-Bass\/DAddario-DP0002-Guitar-Pro-Winder-Restringing-Bundle\/6ZBC\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">D\u2019Addario restringing bundle<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> includes an instrument care kit, complete with a non-slip body mat to keep things safe and steady as you work.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Check_your_intonation\"><\/span>1. Check your intonation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You have to find the problem to fix it! It\u2019s often the case that not all strings will be affected, so you need to work out where the problem is. Get your tuner out and make sure the string you\u2019re checking is in tune. Once it is, play it at the 12<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> fret \u2013 if it\u2019s not in tune there, then there\u2019s a problem with the intonation. Time to get it sorted\u2026<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Adjust_the_saddle\"><\/span>2. Adjust the saddle<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If the 12th fret note is sharp compared to the open string, move the saddle back (away from the neck of the guitar) to increase the string length. If it\u2019s flat, move the saddle forward to shorten it. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For most guitars, each saddle will have a screw that can be carefully adjusted with <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Guitar-and-Bass\/Dunlop-Maintenance-Tools-Screwdriver-Set\/32R0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a suitable screwdriver<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, but it\u2019s possible your guitar may use the same saddle for two strings \u2013 looking at you, Telecaster players! <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In this case, you have to make a compromise. Find a position that leaves both strings as close to perfectly intonated as possible.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Keep_checking_as_you_work\"><\/span>3. Keep checking as you work<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Remember that small changes can make a big difference, so check the intonation regularly! Retune the open string, then check it at the 12<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> fret. Is it now in tune there? Is there a way to go still? Have you gone too far? If the intonation isn\u2019t right yet, make another adjustment. You\u2019ll soon get a feel for how far you need to turn the screw to get the adjustment you need.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-27862\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Guitarist-jump-on-stage.jpg\" alt=\"Featured image - How to Set Up an Outdoor PA System\" width=\"1330\" height=\"665\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Guitarist-jump-on-stage.jpg 1330w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Guitarist-jump-on-stage-600x300.jpg 600w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Guitarist-jump-on-stage-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Guitarist-jump-on-stage-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Guitarist-jump-on-stage-1080x540.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Guitarist-jump-on-stage-1280x640.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Guitarist-jump-on-stage-980x490.jpg 980w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Guitarist-jump-on-stage-480x240.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1330px) 100vw, 1330px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;FAQs &#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#f08000&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">FAQs<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_it_possible_to_perfectly_intonate_a_guitar\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Is it possible to perfectly intonate a guitar?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In practice, perfect intonation isn\u2019t really possible. If your highly accurate electronic tuner is telling you there\u2019s still a slight issue, turn it off for a moment and listen. The goal is to make it sound right \u2013 if it does, you\u2019re there.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_cant_my_guitar_be_intonated\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Why can&#8217;t my guitar be intonated?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you\u2019re finding that your guitar can\u2019t be intonated, it may mean that there\u2019s an underlying problem. This could be old or faulty strings, issues with the action that require a truss rod adjustment, or a range of other issues. If <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Electric_Guitar\/Strings.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">new strings<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> don\u2019t fix the problem, it may be best to consult a guitar tech.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_you_loosen_strings_when_adjusting_intonation\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Should you loosen strings when adjusting intonation?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Loosening your guitar\u2019s strings can make intonation adjustments easier. While it\u2019s possible to do the job without loosening the strings, the saddles will move more easily if you do. And, since you\u2019re going to have to tune it every time you want to check the intonation, you might as well!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Final thoughts&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; border_width_top=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#f08000&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_thoughts\"><\/span>Final thoughts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">So, that\u2019s it! Hopefully, our guide<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0has shown you that getting to grips with intonating your guitar is a simple job that\u2019s well worth your time. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Guitar intonation<\/strong> is as simple as checking your tuning and turning a screw, and the difference it makes is huge. It\u2019s also satisfying to know you can take care of it yourself, keeping your guitar sounding great and letting your playing shine, so why not give it a try?