Floyd Rose Intonation

Adjusting the Floyd Rose Intonation

The guitar is an instrument which needs to be understood well before you actually start playing it. You can create true music with the guitar only if you understand how the different parts of the instrument work in tandem with each other. However, all of this is not necessarily simple to fathom. Especially the intonation part can really be very difficult and truly daunting. However, with a methodical approach you can even manage something as difficult as adjusting the Floyd Rose intonation; but with a lot of practice.

The Floyd Rose tremor is famous for its perceived difficulty to handle. However, if you progress in steps, you are sure to make a decent effort at least. At the outset, it is important to check the difference between the 12th fret and the fret note with the help of an electric tuner. Do this by playing a harmonic, and keep the record of the strings that require adjustments. In order to adjust the intonation, the headstock tuners need to move freely, so keep the nut unlocked.

Loosen the first string that you had recorded for adjustment, till the bridge becomes tension free. Now loosen the saddle of the detuned string with the help of the screw provided at the bottom. The saddle should be moving up and down smoothly. Now you need to recollect if the fretted note you played at the outset, seemed flat or sharp with respect to the harmonic. This will determine which way to move the saddle. If it was sharp, you need to move the saddle away from the neck and vice versa.

After you complete the above you need to retune the guitar and check if it's making the right noises. You might have to repeat the saddle adjustments if necessary, till the guitar gets the right adjustments in the Floyd Rose intonation. Retune the guitar again, and tighten the nuts. You need to check by playing the 12th fret note once again. Try playing various chords at different points on the neck. This will help you check the adjustments thoroughly. If the sounds are absolutely accurate, your guitar is most likely ready to be played. If you do not get the desired results, you may have to make a few more adjustments.