Why can't I intonate my guitar?

[justhearforther]

Every time I try to intonate them it will change the pitch, but when I re-tune them the 12th fret is still out of tune with the harmonic, am I doing something wrong?

[melx]

step 1: tune open string to E

step 2: fret at 12th

step 3: adjust bridge until note is 'E' at the 12th

step 4: re-tune open 'E'

step 5: check and adjust bridge again

step 6: re-tune 'E' string

step 7: repeat until open string and 12th fret both read as 'E'

step 8: repeat with A, D.. etc until you have done all strings

 

don't rush it and fret the 12th very carefully.

[Bricks & Bones]

In addition to melx's post.

When you fret at the 12 make it very light and have your finger close to the fret wire.

If the note is sharp when fretting at the 12th move the saddle AWAY from the headstock. This makes the second half of the string longer, thus flatter.

If it's flat after fretting at the 12th, adjust the saddle TOWARDS the headstock.

 

Also, it's a good idea to set your guitar on a table with no strain on the neck.

[Bricks & Bones]

Also what tuner are you using?

[justhearforther]

its the tuner on my x vamp, so its probably not very accurate

[kpd78]

what kind of guitar is it? (and what kind of bridge does it have?)

[Kid_A]

In addition to melx's post. When you fret at the 12 make it very light and have your finger close to the fret wire. If the note is sharp when fretting at the 12th move the saddle AWAY from the headstock. This makes the second half of the string longer, thus flatter. If it's flat after fretting at the 12th, adjust the saddle TOWARDS the headstock. Also, it's a good idea to set your guitar on a table with no strain on the neck.

Man I wish you two had told me this like 6 years ago... everytime I try and read up about intonating a guitar im overwhelmed with information

So props to you both!

[boytbpc]

ADDED: Tune all strings. step 1: tune open string to E step 2: fret at 12th step 3: adjust bridge until note is 'E' at the 12th ADDED: Tune all strings. step 4: re-tune open 'E' step 5: check and adjust bridge again ADDED: Tune all strings. step 6: re-tune 'E' string step 7: repeat until open string and 12th fret both read as 'E' step 8: repeat with A, D.. etc until you have done all strings don't rush it and fret the 12th very carefully.

 

 

See ADDED: some may think it's not necessary, but I do.

[justhearforther]

Thanks for all the help, its exactly what I wanted, but as I'm moving the bridge it will change the pitch of the string, but when I retune it has had no effect, I've been following the steps, is it my ignorance? Could it be my guitar?

what kind of guitar is it? (and what kind of bridge does it have?)

Its a copy of a strat, Nature by Jixing if it of relevance, AFAIK its the standard strat bridge

[mr benn]

is the bridge lying flat to the body of the guitar?

 

like this

 

 

or like this

 

[c+t in b]

how old are your strings

[melx]

See ADDED: some may think it's not necessary, but I do.

.... it can't hurt that's for sure...

[melx]

its the tuner on my x vamp, so its probably not very accurate

 

 

nah, man you can't intonate a guitar with that... it only has 3 led's doesn't it, for tuning? I seriously doubt it's accurate enough.

 

how bad does it sound out if you play your open E and the A and D string fretted at the 14th? (an E minor)

[Harvester1199]

you need a better tuner to intonate for sure

[mr benn]

if you have an iphone download the petersen strobo app

[melx]

if you have an iphone download the petersen strobo app

If he has an iPhone he should stop wasting money on expensive phones and buy a good tuner!

[mr benn]

If he has an iPhone he should stop wasting money on expensive phones and buy a good tuner!

can't argue with that!

[justhearforther]

nah, man you can't intonate a guitar with that... it only has 3 led's doesn't it, for tuning? I seriously doubt it's accurate enough. how bad does it sound out if you play your open E and the A and D string fretted at the 14th? (an E minor)

Its got 5 leds, but they tend to jump all over the place, especially with my top E, I cant tune that unless I use the neck pickup

 

the Em sounded minor, and I've never noticed anything too severely before, but the tuner does pick up a difference

[Bricks & Bones]

Yeah, you need a more accurate tuner.

[Frankenstrat86]

are you saying when you use your whammy the strings go sharp?

[Phil O'Keefe]

If he has an iPhone he should stop wasting money on expensive phones and buy a good tuner!

Add a $9.99 Strobostomp app and the iPhone IS a good tuner!

[aaland_brian]

Better tuner, do it in the playing position as if it's done laying down it will not be intonated while playing, make sure your not touching the tuners while checking the open or fretted noted as the little pressure will still effect it. I would block the tremolo so it doesn't come into the picture, and start out with the saddles staggered roughly in the right positions to save time. Once you get the hang of it intonation takes about 10mins. Strobe tuners are your friend, they are spendy but when you can do complete setups your self you will save money in the long run.

[omni]

if you have an iphone download the petersen strobo app

 

 

Don't you need a special cable to connect it to the iphone?

[omni]

How do you connect your guitar thru it? The only thing I see is for headphones and charging thinger...

[misterstomach]

you can't intonate a guitar with a {censored}ty tuner. you can't even intonate a guitar with a mediocre tuner. you need something more accurate than what you might need for band practice. although a really good accurate tuner will make tuning live much faster and easier. it's a worthy investment. i have a turbo tuner and i think it's the most bang for your buck you can get in a tuner and definitely accurate enough for setups.