Intonation issues

[TheArchitect]

I was tracking a tune on the LP with a lot of tight harmony played in the first 3 frets. It really exposed intonation issues. It's fine further up the neck. The nut slots are not excesively high. It's odd that it's that far off. I suppose a compensated nut is an option but that is a leap. Had to switch to a PRS and a schecter with comp nut to get things sounding right. Need to find a solution

 

[Chili-Mike]

If it's fine further up the neck then it is likely the nut slots. Using a tuner, lightly fret the high and low E strings close to each fret, working up the neck. If SHARP on the first few frets and gradually getting in tune around the 5th fret, then the slots are probably too high.

 

[TheArchitect]

If it's fine further up the neck then it is likely the nut slots. Using a tuner, lightly fret the high and low E strings close to each fret, working up the neck. If SHARP on the first few frets and gradually getting in tune around the 5th fret, then the slots are probably too high.

It does make sense. I will have to work with it. Worst case I get carried away and need to replace the nut. Probably should have replaced the stock one years ago anyway

 

[Wilko]

No need to replace it unless slots are too low.

 

[charliechitlins]

Guitars can be wonky on the low frets.
Tune your guitar with a tuner and play a D cowboy chord.
Skronk!
If I'm in a situation where it's really going to matter, I came up with a simple tempered way to tune that seems to spread the pain out a little more evenly around the fretboard.