Guitar Intonation Adjustment in Redding, CA

Your guitar is in tune with the tuner, but chords up the neck sound sour. That’s an intonation problem. It’s one of the most common complaints we hear at TuneUp Guitar in Redding, and it’s usually a quick fix.

Signs your intonation is off

• Open chords sound fine but barre chords higher up sound out of tune
• The note at the 12th fret is sharp or flat compared to the open string
• The guitar sounds fine alone but clashes with other instruments
• Recording sounds a little off even after tuning

What we do

Intonation is set by adjusting where each string’s saddle sits on the bridge, which changes the length of the string. We:

• Put on fresh strings if yours are worn, since old strings won’t intonate well
• Check neck relief and action first, because they affect intonation
• Adjust each saddle forward or back, string by string, with a precise tuner
• Recheck after the strings settle

On electric guitars and basses, each saddle adjusts on its own, so intonation can be dialed in closely. On acoustics and floating bridges like mandolins and archtops, the approach is a little different, but there’s usually still room for improvement.

What throws intonation off

• Changing string gauge or brand
• Changing tuning, like dropping to D or tuning down a half step
• An action adjustment or truss rod change
• Old, dead strings
• A floating bridge that slid during a string change
• Worn frets or a poorly cut nut

Intonation or full setup?

Intonation is part of every full setup. If your action, neck relief, and strings are all in good shape and only the tuning up the neck bugs you, an intonation adjustment by itself is fine. If you’re also dealing with high strings or buzzing, a guitar setup fixes it all at once.

Bring it in

Drop your guitar off at the shop on Redcliff Drive in Redding. Intonation work is usually done in a day or two.