ESP Guitars: Adjusting Intonation on a Floyd Rose-Equipped Guitar

[@kanecobe]

5:02 no fear

[@nikefanaddict]

Kanecobe haha!

[@Alfamaxis]

What to fear though, that's not a bass :D

[@841ONUR]

it can easily leave a permenant scar on your face if it goes off

[@TheSamuraiApocalypse]

Lol like when the string slips out of the saddle when you don't get it snug there?

[@traphouseproductions101]

lmao

[@1emerican]

This has been the best video about Floyd Rose ever.

[@kellyjandrews]

I know this video was published 6 years ago now... But thank you so much for your kindness and teaching future generations how to do this. This is very much welcomed by all of us.

[@andrewpaton6075]

flat forward …..sharp back ……hope that helps ….

[@luzalez9095]

Thank you, this should be pinned

[@guntherachterhof4876]

See, and I swear I have heard people, including some "luthiers" say the exact OPPOSITE. Thanks so much! 🙏

[@Boristhaspydr]

I just want to say thank you lol, just finished intonating my Dean From Hell, the video helped but this tip was I think my biggest takeaway lol

[@Zanenoth]

That only helps if Forward and Back are universal and they are not.

[@-JeffreyDahmer-]

Thanks

[@beyondlimitsproductions1468]

The most straightforward informative, tutorial on how to intonate your axe I've seen to date, great job!

[@ElectromagneDikk]

ive been intonating my own guitars for a looooooooong time and I still found this valuable to watch. never done learning stuff. thanks for your time sir.

[@IDGAF_PLUS]

I've never intonated a guitar. Not once. Until just now on my FR equipped PRS. And I nailed it! Double stops and chords on the 1st 3 strings don't sound completely jacked anymore. Everything sound better. Thank you so much for this video!

[@yeahuri4724]

Very helpful video, thanks. Just to share my experience just now after i try this.1. The other strings will always go slightly out of tune after the adjustments. 2.don’t stroke the strings super hard especially the low E strings when tuning. 3.Get the most accurate digital tuner possible out of your ability, cause the gear really do matter in this case.4.Sometimes if the fret is buzzing, you might need to check the height adjustment video first. Hopefully this help you guys to get the same fantastic results as I did. Sorry for bad bad english.

[@imoffendedthatyouareoffended]

Nah that was good English. I have both issues going on with my new Ibanez jem jr. My gretsch just needs the height adjusted which I’ll fix first. Thanks for writing this.

[@TheSamuraiApocalypse]

It took me 2 hours and somehow my high e string broke while tuning down so I had to get a new one before I could finish. I'm proud though cause it seemed like a pretty daunting task that I'd rather pay a guitar tech to do, but the other comments motivated me to try it myself and it worked out so I'm happy. Thanks for the helpful video.

[@iniquity7]

because u tuned the other strings down so the high e was the only string holding the bridge up which is too tight so it popped

[@jimpainter4402]

THANK YOU!!! I bought my first Floyd Rose equipped guitar 2 months ago. I could never get the intonation set correctly. I've watched more videos than you can shake a stick at, but to no avail. Until I watched your series on the subject. Granted it took me 3 hours, but I followed your steps and I got it! New strings (11's), set the neck, action, tuning and intonation. I locked it down and wow! This is awesome. Keep those videos coming and thanks a million!

[@avi8r2005]

Thanks ESP for publishing this. I have a super old KH2 that I've had since 1997. I've never once intonated it because I don't know how. This video was very helpful. thanks for putting it out.

[@phreak1118]

I have a '96 KH2 and it is still my main player...

[@manfredmar]

I also have a late 90s KH2 (I only got it in 2010) which I have never intonated.

[@philfrank5601]

This is by far the best demonstration and explanation of how to set Floyd intonation. Thank you.

[@stagesixx]

It's a good instructional video. It follows the standard of instructional media I learned in school. You tell them what they are going to learn, you show them how to do it, and you reiterate what we just learned. Also, something I have been looking for for a long time has been presented. That is the order in which you adjust the items to do a setup. It's easy to do things out of order and do a less than proper job.

