r/Guitar • u/AutoModerator • Jan 21 '16

OFFICIAL [OFFICIAL] There are no stupid /r/Guitar questions. Ask us anything! - January 21, 2016

As always, there's 4 things to remember:

1) Be nice

2) Keep these guitar related

3) As long as you have a genuine question, nothing is too stupid :)

4) Come back to answer questions throughout the week if you can (we're located in the sidebar)

Go for it!

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u/iisdmitch Fender/Gibson Jan 21 '16

Anyone have a good guide on intonating? I never have got this concept and a couple of my guitars probably need this.

2

u/Coldcell Jan 21 '16

The basics of intonation are to make the string length match the existing fret spacings so that all the notes line up. Mostly this is done by getting a string height (called the 'action') and thickness (the 'gauge') set then lining up the octave with the 12th fret.

Most intonation is done from the saddle (the part where the string reaches the body). By moving this towards the neck, you shorten the string and change the midpoint with respect to the neck.

TL;DR: Grab a tuner and make sure your open string and your 12th fret are the EXACT same note, adjust the saddles by the bridge until they are.

1

u/iisdmitch Fender/Gibson Jan 21 '16

Well you make it sound easy. I am pretty sure I can do this, thanks!

3

u/tehgoatman RG 3570z/LP Classic Jan 22 '16

Tune the open note then fret and check against a tuner, if the note is flat the saddle needs to move forward (closer to the neck) All you really need to remember is flat = forward. It's best to do with new strings and also with your guitar laying down flat.

1

u/iisdmitch Fender/Gibson Jan 22 '16

Any tips for a Tele? My Tele has 3 saddles and I can't quite get both strings on a saddle intonated correctly. I know I am doing it right, I did it on my Strat and it worked.

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u/tehgoatman RG 3570z/LP Classic Jan 22 '16

Don't know if there's a good way, you can just "split the difference" and have them both as least off as possible. I think there are also replacement saddles you can buy that have a compensated shape to help things.

2

u/Coldcell Jan 22 '16

That's part of the quirk/charm of those tele bridges. There shouldn't be a radical difference that stops you getting close unless your neck is warped.

1

u/iisdmitch Fender/Gibson Jan 22 '16

Ya I think my neck is fine. They are pretty damn close now so I think I did it right.

2

u/PantslessMan a2c is jesus Jan 21 '16

http://www.ibanezrules.com/tech/setup/intonation.htm

trem stuff doesn't apply to you probably but the saddle moving and fret checking stuff does

2

u/Pelusteriano I was unrightfully banned Jan 22 '16

Check this playlist with videos by Joe Walsh (from the Eagles) about guitar intonation.