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Electric_Guitars\/Guitar_Strings_and_Accessories.html&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;SHOP GUITAR ACCESSORIES&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;NEW CTA Button&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_size=&#8221;14px&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; button_bg_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_border_width=&#8221;0px&#8221; button_border_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_font=&#8221;Arial|700|||||||&#8221; button_icon=&#8221;&#x35;||divi||400&#8243; button_icon_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;10px|30px||30px|false|false&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset6&#8243; box_shadow_blur=&#8221;2px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/category\/guitars-bass\/guitar-guides\/&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;READ MORE GUITAR GUIDES&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;NEW CTA Button&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_size=&#8221;14px&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; button_bg_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_border_width=&#8221;0px&#8221; button_border_color=&#8221;#0e95cf&#8221; button_font=&#8221;Arial|700|||||||&#8221; button_icon=&#8221;&#x35;||divi||400&#8243; button_icon_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;10px|30px||30px|false|false&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset6&#8243; box_shadow_blur=&#8221;2px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It\u2019s a frustrating moment that we\u2019ve all experienced: you tune up, start playing, then realise something sounds wrong as you move up the neck. Sounds like an intonation problem! Luckily, that\u2019s something you can fix for yourself, and all you need is a little know-how&#8230; which is where we come in.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":68,"featured_media":47402,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"<p><span style=\"color: #999999;\">Featured image: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Guitar-and-Bass\/LA-Electric-Guitar-by-Gear4music-Blue\/8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">LA Electric Guitar by Gear4music<\/a><\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It\u2019s a frustrating moment that we\u2019ve all experienced: you tune up your <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Guitars.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">guitar<\/a><\/strong>, start playing, then realise something sounds wrong as you move up the neck. Sounds like an intonation problem! Luckily, that\u2019s something you can fix for yourself, and all you need is a little know-how... which is where we come in. In this guide, we'll show you what <strong>guitar intonation <\/strong>is and how you can adjust it yourself.<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hopefully by the end of the article, you\u2019ll know how to recognise intonation issues, what to do to correct them, and (most importantly) how to do it. No matter how good your playing is, poor intonation can make you sound bad. It\u2019s one of the most useful setup jobs you can do, so it\u2019s well worth the effort to learn. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It's important to note that this guide is for instruments with adjustable saddles. In most cases, that means electric guitars, not acoustic.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h3><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Key takeaways<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3><ol><li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\"335552541\":0,\"335559685\":720,\"335559991\":360,\"469769242\":[65533,0],\"469777803\":\"left\",\"469777804\":\"%1.\",\"469777815\":\"hybridMultilevel\"}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Check your intonation: tune each string in turn. Once it\u2019s at the correct pitch, check the tuning at the 12<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> fret.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\"335552541\":0,\"335559685\":720,\"335559991\":360,\"469769242\":[65533,0],\"469777803\":\"left\",\"469777804\":\"%1.\",\"469777815\":\"hybridMultilevel\"}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Adjust the string: If your string is sharp at the 12<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> fret, the saddle is too far forward. If your string is flat at the 12<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> fret, the saddle is too far back.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\"335552541\":0,\"335559685\":720,\"335559991\":360,\"469769242\":[65533,0],\"469777803\":\"left\",\"469777804\":\"%1.\",\"469777815\":\"hybridMultilevel\"}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">After adjusting a saddle, make sure to check the open tuning again before the 12<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> fret.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\"335552541\":0,\"335559685\":720,\"335559991\":360,\"469769242\":[65533,0],\"469777803\":\"left\",\"469777804\":\"%1.\",\"469777815\":\"hybridMultilevel\"}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Once each string is in tune when played open and at the 12<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> fret, you\u2019re ready to go!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ol><hr \/><h3><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What is guitar intonation?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Guitar intonation is just a technical term for the accuracy of your tuning across the entire neck. Even if you\u2019ve made sure everything is perfect when playing the open strings, once you start getting up to the dusty end of the fretboard, poor intonation means fretted notes can sound sharp or flat.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You can test your guitar\u2019s intonation by comparing the pitch of an open string to the same string fretted at the 12th fret. If the fretted note is noticeably out of tune, your intonation isn\u2019t right. It\u2019ll need adjusting to get your guitar sounding the way it should. This is easier than it sounds and involves fine-tuning the position of the individual saddles.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Once you\u2019ve got your intonation sorted, you\u2019ll find chords and single notes will sound in tune no matter where you are on the neck, and you\u2019ll be ready to get back to playing.