Guitar Intonation for Recording: Setup Guide

Proper intonation ensures pitch accuracy across the guitar’s fretboard. For recording, where the results are permanent, correct intonation becomes essential. Understanding intonation and how to optimize it prevents pitch problems in recordings.

What Is Intonation

Intonation refers to pitch accuracy at different fret positions. A properly intonated guitar plays in tune everywhere on the neck. Poor intonation creates notes that are sharp or flat despite open string tuning.

The bridge saddle position determines intonation. Moving the saddle adjusts the string’s speaking length. The adjustment compensates for string behavior.

Each string requires individual adjustment. String gauge, construction, and tension affect intonation differently. All strings need correct setting.

Why Intonation Matters for Recording

Recording reveals intonation problems clearly. The permanent capture exposes issues that might be tolerable live. The accuracy becomes obvious.

Chords sound wrong with poor intonation. Even if individual notes seem close, chords accumulate errors. The combined pitch problems become apparent.

Layered recordings multiply intonation issues. Multiple guitar tracks with poor intonation clash. The accumulated errors become significant.

Checking Intonation

Compare the 12th fret harmonic to the fretted 12th fret note. They should be identical in pitch. Differences indicate intonation problems.

Sharp fretted notes mean the saddle is too far forward. The string length needs to increase. Moving the saddle back corrects this.

Flat fretted notes mean the saddle is too far back. The string length needs to decrease. Moving the saddle forward corrects this.

Adjustment Procedure

Tune the open string perfectly. The reference pitch must be accurate. Use a quality tuner.

Compare the harmonic and fretted pitches. Note whether the fretted note is sharp or flat. The direction indicates needed adjustment.

Adjust the saddle position slightly. Small movements make significant difference. Test again after each adjustment.

Repeat until the pitches match. The iterative process finds correct position. Patience produces accurate results.

Check all strings. Each requires individual adjustment. Complete the full setup.

Tools Needed

A quality tuner is essential. Strobe tuners provide the most accuracy. The precision helps achieve correct intonation.

The appropriate screwdriver or Allen key adjusts saddles. Different bridges use different hardware. Having correct tools helps.

Factors Affecting Intonation

String gauge changes require re-intonation. Different gauges need different compensation. Changing strings may need adjustment.

Action height affects intonation. Higher action requires more compensation. Significant action changes may need intonation adjustment.

Worn frets affect intonation. The fretting point shifts with wear. Fret work may improve intonation.

Temperature and Humidity

Environmental changes affect intonation. The guitar responds to temperature and humidity. Significant changes may require adjustment.

Allowing the guitar to acclimate before recording helps. The instrument stabilizes in the recording environment. The consistency improves results.

When to Check Intonation

Before important recording sessions, check intonation. The verification prevents problems. The time investment serves the recording.

After string changes, check intonation. New strings may have different characteristics. The confirmation ensures accuracy.

When something sounds wrong, check intonation. The sense that chords sound bad may indicate problems. The diagnosis identifies the issue.

Professional Setup

Professional setup by a qualified technician ensures accuracy. The expertise addresses all setup factors. The investment improves recording results.

Setup includes more than intonation. Action, relief, nut slots, and other factors affect playability and tone. Complete setup serves recording.

Recording Considerations

Even perfect intonation requires careful tuning. The setup enables good tuning but doesn’t replace it. Vigilant tuning during recording remains necessary.

Check tuning frequently during sessions. Guitars drift during playing. Regular verification maintains accuracy.