[@JCSPHD]

Absolutely the best video tutorial how to adjust the intonation on a Floyd Rose!

[@eamonahern7495]

The screwdriver to hold the saddle is a useful tip. My intonation needs a little bit of adjustment but I was putting it off. I'm going to be changing my strings this week and I'll do it then. With the confidence of being able to reference this video so thanks for that.

[@kengyang1908]

Love it, no bs right to the points, this is why l been playing esp products for years , great company

[@Ears14U]

Very instructional video. The close ups are an added plus. Thank you for the upload.

[@Paul_Warren_Wolfe]

Excellent video! No list of fancy tools, no need for a specific 'intonation tool'... exactly what I needed while I'm quarantining for a week, my guitars (and my ears) thank you.

[@headbanger1977]

Wow, thanks for this video!! I just set up and intonated one of my guitars for the first time (Jackson Kelly professional) after 30+ years of playing. What a great feeling of accomplishment. Thank you.

[@stevewooten2157]

Excellent video series you present with the Floyd Rose tremolo adjustments. Thank you so much for doing this!

[@kvkyoin9651]

after owning an ibanez with a floyd rose for more than a year now and having on-and-off battles with it for accurate intonation, I searched "everything to know about intonating a floyd rose bridge" and youtube actually didn't let me down this time!

[@rushrulz65]

Best floyd rose intonation video I have seen yet. Very nice.!

[@deadguydan]

Thank you for these videos! I recently had to re set up my floyd bridge after a tech did a a crap job. Your videos helped me level out my bridge (tech had set it sitting up and towards the pick up so I could do acrobatics---he assumed a whole helluva lot), adjust the string height and intonation. It was the first time I had ever tried to do it myself and your vids helped immensely! Now my Floyd is set correctly (or the way I like it) and it stays in tune much better than after a tech got a hold of it. Thank you esp!

[@theharvardyard2356]

You made that seem a lot easier than it is. I'm having a hell of a time with it.

[@travisa1974]

try blocking the bridge first. its damn near impossible to intonate a floyd while its still floating.

[@Ben-ld1qi]

​@@travisa1974I know I'm replying to something from 3 years ago. But just wondering, when blocking the bridge is it crucial to make sure the bridge is blocked while completely straight?

[@winstonmoctar]

The best explanation so far that I've heard. Thank you.

[@johnpaulgarrett1]

Guy knows what he's doing. I am ready to tackle this intonation job now!

[@tanneraustin7436]

Great video. I've got an awesome Jackson King V with a Floyd Rose that desperately needs to be intonated. Before this video I was a little hesitant to do it, but now I see it's pretty straightforward. Thanks for the clear explanation!

[@tylert812]

These Floyd Rose videos saved my life 🤘🏼

[@paty31able]

best vídeo about tunning a guitar with Floyd Rose

[@jefferycarter1791]

One of my favorite intonation vids ,thanks brother

[@luzalez9095]

Two things, for continuity's sake you loosen the locking nut before tuning to pitch to start with. 2nd, don't you have to block the floyd before you tune anything? Great video, well spoken and explained.

[@allenblackwell2433]

This is the best video on How To Intonate A Floyd Rose Tremolo. Thank You!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@antmax]

that little tool "intonation key" or something from allparts works quite well. just makes sure it's attached properly, It locks in place and holds the saddle it is attached to in place. Loosen the intonation screw and turn the knurled knob at the end of the tool to adjust the position of the saddle for intonation. Works well once you figure out how to attach it.

[@ericksousa911]

My LTD M-1000 came perfectly intonated except the A string which is a bit Sharp, now thanks to this video I feel confident to fix it myself.

[@lordPix3lUK]

perfect video on how to set intonation.

[@muratgurelmusic]

Preferred this method then the intonation key tool. Thanks ESP!

