In our first demonstration we show you how to adjust intonation on a Fender style bridge. The process doesn't require any fancy tools, just a tuner and a small screwdriver. You can easily do this at home to your own guitars.

Summary: Before you start

Just before you start adjusting your intonation, be sure you have completed all the other set up processes and have a good tuner ready to go! The more accurate you can get the open string tuning, the more accurate the intonation will be. Also, we tune up on the bench for the demonstration purpose, but you should use the playing position to get an even more accurate intonation. Be sure to also use the same level of attack every time you pluck a string. This ensures you get even notes. As a final point, on a Strat style guitar, the adjustment of the saddles for intonation takes place at the back of the bridge, as shown here:

Checklist: Adjusting intonation

It's time to put some theory into practice and adjust the intonation. Here is a handy checklist to help you stay on track as you intonate your guitars.

• 1. Get the open tuning perfectly in pitch, ideally in the playing position
• 2. We start on the low E string, where you need to fret the 12th fret and pluck the string
• 3. Check the tuning, is it sharp, flat or perfect?
• 4. Adjust the saddle at the back of the bridge using a screwdriver. Tighten the screw if the string is sharp, and loosen it if the string is flat
• 5. Retune the open string
• 6. Re-fret the 12th fret and you should see the note is now closer in tune. If you need to make any further adjustments then runt he process again in the E string
• 7. Once you are happy with the E string, repeat the whole process for all 6 strings