Complete Guitar Setup: Easy Step-By-Step Guide

***Update***
I've misplaced the decimal point in the neck relief tables! They should read:

7.25": 0.012"
9.5" to 12": 0.010"
15" to 17": 0.008"

Setting up your electric guitar can completely change how it feels and sounds for the better! In this video, I'll show you my easy step-by-step method to setup an electric guitar.

Here's a link to everything I use in this video (links to Amazon - as an Amazon Associate, I'll earn a small commission on qualifying purchases!):

Tools required:
- a phillips head screwdriver
- a ruler that can measure in 64ths of an inch
- a hex key that’s the right size for your truss rod
- Either a hex key (for Strat style bridges) or flathead screwdriver (for tune-o-matic bridges)
- A capo
- A set of feeler gauges
- a set of new guitar strings
- A guitar tuner (one that can take a direct signal from your guitar)

I'm using the GrooveTech Stagehand Guitar Tech Kit which includes everything I'm using except the truss rod hex key, strings, and tuner.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:29 How often to set up your guitar
00:59 Tools required
01:51 Step 1: Change your strings
02:33 Step 2: Neck relief
05:17 Step 3: String height
07:16 Step 4: Pickup height
08:45 Step 5: Intonation
10:41 Final thoughts

[ConorRocksYT]

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:29 How often to set up your guitar
00:59 Tools required
01:51 Step 1: Change your strings
02:33 Step 2: Neck relief
05:17 Step 3: String height
07:16 Step 4: Pickup height
08:45 Step 5: Intonation
10:41 Final thoughts

*Update*
I've misplaced the decimal point in the neck relief tables! They should read:

7.25": 0.012"
9.5" to 12": 0.010"
15" to 17": 0.008"

[seananderson]

I bought a new fender strat in 1987 -- played in bands and clubs for a long time -- finally someone offered to set it up for me - in 2015! I had never had it set up - things were different back then if you did not know someone or no one told you (the shop I bought it at should have said something) you did not was amazed when the action was lowered how much better it played!

[luciusseneca]

As a self taught casual player and the only person in my family or friend circle who plays, this was incredibly helpful. Thank you!

[kritiko]

One of the best quick in details explanation on the entire youtube library 👍

[pmd]

The blanked numbers at 3:50 are
NECK RADIUS

7.25"

9.5"-12"

15"-17"

RELIEF

.012” (0.3 mm)

.010” (0.25 mm)

.008” (0.2 mm)

[stuartlauchlan]

I've always been a bit nervous of playing with the setup of my guitars, but your guide is really user-friendly and easy to follow, so it's time to give it a try. Thanks for sharing.

[alecaventura]

I just solved the fret buzz problem by increasing the height of the saddles as you explained, it's a Squier C.V. Tele 40th Anniversary Edition, brand new, in case anyone is having the same problems with this same model.
Thank you very much for the tip, congratulations on the video, the first time I did this, you encouraged me, it's amazing how it works. :)

[donald-parker]

I check set up every time I change strings (and check it again a couple of days later after playing on them) and every seasonal change and every time I take a guitar travelling with me when I get to a new location. I definitely agree with the order you recommend (relief, action, intonation). And good tip about keeping fender style saddles level - so many people think tilting the saddles is part of matching the fretboard radius, and that is just wrong. A titled saddle can rob you of tone, sustain, and tuning stability. I never bothered with feeler gauges for adjusting relief - I just hold a string down at the 1st fret and where the neck joins the body and tap at about the 7th fret to see how much movement there is. IMO there is no "right or wrong" - it depends on how hard you play, the string gauges you use and the type of music you play (a little fret buzz will never be noticed with high gain playing but might be bothersome for a rich clean tone). I adjust PU height for sound. Some folks might prefer balanced volume when changing from neck to bridge - some may prefer more output. As long as they are not too close to the strings, I feel it is a matter of taste and sound (for example, on strat style guitars I tend to keep the middle PU a lot lower - I just prefer the sound I get in positions 4 and 2 that way). I would suggest never to adjust the truss rod more than 1/4 turn without checking, and if it is not good enough after two adjustments, wait a day or two before going further. I agree completely that anyone serious about guitar should learn to do this. And I would add that, a lot of nubes seem to think getting a "pro set up" is good for life. Wrong. Guitars change. And setting up to "factory specs" is a compromise. Playable by anyone but optimal for no one. The only person who can dial in the perfect set up for your style, sound, and choice of string is you.

[BDChupacabra]

It's so cool to get back into this. I've been a guitar player for 14 years now and i just got back into playing seriously again, and bought a new guitar. Refreshing myself on my setup always feels good.

[thillizon]

Thanks, Conor. Great newbie video. Brings back memories of practicing the violin as an 8 year old

[JHNDATA]

I check intonation and any new fret buzz about every 3 or 4 weeks. Good information, helpful reminders. Thx

[Eelbackwards]

I recommend having a proper size of slotted screwdriver to adjust tune o matics without stripping the chrome from the hardware, as shown in your video. around 6:25.

[michaelthomas]

Great step-by-step guide. Thanks for making this a simple exercise.

[lukmandanish]

Bought my first electric guitar last week from someone who never played it. Your guide really helped me to set up my guitar as a guy who only had experience with acoustic guitars only. Thanks a lot Conor you Rock 🤘.

[robbphillips]

I set mine up yesterday, Its a Squire Sonic in HSS.
Truss rod was perfect,
String height was ok, in spec.
Pickups were way low, made the most unbelievable difference to raise the PUps to Fender Stratocaster spec height.
Have some locking tuners on the way, will do Tremolo and Intonation once I fit the new Tuners.

[kamarulhisyam]

It me right now having this issue and i feel like i need to do something new such a good set up after long times played..ive been searching for a weeks to select the best teacher tutorial at youtu..and today i just found my good teacher for what i need..thanks bro for sharing this even its just a basic lesson but its give me so so much satisfaction about how to set up the guitar..thank you agains.

[danphelps]

Thank you a very thorough lesson. I, m glad you shared you didn’t use the capo when setting the strings height. I just got done setting up my Fender Stratocaster. I just followed your advice. Thanks again for sharing.

[BlossomPluid]

Thank you a very thorough lesson. I, m glad you shared you didn’t use the capo when setting the strings height. I just got done setting up my Fender Stratocaster. I just followed your advice. Thanks again for sharing.

[kevinelliott]

Great guide. I used it to set up my electric guitar and it plays really well. Thank you .

[watchthegamer]

This was absolutely perfect and exactly what I was looking for. So many videos make it overly complicated but this was very simple. My 92 strat sounds better than it ever has!! Thanks!!!!