This process should always be performed with

Note	This process should always be performed with
	new strings. Intonation problems are often the
	result of worn strings. It is often difficult for the

untrained ear to determine when the open note and the fret- ted note are at precisely the same pitch. Some players find that comparing the 12th fret harmonic of the string (rather than the open note) to the fretted note is much easier. A har- monic is played by plucking the string with the right hand while touching the string with the left index finger (as lightly as possible) directly above the 12th fret. The left index finger is drawn away as quickly as possible after the string is plucked‚ producing a “chime” effect. This chimed note is then compared to the fretted note. For greater ease and accu- racy‚ we recommend one of the many types of electronic gui- tar tuners that are available from most music stores.

1. Tune the instrument

to standard (A-440) pitch.

2. Hold the instrument in

a normal playing position or place it on a clean, flat surface so that only the body is in contact with the work surface. Any

pressure on the neck will affect intonation settings.

3.Play the first string open and compare it to the pitch of the same string when it is played at the twelfth fret. These notes should sound the same (actually‚ there is an octave difference).

4.Using a Phillips head screwdriver‚ adjust the string saddle so that both the fretted and open notes are the same. If the fretted note is sharper than the open note‚ the vibrating length of the string must be increased. Move the bridge saddle to the rear— away from the pickups. If the fretted note is flat‚ the vibrating length must be shortened. Move the bridge saddle forward—toward the pickups—to shorten the length.