The idea behind the Tune-O-Matic bridge is to compensate for various string diameters a guitar player might choose. The bridge is slanted forward and is curved at the same radius as the neck. The point here is to raise the strings at the bridge in order to achieve the proper intonation. Because steel guitar strings have a very short effective length, thicker strings need to be higher in relation to the nut in order to increase the effective length and produce the same intonation as a smaller diameter string.

The construction of the Tune-O-Matic bridge is rather simple. It usually rests on a fixed rosewood base and is fastened to the guitar with adjustable screws on either side. There are six saddles, one for each string, that can be adjusted forward and backward depending on string diameter. The idea is to use the screws and the saddles in combination to adjust the strings to the right position. You can tell you've done this correctly if the note of open string is nearly identical to its harmonic counterpart on the 12th fret.

Tune-O-Matic bridges are still used today on high end solid-bodies, and semi-hollow and hollow electric archtops. Interestingly, many guitar players who haven't taken the time to study the details don't even know what this bridge is, let alone how to use it. Nonetheless, it's there for those who want it.