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     Intonation is the tuning ability  of your guitar If you guitar is not Intonated - you will not be able to tune it, It may sound like it is in tune sometimes - or it may tune up for certain songs and then be out of tune for another song. There is an easy way to tell if a guitar is intonated - First you must be able to Sound the Harmonics at the 12th fret. 

     If you can sound the Harmonic at the twelfth fret - Here is what you do to check your intonation:

     You simply check to see if the Harmonic at the 12th fret exactly matches with the fretted note at the 12th fret. Play the fretted note first and then immediately sound the harmonic at the 12 fret (same string), You also want to play them somewhat quickly (One second apart). And also remember that a note starts to fade in pitch after a second or two.

     If they match exactly - then that string is intonated. This is real delicate test as well - Your guitar must be in Standard Tuning (completely tuned)  - and you must me sitting upright in the same position for each string. You can't do this while you're lying on your back and then sit up.  You can do it while your guitar is tuned down too, Tuning it back to standard tuning or an alternate tuning may or may not affect the intonation.

     If you have an electric guitar it isn't hard to intonate your guitar, Most times you need a Small screwdriver, a good ear and that is it. If you have an acoustic and it is not intonated - Take it to a Guitar shop! (You have to take the bridge piece out and file it down or raise it up and keep putting it back in and checking it) 

ELECTRIC GUITARS ONLY  

     First make sure that your guitar is in tune completely. Then get a screwdriver that will fit the Itty bitty screws that are in the Tailpiece of your Guitar, (where your palm lies when you play) The above guitar cannot be intonated - here is a tailpiece that is adjustable:

     When you do it this way - It will be just like tuning your Guitar, When you ring out the harmonic and its Lower than the Fretted note - You basically use the Screw for that string and tighten it and you will hear the Tone of the String Go up. After you tighten or loosen the Screw - You will have to retune that String and Check it again. It is very important that your guitar is in tuned and that you sit up in the same position with your guitar for all six strings.

After you do this for All six strings - Make sure your guitar is in standard tuning (or your regular tuning) and recheck the intonation again.    

The Reason this Intonation is Important is Because when you play Chords that are higher up on the neck of the guitar - it stretches the strings slightly (kind of like a very small bend)

You also must make sure that your neck isn't out of whack too. If your "Action" on your guitar is hard - This is when the string at the twelfth fret is an inch or more away from the fret board - then you probably need to adjust the Neck or have it done.