Intonation checker

Compares the 12th-fret harmonic with the fretted 12th fret, string by string, and tells you which way to move each saddle and by how much.

A guitar can be perfectly in tune on its open strings and still sound out of tune higher up the neck. That is intonation: whether a fretted note lands exactly where it should. The usual test compares the harmonic at the 12th fret with the note fretted at the 12th fret. Both should be the same note, exactly one octave above the open string.

This tool runs that test for you. For each string, play the harmonic and let the tool lock onto it, then fret the 12th fret and play again. It shows the difference in cents. If the fretted note is sharp, the string is too short: move that string’s saddle back, away from the neck. If it is flat, the string is too long: move the saddle forward. Using your scale length, it estimates how far: on a 25.5 inch (648 mm) guitar, every cent is about 0.37 mm.

Readings need to hold steady before they are taken, so a wobbling or dying note is ignored. A summary table builds up as you go, and you can save it as a PDF to keep with your setup notes.

Always check with the guitar tuned and in playing position, ideally with fresh strings, since old strings rarely intonate well. Loosen a string a little before moving its saddle, retune, and check again.

How to use it

  1. Tune the guitar first and choose your scale length.
  2. Tap Start listening, then play the 12th-fret harmonic on the highlighted string.
  3. When the bar fills, fret the same string at the 12th fret and play it.
  4. Read the result: move the saddle back if sharp, forward if flat, by about the amount shown.
  5. Retune and check that string again, then move on to the next string.

Common questions

What is a good intonation result?

Within 2 cents is excellent, and most players cannot hear up to about 3 to 5 cents. Classical guitars with fixed saddles cannot be adjusted per string.

Which way do I move the saddle if the 12th fret is sharp?

Back, away from the neck, to make the string slightly longer. If it is flat, move the saddle forward toward the neck.

Should I compare with the harmonic or the open string?

The harmonic is the usual choice because it is in the same octave as the fretted note. You can switch to the open string in Advanced.

How do I know my scale length?

Measure from the nut to the 12th fret and double it. Most Fender style guitars are 25.5 inches (648 mm), most Gibson style guitars 24.75 inches (628 mm).

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