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Intonation issues

TheArchitect

Member
Joined
Jul 6, 2003
Messages
503
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

New member
Joined
Jul 12, 2024
Messages
17
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

Member
Joined
Jul 6, 2003
Messages
503
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

All Access/Backstage Pass
Joined
Mar 11, 2002
Messages
21,103
No need to replace it unless slots are too low.
 

charliechitlins

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 16, 2021
Messages
1,490
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.
 
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