Why when I have just tuned my Guitar and then play the open notes, then at the 1

Question:Three things can cause this:

1) You're not tuning it very well.
2) You're pressing too hard on the strings or not pressing straight down on them (you're bending).
3) The guitar needs some maintenance. This is most likely the case. Take the guitar to a good guitar shop and have them adjust everything and set the intonation. Depending on how well the guitar is made, it may not be possible to dial in the intonation very well.

You can attempt to do this yourself if you are reasonably adept at such things and are extremely careful. There are plenty of books about guitar maintenance. But be very careful if you go this route. It's very easy to destroy a guitar if you blow it, especially when adjusting the neck.

Edit:
It's important to understand that a guitar has a number of adjustments that affect its sound and intonation. You can't just say "Oh, the problem is such-and-such" and then change that, because it may need slight adjustments in multiple places. Of the three things I listed above, the problem could be any combination or part of them. The guitar must be properly adjusted overall or it will not play as well is it could.

Many people work on their own instruments (including myself) - most don't. The results vary from destroyed to perfect. But based on the fact that you asked this question, I would not recommend that you work on your own guitar unless you are willing to risk destroying it in your learning process. If you just want to play it and have it sound as good as it can, take it to a reputable shop and have them dial it in for you. They will adjust the neck if it needs it, set the action (the height of the strings from the frets), adjust the intonation and generally clean up the instrument and do whatever else it may need. It will cost you some money, but it will be worth it.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Three things can cause this:

1) You're not tuning it very well.
2) You're pressing too hard on the strings or not pressing straight down on them (you're bending).
3) The guitar needs some maintenance. This is most likely the case. Take the guitar to a good guitar shop and have them adjust everything and set the intonation. Depending on how well the guitar is made, it may not be possible to dial in the intonation very well.

You can attempt to do this yourself if you are reasonably adept at such things and are extremely careful. There are plenty of books about guitar maintenance. But be very careful if you go this route. It's very easy to destroy a guitar if you blow it, especially when adjusting the neck.

Edit:
It's important to understand that a guitar has a number of adjustments that affect its sound and intonation. You can't just say "Oh, the problem is such-and-such" and then change that, because it may need slight adjustments in multiple places. Of the three things I listed above, the problem could be any combination or part of them. The guitar must be properly adjusted overall or it will not play as well is it could.

Many people work on their own instruments (including myself) - most don't. The results vary from destroyed to perfect. But based on the fact that you asked this question, I would not recommend that you work on your own guitar unless you are willing to risk destroying it in your learning process. If you just want to play it and have it sound as good as it can, take it to a reputable shop and have them dial it in for you. They will adjust the neck if it needs it, set the action (the height of the strings from the frets), adjust the intonation and generally clean up the instrument and do whatever else it may need. It will cost you some money, but it will be worth it.

You need to get the neck adjusted. See a professional if you've never done it.

You have either not tuned it perfect, are bending the strings as you press or it needs intonation by adjusting the bridge.

don't fret. this is an easy fix and it happens to almost every guitar. In order to correct this intonation problem you have to adjust the saddles which are down by the bridge of the guitar. You'll need an allen wrench for this. basically, you just adjust the saddles until it gets into tune. check this website: http://www.projectguitar.com/tut/intonat...

the neck is warped and has dead frets.