5 Step Guitar Setup Every Player Should Know

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[JeremyLeech]

I started doing my own setups about 5 years ago. There's something about setting up your own guitar that just makes it feel even better

[rickcheyne]

The way I've checked my intonation since the 70's has been to play a harmonic on the 12th fret and then play the note at the 12th fret and they should be the same. If the fretted note is sharper you need to lengthen the string and if it's flat then you shorten the string length. (shorter strings create sharper notes)

[gregdavis]

You want to install a capo on the first fret also when measuring neck relief. Then fret and hold at the fret where the body joins the neck. This forms a straight line between the first fret and the body joint fret area. Now measure the neck relief (the distance between the tip of the 7th fret and low E string) using a feeler gage at the 7th fret. Adjust per manufacture specs or to your preference. I set my Fenders at 0.008 to 0.011. Gibsons a bit less. All the measuring is done in the playing position and with the guitar tuned well before all measurements! Also, don't forget to check the condition of the fretboard for dryness on wood that requires moisture (rosewood for instance) after cleaning. Keeping the wood with proper hydration is key a long-life fretboard. I use heavily filtered Linseed oil or Music Nomad F-One Oil is really good also. Maple necks with clear coat over them do not require oil.

[mattuk]

A useful tip for remembering which way the saddle needs to move when intonating is you need to move the saddle in the direction of your tuner needle. i.e. if the note is sharp and the needle is to the right of centre then the saddle needs to be moved in that direction, to the right. If the note is flat and the needle is to the left of centre then move your saddle to the left.

[bobkraft]

The way I remember to adjust saddles for intonation is if you touch something sharp with your finger your reaction is to pull it back. So if the string is sharp, pull the saddle back. I forget where I heard this but I’ve remembered it since. Big fan of your channel!

[darenanderson]

I love the set up lessons. It would be great to see it on other types of guitars, including acoustic and tremolo guitars. Thanks!

[stillsoundrecords]

This honestly was some much needed knowledge for someone who’s been playing guitar for 10+ years and never done a set up myself. Tons of great advice and it’s much appreciated!

[nero_vzero]

I would definitely like a part 2 with guitar type differences and trems. Thanks for uploading this

[kerrykroger]

I had a great experience with Music Nomad when I got my full set of nut files I wanted one of the smaller metal containers to keep my most used files in and I contacted Music Nomad and they just asked for proof of purchase and happily shipped me the smaller gold container they use for the smaller file sets... no charge. Good Folks!

[logangabehart]

I love this. I do Repairs at Guitar Center, and this is something everyone should know. It’s all personal preference and everyone doing setups do them a little different. To get a guitar the way you like/need it’s good to know how to fix problems that arise.

Also, I wanted to give a trick on polishing frets easier. 0000 steel wool is amazing. Use the same blocker so it doesn’t hit the board, but it seems to work faster and better than the compounds. Plus if your doing a darker wood that isn’t covered with clear coat, you can polish the board with the same steel wool and oil when finished. Literally my favorite process to do to a guitar. And the before and after are super drastic. A fretboard is the first thing that you feel on a guitar and to have it not crusted up with dead skin and dried sweat is a lovely feeling.

[HoJSimpson]

Did exactly this after switching parts on the guitar. It not only sounds better, it also plays way better due to the action beeing set properly.

[michaelvarney.]

First step: Get an electric screwdriver and a winder bit. This greatly speeds up tuning, and allows you to remove screws faster. The hand winder is a backup

[Irnman]

1) String Change 2:41
2) Truss Rod Adjustment 6:00
3) String Action 9:14 (no title card for this step)
4) Set Bridge Radius 11:18
5) Set Intonation 12:58

[bassmonsteradsit]

Yes, please make a separate vid for setting up the different bridge styles. I know there are plenty of vids out there but the way you just went through this made it SUPER easy to follow. I've been playing nearly 35 years and I like you have outsourced my setups and realize it's time to do it myself.

Thanks for all you do and all you share, brother!

[SpiderStratagemVI]

Set up videos by someone who is kinda just getting into it are the best! Rhett, you nailed it with the thorough explanation of the various steps!

[harolddeschenes]

I just bought a Fender Squier Contemporary Telecaster this week. The string gage was too big for me and quite honestly that guitar needed some love. So I took it to the guitar shop for a good setup. Having said that, it is my intention to broaden my knowledge of guitar maintenance so I can learn to do these adjustments on my own. Regards from Ottawa, Canada.

[anthonybizzell]

Two notes: 1. When checking the action/string height, it's not necessary to fret the string at the 1st fret. Just measure the height of the open string, and 2. It's best to loosen the string before raising the saddles, tightening the truss rod or adjusting intonation.

[DavidSJ_DAP]

As far as adjusting intonation is concerned, it is a good practice to let some of the tension off the string before you adjust it...also, checking the 5th and 17th frets as well as the open and 12th fret can provide a little more accuracy...

[jeffsquires]

Two years ago I lived in a hot humid environment with a good tech nearby. Now I live in a cooler dryer environment, no tech for 2 hundred kms. My guitars took 18 months to adapt to my new location. I bought the tools and did the research to do almost the required work.

[samuelfreeman]

Im so excited for the second part of the studio builld! Awesome vids Rhett!