[@horsekey2219]

This literally just helped me intonate my whole neck. THANK YOU

[@MarcCurvinMD]

Excellent video. I've been doing my own guitar tech work for years and this was super helpful.

[@roborracle]

Incredibly helpful video. I'm more convinced than ever that I will never ever buy another guitar with a Floyd on it.

[@seenrobinson4944]

NOT ADDRESSED IN THIS VIDEO (which is ok), If you run out of room to move the saddle forward or backward, check to see if you may have extra holes so you can move the saddle position backwards or forwards more than you think (my floyds all have 3 nut holes per string to move to). I had this problem and if you look where the bolts go you may see that they are not all lined up. So, take a look and see if you have the extra holes and them move the saddle and bolt to that next position. This worked for me, I hope it works for you. Good luck!

[@Fabian-ix7gm]

Seen Robinson my Floyd rose have those three extra holes. Do the bolts have to go in those holes in order to adjust your intonation problem or can they be tighten next to them and not actually go in the holes? Hopefully this question makes sense.

[@johnbenedetti7645]

for those about to rock, Patience is the word. Persistence is a must. Once you achieve this, you will be proud. The first time is a royal pain in the ass, but if you dont learn yourself the guitar tech will take your cash

[@milankotevski1663]

The video is very helpful and informative. Intonating a Floyd Rose bridge is such a pain in the ass, it turns out.

[@mojopin70]

I adjusted the bridge height on my Charvel ( lower action) intonation is a bit out i wasn't sure how to set it on a floyd rose, now i know! great video.

[@atiqlinkon9974]

Excellent video.....this one is the best and it clear up my concept and all fears about intonnation ...thankz ESP

[@Damaged7]

I had stopped playing for many years and ended up forgetting about intonation lol. Now that I've started to play again i remember how much a pain in the ass a floyd rose bridge can be.

[@Walamonga1313]

For real lol

[@warriorxtman2]

Do it once and use the same strings. Takes 10 minutes. Most or all strings won't need touched anyway

[@Afurthyclays]

I just have to say, that's a gorgeous guitar! ❤️

[@dwerggalago]

Extremely helpful and clear video. Thank you so very much!

[@dirkdiggler5902]

Great video. No messing.

[@kornelious1]

Wonderful video, thanks guys!!!

[@Metman2J]

Might try this on one of my guitars tonight. Thanks!

[@micronesia3797]

Really appreciate the video, but floating trems are an absolute ballache.

[@tyler_bt3326]

Charlie Martina they're not too bad once you get used to maintaining them. Obviously it's entirely down to preference, but IMO the benefits of the system outweigh the drawbacks

[@XiyuYang]

Takes a while to learn to do it, but once you do, you can abuse the sh*t out of it and still stay in tune for weeks.

[@dodonkedonks4764]

Xiyu Yang true, i did that thing with steve vai where he almost carries his guitar using the bar, still didn’t go out of tune (although i broke like an hour later because i kept abusing the living shit out of my floyd)

[@ernestochang1744]

theyre like the ferrari or lamborghini of guitars, theyre absolutely obnoxiously loud and flamboyant and complex but you wount want anything wrong going with them...

[@scottjm211]

@@XiyuYang I just came across this but I would love to know the way to keep a Floyd Rose bridge in tune for weeks. I've owned several and none would stay in tune for weeks. I have an EVH Wolfgang Special and after it sits for a few days, it goes out of tune. I live in a house with central air/forced heat and the necks on all of my guitars move to the point where all the strings go sharp or flat, even after only a couple of days. It happens to ones that I keep out or in gig bag/cases in closets. They are all setup correctly.

[@phutureproof]

I've got an ESP MH-301 absolutely wonderful machine, wish I didn't have a floating trem tho, was great in my youth making crazy noises but now I use it so rarely I've only just noticed I've lost the trem arm! Still the day I decide to restring the beast I will definitely give it a good going over and I can now take on intonation so thanks very much for the vid

[@MBvolcom92]

There are plenty of ways to block your floating trem (both permanent and non-permanent).

