Tuning Problem

[Belzeebub]

This has me really scratching my head. I use a good digital tuner which has proven accurate and reliable in the past. A week ago during band practice, I noticed my guitar out of tune and proceed to correct the problem. Here's where things get funky. The tuner says the open strings are in tune but when i play an E chord or C, there's just something not right in the tuning. Its hard for me to pinpoint the exact string as sometimes its the D string, sometimes its the G string, sometimes its the B - just depends on after I've tried to correct the last out of tune string another string comes up out of tune. I tried to play octaves to see how it matches up and the most problems I have been having is with the G and B strings for the most part (but thats not to say that the other strings dont give me problems at all). So....with all that said, what should I do? Anybody else have a similar problem?

 

[155]

sounds like the intonation is off, did you check that?

 

[Blues Power]

def intonation

its easy to fix yourslef

 

[Belzeebub]

how do i check intonation and fix?

 

[v8ko]

Replace your battery.

Always check intonation.

 

[Belzeebub]

Replace your battery.

Always check intonation.

Tuner is plugged in/integrated in my effects box so no need for batteries.

 

[v8ko]

First off new strings is a must when setting your intonation. Simply tune your low E...make sure its right on. Then hold the E down at the 12th fret and check tuning. If your flat shorten the string (saddle closer to the neck) if your sharp then lengthen the string.

A quote from one of my older post.

One mistake that alot of people make while intonating a guitar is sitting down with the guitar or laying the guitar on a flat surface...while its easier to adjust its gonna be off once you stand and play. So intonate the guitar in the position and tuning it will be played the most in. If you like to play in drop c then intonate there, if you play standing, intonate standing. Oh yeah and intonation is the last thing you do, and have new or near new strings on.

 

[v8ko]

Tuner is plugged in/integrated in my effects box so no need for batteries.

Gotcha!

Lube your nut also. Loosen a string just enough to slip it off the nut grab a #2 pencil and with a knife "shave" off some of the lead directly onto the slot, doesnt take much. Replace string and blow off the remaining lead make sure you dont get this on your FB. If you do just blow it off right away.

 

[Belzeebub]

thanks man.

 

[v8ko]

thanks man.

Glad I could help.

Now getirdun! <----I hate that saying haha.

 

[Belzeebub]

hahaha...first i need to do a quick run to the store for new strings then i'll getitdun.

 

[v8ko]

hahaha...first i need to do a quick run to the store for new strings then i'll getitdun.

cool. And of course the no-brainer here is make sure you get those strings nice and stretched out!

 

[Belzeebub]

yup!

edit: stretched out before setting/adjusting intonation? or i can set up intonation as soon as i string her up?

 

[v8ko]

Stretch, tune, intonate.

 

[Blues Power]

also they say you should intonate using your neck pup. why? i dont know. but thats what is written in repair books

 

[Belzeebub]

thanks bro

 

[v8ko]

Oh yeah and dont go all macho man when your holding at the 12th. Make sure its a nice gentle touch and your not bending the string the slightest bit.

 

[csleverette]

What do you do if the saddle is already as close to the neck as I can turn it?