Intonation refers to the instrument being in tune along the fretboard.

An easy way to check the basic intonation of a guitar is to hit a 12th fret
harmonic and compare the pitch with a note fretted at the 12th fret.

If the fretted note is sharp, the string needs to be lengthened.

If the fretted note is flat, the string needs to be shortened.

The length of the strings can usually be adjusted at the bridge of electric guitars
and basses.

Tune each string to pitch before checking its intonation.

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answered Jan 13 '11 at 21:45
Avalanchis
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11

Intonation is all about notes being in tune along the fretboard. Frets are
straight, so your guitar is pretty much always a little bit out of tune at any
point down the fretboard. This is the reason you have compensation at the bridge
and often the nut too. (Have a look at the bridge, the strings aren't all fixed at
the same distance from the nut.)

Some companies have tried to address this by not having straight frets. I believe
Steve Vai has messed around with this.

True Temperament Fretting System

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answered Jan 13 '11 at 21:46
DaveM
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Let's say a guitar with an even temperament has the intonation problems spread
evenly across the length of the string, as with any tempered instrument. The
intonation problem itself is a bit different. (I know you know, but I found your
answer a bit misleading) – Pif Jan 13 '11 at 22:27
In practice I think people with standard guitars tend to develop tuning habits
that put their instruments in tuning for specific songs. A lot of touring
guitarists have a rack of several guitars that they use on stage, and I wouldn't be
surprised if there are slight differences in each's intonation (the ones with
talented roadies anyway) – Darren Ringer Oct 23 '14 at 12:57

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intonation refers to your guitar being in tune at various points across the
fretboard. To tell if your guitar has correct intonation, check the tuning at
various points on the fretboard, most commonly the 12th fret, to make sure notes
are in tune there as well as with open strings.
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answered Jan 13 '11 at 21:37
GSto

"Various points across the fretboard" need to be strong harmonics that match
the frequency of the note when fretted, which basically rules out everywhere except
the 12th fret which should be the same pitch as a harmonic and when fretted. –
Anonymous Jan 14 '11 at 15:21
The 19th fret is also available on most guitars, and certainly on all electric
guitars.This gives a 5th harmonic, e.g. a B note on the E strings. Some guitars
also sport a 24th fret, giving an octave note/harmonic. – Tim Jul 24 '13 at 9:35

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Intonation is pitch accuracy, whether it's a person's intonation or an instrument's

intonation. When your guitar is tuned correctly, then it has the correct
intonation. See here for ways to tune your guitar:

How do you tune your guitar?

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edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:41
Community♦
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answered Jan 13 '11 at 21:36
divided

Actually, in a "guitar context", "intonation" refers more specifically to

"being in tune" for the fretted notes. In your answer, you imply that "being in
tune" and "being with correct intonation" are the same thing, and the same thing
they are not. – Rafael Almeida Jan 13 '11 at 22:14
1
Instrument intonation does take more factors into account, but the basic
definition of intonation is 'being in tune.' He actually asked two questions with
the original post. – Anonymous Jan 14 '11 at 13:53

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On a steel string acoustic you really have to trust that the manufacturers
mathematics and building techniques have got the scale length correct. The frets in
the correct location and the bridge saddle in the right place and at the correct
angle. Then it can vary with string guage and the guitars set up. Now add the
players techniquie and the word Compromise enters the equation..Don't always think
that because a guitar has a brand name on it all of the above is correct. Electrics
do offer Intonation adjustments ussually on every string or pairs of
strings...Always check Scale length.. Measure from the Nut face to the crown of the
12th fret, then double it. Not all but a lot of Gibson guitars 24.75 inch scale
length has crept to around 24.6 over the years and dependent on the factory. Your
aim is to have your guitar when tuned to sound in tune and pleasant, whether
playing open chords, bar chords with or without a capo.
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answered Oct 23 '14 at 5:37
Trevor Paul Bernhardt
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I use a Korg Orchestral Tuner to test all the open strings and frets. Just for
curiosity I took off all the frets and made small brass frets for every note on the
guitar. I glued them on with Bostik Contact Glue. The frets are 3mm thick with a
thin brass base about 1/4 inch square . Also just for curiosity they are all tuned
to Kirnberger 111. And it works too .
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