Intonation
Intonation is accuracy in pitch along the entire length and breadth of the neck. Electric guitars and basses have individual bridge saddles which can be adjusted to set the intonation, by equalizing the pitch of the fretted note on the twelfth fret to the pitch of the harmonic at the twelfth fret. Some acoustic and classical guitars come with a compensating bridge saddle, which can allow for more accurate intonation. A guitar with bad intonation will usually sound terrible, and serves no good purpose in the creation of beautiful music.
We have looked at Instrument Selection, Strings, Action, Neck Contour, and Intonation as critical factors in helping a new student learn to play the guitar and bass. It’s important to remember that all factors must be in balance and harmony for the private lessons to be most beneficial. A beginning student should consult with a good guitar tech or luthier for the initial adjustment and set up, which can cost up to $40 or $50 if the guitar needs a lot of work.
Another thing to remember: you get what you pay for, especially with a musical instrument like the guitar or bass. A fairly inexpensive guitar will probably look good and have inferior quality hardware and electronics, and may actually sound fairly good. The higher quality instrument will respond to adjustment better, sound better (see “intonation”), stay in tune better, and play better in the long run.
Challenges of Beginning Guitar & Bass, part 5, Intonation
by Rick Cittar, Arcadia Music Studio
