problem with G-string (guitar string not the other one)

IGotShit76 · July 2008

Hello,

I've been playing guitar for one year and I bought an electric guitar just one month ago (a cheap Squier Fat Strat). I've noticed a problem with the G string. It's perfectly tuned when I pluck the string open but when I play it on frette 1 or 2 and check with my tuner the note is not what it should be .
Also, basic chords like EMaj or A don't sound right to me when I compare with my folk guitar.
Is there anything to adjust on the bridge to correct that problem ?

eggman214 · July 2008

you may want to get it supertuned or adjusted by a professional. but, that will probably cost you as much as the guitar cost. you may want to upgrade.

Grasshopper · July 2008

is the neck straight?

IGotShit76 · July 2008

Grasshopper wrote:

is the neck straight?

The neck looks fine and there is no problem with other strings ... only problem is with G :(

Jam10 · July 2008

My first guitar was a beginner guitar for under $200 and I always have the same problem with the G string especailly when doing bends. I upgraded my guitar and that solved the problem. Now my Les Paul stays perfectly in tune, even when doing bends and vibratos.
Maybe look into selling that guitar or keep it as a practice one and spend a little more and upgrade.

xtremehardy388 · July 2008

If you think it's worth it, get it set up by a pro. I got my squier strat set up by one because it's my first guitar and I use it the most. Doesn't matter too much how cheap it is but if you're going to use it a lot.

Piper At The Gates · July 2008

Play an open string G then play the same the G note at the twelfth fret. See if the tone of one or the other is sharp or flat. If it is noticably sharper at the twelfth fret, back the bridge saddle away from the neck a bit with a screwdriver until they match, if it is flat, adjust it towards the neck. This may help.

mccreadyisgod · July 2008

I think you're most likely having a problem with something referred to as "intonation." This refers to the strings remaining in-tune as you play up and/or down the neck. If, as you play consistently up the neck, the string gets more and more out of tune, then the bridge saddle for that string is most likely way out of adjustment. The typical way to check, as Piper At The Gates suggested, is to play the string open, then at the octave (12th fret) and see if it's still in tune, and if not, how far off it is.

The solution is to adjust the position of that string's bridge saddle. This is a fairly easy thing to accomplish. There should be a screw on the back-side of the bride for each string saddle; by tightening the screw, you are moving the saddle and making the string's length longer. By loosening the screw, you are making the string's length shorter.

So, if your G-string is in-tune when played open, but is sharp at the 12th fret, you need to lengthen the string on that side of the 12th fret, meaning tighten the screw. If the string plays flat at the 12th fret, then loosen the screw.

I feel it necessary to mention that, while rare, a mal-formed nut can produce this exact same problem. The only solution, if that is the case, is to get a new nut installed by a qualified guitar tech.

IGotShit76 · July 2008

Thanks a lot guys for the detailed explanation !!!
I adjusted the bridge saddle for that string and it's nicely tuned now. I can keep my cheap guitar

Have a nice week-end ! Keep on rocking !

ianvomsaal · July 2008

Sound like an intonation problem - easily fixable on a Strat.

problem with G-string (guitar string not the other one)

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