Tuning Problems - bullsh*t!!!

[yurich]

ever since I got the guitar, I could never get all the strings in tune. so I figured it's my intonation, right? A few days ago I set the intonation (Rich's method) and I got either perfect or really really close. I checked the guitar next day, it still won't tune!!

here's the problem: I always tune the high E with the tuner, and then adjust all the other strings with the E by ear..

B - 5th fret
G - 9th fret
D - 14th fret
A - harmonic on 7th
E - harmonic on 5th or open

now here's the thing:

if B=E and G=E, B not=G. this really p*sses me off. If I take the tuner and tune individual strings, NONE of them agree with each other. you can imagine how much if sucks playing guitar where strings aren't in tune between each other.

I've come up with 3 solutions:

1. get a decent tuner and set the intonation all over again;
2. I've been tuning all wrong all this time and have to adopt a new technique
3. I'm a total dumbass and can't figure out how to set up the guitar

I'm lost, any suggestions?

[jonrayl]

Do you block your trem before tuning? *With a floating trem, if you change the tension on one string, the trem will move, sending everything else out of tune...

...or maybe I misunderstand your problem.

[jonrayl]

Do you block your trem before tuning? *With a floating trem, if you change the tension on one string, the trem will move, sending everything else out of tune...

...or maybe I misunderstand your problem.

[yurich]

the trem is always blocked. It gave me major tuning problems so I blocked it a while ago

[musicdr]

I use a tuner for everything(korg dtr-2).If the open strings are in tune,but chords higher on the neck sound awful,your intonation is still off.It is rare,but I have come across the occassional defective string(uneven winding or a slight nick etc.) that will certainly frustrate any attemps at tuning or intonation.Get a good tuner or use someones and see if you get better results.

[yurich]

what should I get? I think when the time comes I wanna get a pedal tuner. what can I expect in terms of price?

[ScottB]

BOSS TU-2

$89.00 brand new from GC or MF. Best pedal tuner on the market IMO.

[yurich]

I just checked it out on their website, sounds like a good one. but what's the difference between chromatic and regular tuners (this one has both)?

[jonrayl]

Chromatic means it will tune to any note in the scale, a must if you do any non standard tunings

[yurich]

good news: I've just finished straightening the neck out (I found out I was turning in the wrong direction before - the neck just bent more and more :doh: ) and amazingly, it's fine now! I had no idea this could have an effect. Woohoo! I can get it in tune now!! :loco: