Intonation question.

[PFDarkside]

Maybe intonation isn't the best word from a guitar standpoint, but when I hit a low E on my Epi Les Paul, it is sharp for a bit then settles into pitch. I know that this is going to happen no matter what, but how can I minimize this? I currently have it strung with 11-49 Elixirs, tuned to standard tuning. My picking style can be very hash at times, if I gently strum an E chord it is in tune, but if I hit it, it's all over the place then falls in.

Suggestions?

 

[STRATDELUXER97]

Re: Intonation question.

Maybe intonation isn't the best word from a guitar standpoint, but when I hit a low E on my Epi Les Paul, it is sharp for a bit then settles into pitch. I know that this is going to happen no matter what, but how can I minimize this? I currently have it strung with 11-49 Elixirs, tuned to standard tuning. My picking style can be very hash at times, if I gently strum an E chord it is in tune, but if I hit it, it's all over the place then falls in.

Suggestions?

Pickup heights are too high causing false tones?

 

[Amateur]

Re: Intonation question.

I had the same problem when I played my guitars some time ago. It was the way I plucked the strings plus the height of the pickups were not adjusted to the way I played. I finally did some exercises with my playing style to ensure I pluck every string evenly and I also adjusted the pickups to suit.

 

[STRATDELUXER97]

Re: Intonation question.

Try lowering your pickups until that phenomena goes away...If that's the issue?

 

[Naps]

Re: Intonation question.

I'd also try to tune it using the same picking force that you use when you play.

 

[D-EJ915]

Re: Intonation question.

Hmm...always done this with me.

My idea is that when you pick it is just vibrating too high of a pitch and then slows down.

 

[LesStrat]

Re: Intonation question.

Change your pick attack.

BTW, does it do this with new strings? Older strings have trouble settling on pitch.

 

[Pandemonium]

Re: Intonation question.

That's normal. Here's a great link that will help you compensate.

http://www.endino.com/archive/tuningnightmares.html

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Intonation question.

It's not the pickups pulling it sharp, the acoustic does it to a small degree. New strings might be a touch better after they are stretched, but I still notice it. So basically, go to 12's or don't pick so hard? Hmm... :15: Thanks for the link Pandemonium. I once played a keyboard that you could set to a key and it compensated each note to be in tune (the perfect 5th was 2 cents sharp, the major 3rd was 13 cents flat...)

 

[Guitarist]

Re: Intonation question.

That's normal. Here's a great link that will help you compensate.

http://www.endino.com/archive/tuningnightmares.html

That was a pretty cool read! Thanks!

 

[pinto79]

Re: Intonation question.

I have a little tip, you may do this already, but when you tune with an electronic tuner, pluck the string and note what the tuner reads, adjust tuning, and pluck again, the string should read in tune when you hit it, then settle a little flat. If you tune a ringing note, the struck note will be sharp.

If you have tried that, please disregard. If you haven't, give it a whirl and let us know if it helped!

Trevor

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Intonation question.

Yeah, that's basically what pandemonium's link said. I generally get it close, then use my ear to fine tune it. Ah well, the nature of the beast.

On a related note, I don't know how keyboard players can stand the intonation of their instrument. At least guitar players can bend a bitto slightly compensate. My first instrument was saz, there's no excuse for being out of tune at all, you have such a wide adjustment range on every pitch.