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It\u2019s important to know that intonation isn\u2019t a job you can do once and then forget; it\u2019s something that naturally drifts over time for a whole range of reasons! Knowing how to check and adjust it can save you frustration and help keep your playing sounding the way it\u2019s supposed to.<\/span><\/p><p><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-42567\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2024\/12\/Featured-image-How-to-read-guitar-tabs.jpg\" alt=\"A woman playing a red electric guitar\" width=\"1330\" height=\"665\" \/><\/p><hr \/><h3><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What affects guitar intonation?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There are a lot of different things that can affect your guitar\u2019s intonation, but some of the most common are:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ol><li><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Changing your strings<\/strong> \u2013 this can shift the saddles slightly, which may throw the intonation out. If you\u2019ve restrung your guitar, stretched the new strings, and found that you\u2019re out of tune at the 12<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> fret, it\u2019s intonation time.<\/span><\/li><li><strong>Switching to a different string gauge<\/strong> \u2013 this affects the tension across the neck and bridge. A change in tension can easily lead to an issue with intonation.<\/li><li><strong>Temperature and humidity changes<\/strong> \u2013 the wood of your guitar expands and contracts with shifts in climate, and even small movements in the neck or bridge can impact tuning accuracy. If your guitar travels between different environments, it's worth checking intonation regularly. Yes, this includes hot and sweaty gigs!<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ol><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There are many other things that can lead to the intonation being out, of course. These include issues with the action, uneven frets, an incorrectly cut nut, and more. If you think there\u2019s something complex causing your problems, it may be time to contact an experienced guitar tech for some professional help.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h3><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How to adjust your guitar\u2019s intonation<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Before getting started, you\u2019ll want to make sure that your guitar is on a flat and stable surface and protected from scratches. Our <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Guitar-and-Bass\/DAddario-DP0002-Guitar-Pro-Winder-Restringing-Bundle\/6ZBC\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">D\u2019Addario restringing bundle<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> includes an instrument care kit, complete with a non-slip body mat to keep things safe and steady as you work.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h4>1. Check your intonation<\/h4><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You have to find the problem to fix it! It\u2019s often the case that not all strings will be affected, so you need to work out where the problem is. Get your tuner out and make sure the string you\u2019re checking is in tune. Once it is, play it at the 12<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> fret \u2013 if it\u2019s not in tune there, then there\u2019s a problem with the intonation. Time to get it sorted\u2026<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h4>2. Adjust the saddle<\/h4><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If the 12th fret note is sharp compared to the open string, move the saddle back (away from the neck of the guitar) to increase the string length. If it\u2019s flat, move the saddle forward to shorten it. <\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For most guitars, each saddle will have a screw that can be carefully adjusted with <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Guitar-and-Bass\/Dunlop-Maintenance-Tools-Screwdriver-Set\/32R0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a suitable screwdriver<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, but it\u2019s possible your guitar may use the same saddle for two strings \u2013 looking at you, Telecaster players! <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In this case, you have to make a compromise. Find a position that leaves both strings as close to perfectly intonated as possible.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h4>3. Keep checking as you work<\/h4><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Remember that small changes can make a big difference, so check the intonation regularly! Retune the open string, then check it at the 12<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> fret. Is it now in tune there? Is there a way to go still? Have you gone too far? If the intonation isn\u2019t right yet, make another adjustment. You\u2019ll soon get a feel for how far you need to turn the screw to get the adjustment you need.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-27862\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2023\/06\/Guitarist-jump-on-stage.jpg\" alt=\"Featured image - How to Set Up an Outdoor PA System\" width=\"1330\" height=\"665\" \/><\/p><hr \/><h3><span data-contrast=\"auto\">FAQs<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3><h4><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Is it possible to perfectly intonate a guitar?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In practice, perfect intonation isn\u2019t really possible. If your highly accurate electronic tuner is telling you there\u2019s still a slight issue, turn it off for a moment and listen. The goal is to make it sound right \u2013 if it does, you\u2019re there.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h4><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Why can't my guitar be intonated?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you\u2019re finding that your guitar can\u2019t be intonated, it may mean that there\u2019s an underlying problem. This could be old or faulty strings, issues with the action that require a truss rod adjustment, or a range of other issues. If <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/Electric_Guitar\/Strings.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">new strings<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> don\u2019t fix the problem, it may be best to consult a guitar tech.