Once neck relief and action feel right,
the final step in a proper electric guitar setup is intonation.
Intonation determines whether your guitar plays in tune across the entire fretboard,
not just at open strings.
A guitar can be perfectly tuned at the nut and still sound sharp or flat
higher up the neck if intonation is off.
This guide explains what intonation is, why it matters,
and how saddle position affects tuning accuracy —
without rushing into unnecessary adjustments or chasing impossible perfection.
This guide is part of the complete Electric Guitar Neck & Setup Guide,
which walks through the full setup process in the correct order —
from neck relief and action to intonation and long-term playability.
Why Intonation Comes Last
Intonation should only be adjusted after:
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Neck relief is correct
-
Action feels comfortable and stable
If either of those change later, intonation will change with them.
That’s why intonation always comes last in the setup sequence.
It fine-tunes accuracy — it doesn’t fix structural problems.
What Guitar Intonation Actually Is
Intonation refers to how accurately each string plays in tune at different points along the fretboard.
When intonation is correct:
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Open strings are in tune
-
Notes at the 12th fret are in tune
-
Notes remain reasonably accurate as you move higher
When intonation is off:
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Chords sound sour higher up the neck
-
Single notes feel “almost right” but never settled
-
Tuning feels inconsistent even with a good tuner
This happens because string length must be adjusted slightly to compensate for
string thickness, tension, and fretting pressure.
How Saddles Control Intonation
On electric guitars, intonation is adjusted by moving the saddles forward or backward at the bridge.
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Moving a saddle back lengthens the string
-
Moving a saddle forward shortens the string
Each string requires a slightly different length to play in tune,
which is why saddles are staggered rather than lined up evenly.
Small movements make a noticeable difference.
Large adjustments usually mean something earlier in the setup order isn’t quite right.
Why Perfect Intonation Doesn’t Exist
This is important to understand early:
Perfect intonation across every fret is not possible.
Guitars use equal temperament,
which is a compromise system.
Add in:
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String stiffness
-
Fretting pressure
-
Action height
-
Playing style
…and some variation is inevitable.
A good intonation setup aims for:
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Accurate tuning where you play most
-
Chords that sound balanced
-
No obvious sharp or flat areas
Chasing absolute perfection usually leads to frustration.
Common Signs Intonation Needs Adjustment
You may notice intonation issues if:
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Open chords sound fine but barre chords don’t
-
Notes sharpen noticeably as you move up the neck
-
Tuning feels correct but something still sounds “off”
-
Adjusting action changed the way the guitar plays in tune
These are normal signs — not mistakes.
Make Small Adjustments and Recheck Often
Intonation adjustments should always be:
-
Small
-
Methodical
-
Checked after each change
Because saddle movement affects string tension, tuning must be rechecked constantly during the process.
Skipping this step leads to false readings and unnecessary back-and-forth.
Patience matters more here than speed.
When Intonation Won’t Set Correctly
If intonation refuses to line up despite careful adjustment, the issue may involve:
-
Nut slot depth
-
Excessively high action
-
String gauge changes
-
Worn or uneven frets
-
Bridge placement errors on a build
In those cases, forcing saddle movement further won’t solve the problem.
Intonation is a refinement step, not a repair tool.
Intonation Is About Usability, Not Numbers
A guitar that plays comfortably and sounds right in real playing situations is set up correctly —
even if a tuner shows tiny deviations.
Trust your ears.
Trust how chords feel.
Trust how the guitar responds in your hands.
That’s what intonation is meant to support.
What Comes After Intonation?
Once intonation is dialed in:
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The guitar plays in tune across the neck
-
Chords sound balanced
-
Setup adjustments are complete
From here, attention shifts to:
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Long-term stability
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Troubleshooting issues
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Tools, measurements, and knowing when to stop
With intonation set and tuning accuracy confirmed, the next focus is
understanding setup tools, common problems, and when adjustments should stop
to keep the guitar stable over time.
Final Thought — Don’t Rush the Last Step
Intonation is the final polish, not a race to the finish line.
A calm approach, realistic expectations,
and small adjustments will give you a guitar that feels settled and dependable —
not fragile or finicky.
GuitarCrafts is here to help you every step of the way.
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