The process of intonation involves adjusting the position of the bridge saddles on an electric guitar or the bridge pins on an acoustic guitar. By moving the saddle/pin forward or backward, the string length is effectively shortened or lengthened, respectively, which directly affects the pitch of the note produced when the string is fretted.
Intonation is crucial for achieving consistent and accurate tuning and ensuring that chords, scales, and melodies played on the guitar sound correct. It is common for guitars to go out of intonation over time due to factors such as string stretching, temperature changes, and general wear and tear. In such cases, performing intonation adjustments is necessary to maintain optimal playability and tuning stability.
Proper guitar intonation involves checking and adjusting the intonation for each string at various frets, typically the 12th fret. By playing the open string and comparing it with the fretted note, adjustments are made until both notes sound perfectly in tune. This process requires a tuner or a reliable electronic tuner to ensure precise pitch matching.
When intonation is set correctly, it enhances the overall playing experience and allows musicians to play in any position on the neck without worrying about notes being out of tune. Accurate intonation is particularly crucial for recording, live performances, and any situations where precise pitch is essential.