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h4><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Should you loosen strings when adjusting intonation?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Loosening your guitar\u2019s strings can make intonation adjustments easier. While it\u2019s possible to do the job without loosening the strings, the saddles will move more easily if you do. And, since you\u2019re going to have to tune it every time you want to check the intonation, you might as well!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><hr \/><h3>Final thoughts<\/h3><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">So, that\u2019s it! Hopefully, our guide<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0has shown you that getting to grips with intonating your guitar is a simple job that\u2019s well worth your time. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Guitar intonation<\/strong> is as simple as checking your tuning and turning a screw, and the difference it makes is huge. It\u2019s also satisfying to know you can take care of it yourself, helping to keep your guitar sounding great and let your playing shine, so why not give it a try?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[243,105],"tags":[108,290,107],"class_list":["post-47251","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guitar-guides","category-guitars-bass","tag-featured","tag-guide","tag-guitars"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Guitar Intonation Guide - Learn How to Intonate Your Guitar<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Guitar intonation is one of the most useful setup jobs you can do. We&#039;ll show you what guitar intonation is and how you can adjust it.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/guitar-intonation\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Guitar Intonation Guide - Learn How to Intonate Your Guitar\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Guitar intonation is one of the most useful setup jobs you can do. We&#039;ll show you what guitar intonation is and how you can adjust it.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/guitar-intonation\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Gear4music Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Gear4music\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-09-16T09:29:04+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-09-16T10:06:41+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2025\/09\/Featured-image-Guitar-Intonation.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1330\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"665\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Jonathan\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@gear4music\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@gear4music\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Jonathan\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":[\"Article\",\"BlogPosting\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/guitar-intonation\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/guitar-intonation\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Jonathan\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/bc3911129b88291081a984f1cfd15810\"},\"headline\":\"Guitar Intonation Guide &#8211; Learn How to Intonate Your Guitar\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-16T09:29:04+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-16T10:06:41+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/guitar-intonation\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1963,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/guitar-intonation\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/storage.googleapis.com\\\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/Featured-image-Guitar-Intonation.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Featured\",\"Guide\",\"Guitars\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Guides\",\"Guitars &amp; Bass\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/guitar-intonation\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/guitar-intonation\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/guitar-intonation\\\/\",\"name\":\"Guitar Intonation Guide - Learn How to Intonate Your Guitar\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/guitar-intonation\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/guitar-intonation\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/storage.googleapis.com\\\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/Featured-image-Guitar-Intonation.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-09-16T09:29:04+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-16T10:06:41+00:00\",\"description\":\"Guitar intonation is one of the most useful setup jobs you can do. We'll show you what guitar intonation is and how you can adjust it.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/guitar-intonation\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/guitar-intonation\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/storage.googleapis.com\\\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/Featured-image-Guitar-Intonation.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/storage.googleapis.com\\\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/Featured-image-Guitar-Intonation.jpg\",\"width\":1330,\"height\":665,\"caption\":\"Featured image - Guitar Intonation\"},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"Gear4music Blog\",\"description\":\"News, tips, deals &amp; loads more...\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Gear4music\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/storage.googleapis.com\\\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\\\/2021\\\/12\\\/b75da5e6-blog-logo.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/storage.googleapis.com\\\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\\\/2021\\\/12\\\/b75da5e6-blog-logo.png\",\"width\":600,\"height\":193,\"caption\":\"Gear4music\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/Gear4music\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/gear4music\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/gear4music\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.linkedin.com\\\/company\\\/gear-4-music-limited\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/user\\\/gear4music1\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/bc3911129b88291081a984f1cfd15810\",\"name\":\"Jonathan\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/91c0439aa2d03970caf58958b5c14b807fee32215fcc9f92a7607cf77fad28a1?