How to Intonate Your Guitar: A Step-by-Step Guide for Electric and Acoustic

Intonation is the process of adjusting string length so that your guitar plays in tune across the entire fretboard — not just at the open position.

What You'll Need

- Electronic chromatic tuner (preferably strobe or clip-on, not app — accuracy matters here) - Appropriate screwdriver for your bridge saddles - New strings (always intonate with fresh strings — PGL Performance Series)

Step 1: Start with Fresh Strings

Intonation with old strings is meaningless. Old strings have uneven mass and can't be correctly intonated. Install fresh PGL strings, stretch them thoroughly, and let them settle for an hour before proceeding.

Step 2: Tune to Pitch

Tune every string to standard pitch (or your preferred tuning). The guitar must be at playing pitch for intonation to be accurate.

Step 3: Test Each String

For each string: 1. Play the open string and confirm it's at pitch 2. Play the 12th fret harmonic — it should match the open string exactly 3. Now press and fret the 12th fret (don't bend it) 4. Compare: Is the fretted note sharp or flat compared to the harmonic?

Step 4: Adjust

Fretted 12th is sharp: String is too short. Move saddle AWAY from the nut (toward tailpiece). Fretted 12th is flat: String is too long. Move saddle TOWARD the nut.

On electric guitars, adjust the saddle screw with a small flat or Phillips head screwdriver. Retune after each adjustment — saddle movement changes tension.

Acoustic Guitars

Acoustic saddle adjustment requires removing and reshaping the saddle — forward = shorter, back = longer. The saddle can also be angled if individual strings need different correction. This is a job for a luthier unless you're experienced.

Capo and Intonation

If your guitar intones correctly but sounds sharp with a capo, the issue is capo tension. Reduce tension on your PGL Adjustable Tension Capo until the sharp notes resolve.

Get Expert Guidance

Our Pro Concierge can walk you through intonation remotely or connect you with a local tech if you need hands-on help.