Adjusting for lower tuning

[Agtronic]

I like the sound of my strat when it's tuned 1 step down. I'm currently exprimenting with different size strings, but I think I'm getting close. However, I have noticed that the tuning seems to be off. Is this the intonation? Like, if I want to play some chords near the bottom of the neck (at the head end), they'll be in perfect tune, but as I go higher up the neck, the G seems to go off. It doesn't do this when I'm tuned normally. What I've been doing it tuning the E, A and D strings a little flat, and compensating while playing by either bending slightly, or pressing harder, depending on where I am on the neck. It sounds complicated, but it's not, I pretty much do it without thinking about it, just by ear. But I'm tired of this ... I stay away from open chords 'cause of my tuning ...

So the question : What generally needs to be adjusted when setting-up a guitar for a lower tuning?

Thanks in advance!

 

[LocusLarsen]

You strat should have a screw for each string..........

Tune, play the 12th fret harmonic. If its high, twist counter clockwise...low, clockwise, I think? Its just off hand. Then retune and check harmonic. If good move on and repeat for each string.

 

[64Firebird]

Yeah, if it's too high, make the string longer. Too low make it shorter.