How to Intonate Your Guitar: Electric & Acoustic Guide

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

Guitar intonation means every note up and down the fretboard is in tune relative to open strings — properly intonated, a fretted 12th-fret note matches the 12th-fret harmonic exactly. When intonation is off, your guitar sounds increasingly out of tune as you move up the neck, making it impossible to play in a band context without sounding wrong even when your open chords are perfectly tuned. Intonation is adjusted by moving each bridge saddle forward or backward — a setup task most guitarists can learn to do in 30 minutes.

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. This requires a combination of precision and patience, but with the right tools and techniques, you can achieve perfect intonation on your electric or acoustic guitar.

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)
• A quiet, well-ventilated workspace with a stable temperature (ideally between 68°F and 72°F)

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. This will ensure that your strings are properly seated and ready for intonation.

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. Use a high-quality tuner to ensure that your strings are in tune, and make any necessary adjustments to your tuning pegs.

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. If you're unsure about how to adjust your saddle, consult your guitar's manual or seek guidance from a professional.

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. If you're not comfortable making adjustments to your acoustic guitar's saddle, consider consulting a professional.

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. This will help you achieve better intonation when using a capo.

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. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you're unsure about any part of the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I intonate my guitar? A: It's recommended to intonate your guitar every 3-6 months, or whenever you change your strings.

Q: Can I intonate my guitar myself? A: Yes, but if you're not comfortable making adjustments to your guitar's saddle or bridge, it's best to seek guidance from a professional.

Q: What if I'm not getting the right results? A: If you're not getting the right results, consult your guitar's manual or seek guidance from a professional.

Related Reading

• [Guitar Intonation Guide](/knowledge-hub/guitar-intonation-guide)
• [Guitar Saddle Adjustment Guide](/knowledge-hub/guitar-saddle-adjustment-guide)
• [Guitar Fret Buzz Causes and Fixes](/knowledge-hub/guitar-fret-buzz-causes-fixes)

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