How to Measure Your Guitar's Action Using StewMac Measurement Tools

Getting the PERFECT setup starts with accurate measurements at a number of critical points on the guitar.

In this Trade Secret, Blake demonstrates fast and accurate ways to measure the height of your action at the 1st fret, the 12th fret, get accurate fingerboard radius readings, and check your radius at the saddle.

If you're new to guitar repair or thinking of trying to adjust your action yourself, this is a good one to check out.

Products used in this video:

StewMac Shop Rule

String Action Gauge

Understring Radius Gauges

Notched Radius Gauges

Basic Setup Kit

#3316 Ball-end Hex Keys

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StewMac has everything you need to set up, repair or build guitars.
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Instagram: @StewMac_Guitar

[izich]

This is the best guitar action setup video described in 8 minutes that you'll find online. Thank you!

[sirnatanielson]

18 years playing guitar and I'm finally taking the dive into my own repair and setups. Mainly because I'm mechanically sound now. And this video nailed what I needed to fill some gaps. thank you!

[notbraindead]

This young man did an excellent job explaining the subject matter. He also did a pro job with the Stew-Mac sales pitch. I’ve purchased some of the Stew-Mac set up tools and they work as advertised.

[Christopher_Giustolisi]

I´m so glad to live in a country where we use the metric system.

[Bomber]

Absolutely the best video and most practical ever on the internet. Seriously this makes alot more sense then some of the ridiculous videos out there. Nice Job thank you.

[Jima]

Thumbs up for using an old string as a feeler gage! That's brilliant!

[jomen]

Thanks for actually showing how to actually read the string height gauge. Others just talk about it and expect you to know. .

[konjunto]

I am just now starting to try and set up my own guitars. IMHO the best video I have seen so far. Thank you. for taking your time to post the vid.

[form]

Listening for string buzz on under-string radius gauge is the tip I needed. Thanks!

[choimdachoim]

Thanks tuh Youtube I is buhcumin a gitar mekanik ! Seriously. I got my first guitar exactly 61 years ago and never knew any of the stuff I've learned on Youtube this past 6 months. It's a whole new hobby at the age of 73 to repair, adjust and modify my guitars, both acoustic and electric.

[samsungtvset]

For setting the distance of the string above the fret I use the plain
end of a drill bit.They are available in steps of 0.1mm, are very
accurate and don't cost much.

[ratchowmein]

I like this guy. Easy to understand and he looks relaxed.

[raymondwilliams]

Dude, there's a saying, “If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough”. You nailed it! Bravo! 🙂

[Johannsen]

This is the most thorough tutorial I´ve ever seen, including some paid courses on learning platforms. Other videos miss many important details on each step. I would definitely sign up for a paid course with this guy.

[hillanblaine]

Something to consider: I've been checking out other videos on using the String Action Ruler (as I'm new to using them personally). I believe the reason why your measurements may not be correlating with your calipers is because of Fret-height compensation. From what I can tell, the String Action Ruler is made to sit on the top of the Frets, not down in the Fretboard. Again, just a thought, and definitely don't hold me to it. :)

[michael_caz_nyc]

Stew Mac always has such great information. I purchased both of Mr. Dan's books, and they gave-me-the necessary information to do all my own maintenance & set-ups = Much Happier now with the playability of my guitars. Stay Safe.

[sichuancowboy]

The best and most thorough video on this topic.

[donlessnau]

Excellent vid. Clear, concise and to the point without all the stupid nonsense you find elsewhere. Blake did a great job.

[RockWeller]

Stewmac has such a great employee! Great tips man! Greetings from Singapore!

[andrewjeffries]

Thank you for the instruction, Blake! StewMac is definitely the goto authority for instructions for quality guitar work!