Understanding guitar truss rod adjustment

With the right tools and this guide, you'll be able to adjust your truss rod with confidence to achieve that perfect playability and sound. Dan Erlewine shows how the truss rod works, different truss rod types and configurations, common issues, measuring neck straightness, and adjusting the neck straightness using the truss rod.

Truss Rod Wrench for Fender

Hex Truss Rod Wrenches

Allen Truss Rod Wrenches

Soundhole Truss Rod Wrenches

Notched Straightedge Set

Guitar Grease

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[FunBunny]

Finally! A video that not only shows WHAT a truss rod does, but HOW it does it. Thanks Dan!

[MrAletube]

Dan is the grandpa every guitarist dreams of.

[Letsthinkthisthrough]

This video is the model for how a tutorial should be done - no infuriating intro, no hype, just really helpful, to the point information delivered by a friend. Thank you!

[INeverWanted]

Truss rod access at the heel is the bane of my existence. You know there's a problem when even Dan himself says "that's not easy to get to".

[WickBeavers]

Man. That guitar owner looks like he hasn't changed those strings since 1966! Nice video, thank you, Dan.

[DiegoVT]

Dan’s knowledge is pure gold. Man, I’d be his apprentice for free.

[HighlineGuitars]

I think a lot of people fear adjusting the truss rod because they don't know what it does and they worry they'll make a bad situation worse. This video finally clears it up in a way any noob should understand.

[xMERKaDERKx]

This is the best truss rod video I’ve ever seen. Not only is it so simple and well explained, but I’ve learned so much in these 5 minutes that I’ve been searching for for a very long time. The visuals (both pictures and him showing us) were absolutely perfect. Thank you so much.

[richsackett]

Man, who ever is editing these videos together is doing a fantastic, top-level job. I need to watch these videos and whoever you are has made the educational task as pleasant as imaginable.

[MarkyPaligs]

I feel like I wanna learn more because of how calm he looks and talks.

[ToddHofer]

Been playing for 51 years. VERY good and informative instructions for beginner guitar techs!

[guitarsehole]

Dan is a living treasure to the guitar world! Beautifully explained!

[sax]

I’m a grandfather. I bought my grandson a Les Paul a year ago...guess what we’re doing when he comes over this weekend? THANK YOU SO MUCH! Maybe I’ll get my Fender Strat back...maybe ;) Comprehensive, crystal clear, communicative, concise, conscientious, compelling, and complete, and all of those c’s earn an A+. First YouTube channel to which I’ve ever subscribed.

[BoneyBobsTreasure]

Dear Dan, thank you for this, two years on I still come back here every time I adjust a truss rod.

[RumbleFish]

Dan Erlewine is an institution! This man worked on some of the most legendary guitars in the world and his contributions are unmatched! Dan should be give an honorary induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!

[leomardo]

I don't even own a guitar nor I play a guitar, yet I am here and watched the entire video and amazed listening to such a soothing instructions and I can feel his passion on guitar coming through. I wish he was my next door neighbor; I would go there everyday to just talk and help him on whatever he is upto. God bless

[SeanCashMoneyMurphy]

There is some ASMR quality to his voice to the point where I'm convinced he could hypnotize a room full of people.

[fostexfan]

Dan deserves top luthier of the 20th AND 21st century award. A fine gentleman for sharing his knowledge

[rikirex]

started following Dan in 1985-86. I retired from lutherie work 11 years ago and he is still going....super star

[Aaron-zhkj]

The truss rod has always been the final frontier for me with doing guitar maintenance. 5 and a half minutes later upon finding this video, I know feel I have a pretty good grasp on the idea. I think I'm ready to start doing setups.