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/91c0439aa2d03970caf58958b5c14b807fee32215fcc9f92a7607cf77fad28a1?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/91c0439aa2d03970caf58958b5c14b807fee32215fcc9f92a7607cf77fad28a1?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Jonathan\"},\"description\":\"As well as a guitar content writer at Gear4music, Jonathan is a guitarist in Scarborough-based pop punk covers band Captain Clap and the Burning Sensations.\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gear4music.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/jonathangadd\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Guitar Intonation Guide - Learn How to Intonate Your Guitar","description":"Guitar intonation is one of the most useful setup jobs you can do. We'll show you what guitar intonation is and how you can adjust it.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/guitar-intonation\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Guitar Intonation Guide - Learn How to Intonate Your Guitar","og_description":"Guitar intonation is one of the most useful setup jobs you can do. We'll show you what guitar intonation is and how you can adjust it.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/guitar-intonation\/","og_site_name":"Gear4music Blog","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Gear4music","article_published_time":"2025-09-16T09:29:04+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-09-16T10:06:41+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1330,"height":665,"url":"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2025\/09\/Featured-image-Guitar-Intonation.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Jonathan","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@gear4music","twitter_site":"@gear4music","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Jonathan","Est. reading time":"7 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":["Article","BlogPosting"],"@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/guitar-intonation\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/guitar-intonation\/"},"author":{"name":"Jonathan","@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/bc3911129b88291081a984f1cfd15810"},"headline":"Guitar Intonation Guide &#8211; Learn How to Intonate Your Guitar","datePublished":"2025-09-16T09:29:04+00:00","dateModified":"2025-09-16T10:06:41+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/guitar-intonation\/"},"wordCount":1963,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/guitar-intonation\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2025\/09\/Featured-image-Guitar-Intonation.jpg","keywords":["Featured","Guide","Guitars"],"articleSection":["Guides","Guitars &amp; Bass"],"inLanguage":"en","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/guitar-intonation\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/guitar-intonation\/","url":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/guitar-intonation\/","name":"Guitar Intonation Guide - Learn How to Intonate Your Guitar","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/guitar-intonation\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/guitar-intonation\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2025\/09\/Featured-image-Guitar-Intonation.jpg","datePublished":"2025-09-16T09:29:04+00:00","dateModified":"2025-09-16T10:06:41+00:00","description":"Guitar intonation is one of the most useful setup jobs you can do. We'll show you what guitar intonation is and how you can adjust it.","inLanguage":"en","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/guitar-intonation\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en","@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/guitar-intonation\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2025\/09\/Featured-image-Guitar-Intonation.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2025\/09\/Featured-image-Guitar-Intonation.jpg","width":1330,"height":665,"caption":"Featured image - Guitar Intonation"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/","name":"Gear4music Blog","description":"News, tips, deals &amp; loads more...","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"Gear4music","url":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en","@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2021\/12\/b75da5e6-blog-logo.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/stateless-blog-g4m-co-uk\/2021\/12\/b75da5e6-blog-logo.png","width":600,"height":193,"caption":"Gear4music"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Gear4music","https:\/\/x.com\/gear4music","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/gear4music\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/gear-4-music-limited\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/gear4music1"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/bc3911129b88291081a984f1cfd15810","name":"Jonathan","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/91c0439aa2d03970caf58958b5c14b807fee32215fcc9f92a7607cf77fad28a1?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/91c0439aa2d03970caf58958b5c14b807fee32215fcc9f92a7607cf77fad28a1?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/91c0439aa2d03970caf58958b5c14b807fee32215fcc9f92a7607cf77fad28a1?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Jonathan"},"description":"As well as a guitar content writer at Gear4music, Jonathan is a guitarist in Scarborough-based pop punk covers band Captain Clap and the Burning Sensations.","url":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/author\/jonathangadd\/"}]}},"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-07-30 01:16:33","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47251","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/68"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=47251"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47251\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":47415,"href":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47251\/revisions\/47415"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/47402"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=47251"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=47251"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gear4music.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=47251"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}