Do you intonate your guitar in standard tuning, even thought you play a half step down.

[Markedman]

There isn't an argument. If it is scientific, it can be proven with science, and this is proven science.

"The reason I say this is to clarify that there is no absolute definitive way of intonating a guitar. Instead, I would say there are many ways to intonate the instrument so as to please the player’s taste. The latter depending on how sensitive the individual is to sound and vibration, their playing style, the inherent nature of the

instrument, etc."

 

[TheRealDonnie]

I intonate for each tuning.

*mic drop*

 

[TheRealDonnie]

Just saying.....

 

[rottingcorpse]

You boys with baby whimpy strings maybe not, YMMV

My fucking hero.

 

[Findthetone1]

You boys with baby whimpy strings maybe not, YMMV

Of course, the string gauge absolutley determines a man's worth and level of talent. Somebody should be sure to let Rev. Gibboms or Yngwie know this......

 

[Geo]

The only reason the intonation may change slightly is because the relief on the neck changes. Otherwise, it doesn't make a difference.

 

[Detroit1973]

Each of my Guitars are Intonated for the Tuning they Live in.

 

[GOHOINC]

Depends. I usually have a plan on what tuning I will use a guitar for, and I intonate at that tuning. If I decide to change tunings on a guitar I don't typically re intonate at the new tuning though unless I need to do a truss adjustment. Most of my guitars are half step down and intonated half step down...

 

[Samhain]

The only reason the intonation may change slightly is because the relief on the neck changes. Otherwise, it doesn't make a difference.

Or adding a string tree behind the nut.
Or top wrapping a tailpiece.
Or flipping saddles on a bridge.
Or changing a bridge radius.
Or a new nut.
Or other things.

 

[Geo]

Also, intonate will holding the guitar, not while it is laying on the bench top.

 

[Ratou]

There isn't an argument. If it is scientific, it can be proven with science, and this is proven science.

"The reason I say this is to clarify that there is no absolute definitive way of intonating a guitar. Instead, I would say there are many ways to intonate the instrument so as to please the player’s taste. The latter depending on how sensitive the individual is to sound and vibration, their playing style, the inherent nature of the

instrument, etc."

Scale length might be slightly different between tunings as string tension will affect neck relief.

 

[napalmdeath]

I intonate for each tuning… unless I drop tune for fun for a few hours. I check intonation anytime I adjust the neck or bridge. I’m not obsessing over it though.

Exactly. And different tunings will certainly effect the action, ESPECIALLY on a Floyd. So, I'd absolutely intonate if I set it up for different tunings.

 

[dawnofdreamx97]

To dig further.....

Do you guys intonate your guitars on the bench or in your lap ? In my experience the results vary between the two positions....

 

[NaturalBornBoy]

To dig further.....

Do you guys intonate your guitars on the bench or in your lap ? In my experience the results vary between the two positions....

I always intonate with the guitar in playing position.

 

[Monkey Man]

I always intonate with the guitar in playing position.

Yup, that's the most-logical approach.

If flat, there's backward pressure on the neck, but when upright in the typical playing position, there's barely any sideways pressure, i.e., only the strings are exerting a pulling force on the neck, which is as it should be.

 

[dawnofdreamx97]

I always intonate with the guitar in playing position.

Same here!

 

[DrewJD82]

I intonate after making any changes that affects the strings; different tuning, different gauge, new springs, etc. Just play some chords higher up on the neck and see if it’s still in tune after making changes or check it with a tuner. If I never noticed a change, I wouldn’t bother.

 

[Tone Junkie]

Back to the OP question. Depends. Check the intonation. If it’s fine than leave it alone. If it’s not then yes correct it.

 

[BeZo]

Intonation is just one part of a setup. You setup a guitar in the for a tuning. If you change a component, you change the setup. If you change the tuning, you change the setup.

 

[Ventura]

Do you intonate your guitar in standard tuning, even thought you play a half step down.
I've done both doesn't seem to matter, just curious what you think. I use an old Conn Strobo tuner that Peterson went through about 3 years ago.

Of course I do. If I wanna play north of the 12th fret or anything of the sort - intonation is key (no pun intended) in keeping the notes in tune and not just relegating the "North of 12" frets to bendy bits that don't need it so much. I use the 12th fret as a generalization - as intonation does affect a lot across much of the board.

But short answer is this - it ain't the tuning you're playing it that proper intonation sorts out; a proper intonation calibration is based on the LENGTH of the guitar string from nut to bridge, and ensure that the string maintains its pitch open, and on the 12th fret, for tuning stability all over the fretboard. Don't matter if you drop to D or whatever, the strings length is what's being calibrated for it to stay in whatever tune you choose to put it in

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