GUITAR MAINTENANCE PLEASE HELP!!?

Seems like a basic intonation problem. You don't say whether or not this is an electric guitar. On most electrics this is a simple procedure. On all but a very few of acoustic guitars, this is very hard to accomplish.

If the string is flat when you press down at the 12th fret then your may think of your string being "too long". You will need to shorten the distance between the saddle and bridge. I'll assume it's an electric guitar...

If you look at the bridge you will see the string runs over a bridge saddle. This saddle is commonly adjustable back and forth. It is very common to have a small screw on each and every bridge saddle. On some guitars, strings ar adjusted in pairs (this is true for some of the Fender Telecasters), however, it is way more common to find one screw per saddle.

Now, you simply needs to find a screw driver that fits, and screw the saddle so that you're shortening the overall length of the string. Which way you'll screw depends on which way of the bridge saddle the screw is placed.

You will always go very easy and gradually. Half a turn or so - re-tune the string and then check at the 12th fret. Continue doing this until it is in tune both when you play the open string as well as the 12th fret.

Needless to say, you will need fresh strings when you set the intonation. Old strings are out of tune to begin with...

It may some times be a problem with one or more of the frets, but this is not your typical issue. A seldom time a fret may become loose, causing an intonation kind of problem to the high or low E-string. However, it will not go flat but way sharp (the string hitting a fret above the one you're actually pressing down on).

If you're unsure, do a Google search on your type of guitar, for instance: Fender Telecaster intonation. You'll find lots of information, including youtube videos showing how it's done.

Don't worry - if it's an electric guitar, this is a very simple procedure as long as you go easy with that screw driver!

Good luck :-)

I'll sell you one. Fly me to Phoenix, and have $15K ready in small bills. Seriously - there is no "Course" necessary - you're not doing luthiery. Any music store can show you everything you need to know in 20 minutes. I've seen a few good videos on YouTube on the subject as well. An electric bass has a handful of adjustments you can do with an allen wrench and screwdriver. The main thing will be keeping the truss rod set correctly so the neck has just a bit of an under-bow. You may have to make some minor seasonal tweaks to that. Once the intonation and action ht. is set (by moving the bridge pieces around) - you'll never have to touch it again unless you totally change the gauge of strings you're using. Finally, you can move the pickups up and down - but again, once that's done - you don't fool with them.

it could still be the next or a prob with the fret not being seated right, if its a good guitar pay 50 bucks and have it set up at a good guitar shop

You might be able to adjust the bridge slightly, or you could try not tuning it to a tuner exactly