Guitar Intonation, part 2

String tension can also affect intonation and bridge settings. Higher tension results in less stretching when a note is fretted, and less compensation required. This means that a 25-1/2″ scale length guitar will require less compensation than a shorter, say, 24-3/4″ scale length. (Longer scale length means higher tension, and vice versa.) If you’re down-tuning a lot — and significantly reducing tension — this is one reason it’s harder to play in tune. It’s also why many guitar players prefer to have a guitar set up specifically for down- or drop-tuning. A custom setup can be even more important for an alternate tuning or open tuning, where some strings may be lowered (reduced in tension) and others may be raised (increased in tension) from concert pitch.