How to Intonate a Guitar?

Tune the guitar to standard pitch

Install fresh strings if needed

Set the action and neck relief first

Compare the open string to the 12th-fret harmonic

Compare the fretted 12th-fret note to the harmonic

If the fretted note is sharp, lengthen the string by moving the saddle back

If the fretted note is flat, shorten the string by moving the saddle forward

Retune the string after each adjustment

Repeat the harmonic and fretted-note check until they match

Check all strings and adjust each saddle individually

Recheck tuning across the neck after all adjustments

Verify intonation at multiple frets, not just the 12th fret

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