[@MrAquamankilla]

thanks, dude! Really helpful when I was trying to figure out why this Jackson I have sounds like crap! Adjusted intonation and now she sounds great! What strings would you all recommend for more of a metal sound? Thanks!

[@AkiraSpectrum]

love these tech videos, keep'em comin'!

[@christopherwells4768]

Great help! Made it easy! My 12th frets were all sharp! Thoughts?

[@RFWMusic]

Wow, very cool. Thanks!

[@EYECOMEINPEACE]

A way I just came up with to remember which way to move the saddles is, flat forward and sharp ass (toward the back). Sounds dumb but works for me. :P

[@DJustice91]

these videos are great, thank you for making them!

[@GuitarFactoryParramatta]

Nicely done guys!

[@sallyhobbit1956]

Thank you , clear and informative!

[@anemonaloco]

what about the 24th fret? you guys ignore that?

[@DrSatan066]

Yes.

[@dwashbur]

This told me everything I needed to know and nothing that I didn't. Excellent video! Thank you!

[@ItsJustaMeNow]

Should I block the tremolo before doing this? I'm new to floyds, and I don't wanna make more work for myself.

[@Boleskinebeatz]

Only if you’re changing strings and If it’s a floating set up then yes you should. But just for intonation it’s not necessary.

[@gothysub]

Thanks a lot mate!

[@IGK-zt5pc]

Hi guys, thanks a lot for the video lesson!

[@leelenlesueur8863]

When I looked at it I thought you did it this way. I was right thanks for the video.

[@Mikau-gb8uo]

love that new shiny orig Floyd bridge..

[@Mr.Sk8ter2010]

This helped alot but my high E was a bit flat and is as far forward as it can go, what should I do?

[@andy_182]

Is the bridge still floating during this process? or do you have something blocking the trem block from moving?

[@travisa1974]

it needs blocked

[@goldenultra]

I did as I have lighter strings e is 9. Just a square ruler works.

[@peterstar2023]

Great tutorial. You helped me a lot. Thank you sir 👏

[@rodrigocamargo8400]

Very good explanation, but that is half of the procedure, if the nut is too high it can cause intonation problems too, but mainly on first frets.

[@Zanenoth]

Detune the string you need to adjust. Pull the saddle with string in, move saddle. Retune. Let it settle. Check it again. Do this for all of em. Flat towards nut. Sharp towards bridge.

[@mrkshrk]

Very good video!

[@raserapps8230]

My esp feels slightly out of tune when I get up past the 15th sort of region. I’ve never adjusted the saddles on it. This is going to be a big improvement as it was driving me nuts

[@POLLOTROM]

So when moving the saddle you know in what direction to move, how much is guessing.

[@rybeliaz9886]

My low E string is sharp, but the saddle is pushed all the way up against the back of the bridge, and can't go any further. What do I do now?

[@pitamoncha2112]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@kiltedvet420]

sweet, nice vid. thank you

[@lukefisher8934]

very nice and very helpful

[@chrispy3210]

Top video thanks mate!

[@michaelenochs5024]

The way I see it when adjusting for intonation is this. Most tuners are flat on the left side of the digital display and sharp on the right. Flat left, adjust Saddle left. Note sharp? Adjust Saddle right. This is only if the guitar is facing left though so left hand guys can't use this method.

[@dumpygoodness4086]

i was told that the general rule is the saddles should go up like a staircase from the low e to the high e. I noticed in the video his do that, but then half way thru he musta moved them crooked to show adjustments.

[@larsdahl6594]

n00b question coming up, play nice (I just bought my very first FR equipped guitar so I'm watching every YT video I can on the subject to educate myself). It seems a bit cumbersome having to push the saddle back and forth manually to set the intonation. Why doesn't the FR system have an adjustment screw under tension for this purpose like most(?) other guitars? It seems like it would be simple enough to incorporate.

[@vhcxhbvg]

Is it okay to do this with the locking nut unlocked? It seems he was going for the setup with it locked then said f it

[@ripperthecrooks6428]

What do you do when a guitar with a floyd rose just wont stay in tune when the nut is locked ? Adjusting it with the fine tuners and it keeps getting out of tune anyways thanks

[@elektrar9620]

Ok, so what if I move the saddle forward to its maximum position and the fretted note is still flat - what am I supposed to do?

[@steveg.9556]

Excellent tutorial. What does it mean if the open note doesn't match it's respective 12th note harmonic? They obviously all matched in the video, so, curious what the fix is if they were not to match? Thanks.

[@neildeakin4454]

Ive just watched this video, but surely it means the intonation is out and that you need to move the saddle forwards or backwards ?

[@Wargasm644]

You should make sure your bridge plate is level with your guitar before and after intonation. It shouldn’t be out of whack, but if it is slightly canted one direction or the other, you’ll need to adjust your claw springs on the back. But most of the time this won’t be necessary unless changing tunings completely or string gauge. Yeah, Floyd’s can be a pain if you’re not familiar with them. But the tuning stability is second to none. My first guitar was a Floyd guitar. So it was learn or sell it. Most people sell. I’m glad I didn’t. 🤘🏻

[@mudfightmaster4275]

yeah im glad i used floyd rose, it made me learn more about these kind of stuff

[@endtimeguitarist]

Can you damage your guitar by having the screws in back turned all the way in to their max?

[@conorkmartshoppingexperien2739]

my high e was almost a step sharp at the 12th fret. saddle moved as far back as possible and in tune open and at top of neck. found a little chunk of metal in the saddle. think its probably messed up....

[@44RON666]

This just saved my session :D

[@novacaneed]

so i accidently removed my floyd rose saddles...im worrying about the order...do i setup my floyd rose first with string stretching flat to the board etc. and the last step is intonation or wich order is correct?

[@Fabian-ix7gm]

He keeps saying he’s going a millimeter forward or back but he doesn’t seem to mention if he’s going back in those holes that the Floyd rose have for the screw to keep the saddle in place. Any ideas?

[@lzrdwzrd4018]

this video. is perfect. and calming. i can die now

[@ibanezrg5708]

I have a different problem with my ESP Horizon. The intonation is flat on my 1st string but I have nothing more to go on on the saddle. How can I solve this? Can you please give me some hints?

[@Cole-ek7fh]

higher guage strings.

[@jimmythorpe5998]

Adjust the neck

[@ibanezrg5708]

@@jimmythorpe5998 thanks for the suggestions. Embarassing to say this but I changed the strings as they were quite old and that solved the problem. This has never been an issue as the string normally breaks after a short while.

[@Fabian-ix7gm]

IbanezRG570 awesome dude. In the beginning of the video he mentions that getting new strings could also be one of the reasons why you need to intonate your strings just Incase you tried all three of the holes from your saddle and nothing changed. 🤘🏽

[@mikehan3130]

Very helpful!

[@AgentClappers]

When you loosen one string all the other strings will go out of way due to the Floyd rose though so do you tune all of them up perfect again before checking intonation on a single string?

[@RiceShouldBeFluffy]

Im eyeing this cus im contemplating getting my forst floyd rose guitar

[@jameson3500]

Once you get it set up, it will stay in near perfect tune.

[@blessingsara11]

Its the same for an ibanez RG with double locking?

[@richarddunn324]

I have an ltd400. The intonation is flat. For two of the strings after loosening the saddle I have found that there is no adjustment left. The saddles do not move any closer toward the neck. What can I do?

[@colinsta4013]

what if the saddle need to move farther forward than it can physically go?

[@Cole-ek7fh]

get higher guage stings.

[@seenrobinson4944]

You may have extra holes so you can move the saddle position backwards or forwards more than you think. I had this problem and if you look where the bolts go you may see that they are not all lined up. So, take a look and see if you have the extra holes and them move the saddle and bolt to that next position. This worked for me, I hope it works for you. Good luck!