Complete Guitar Setup in 60 Seconds

A complete chapter list can be found below these paragraphs. This lesson is an overview. You can view the whole process in only 9 minutes. Please keep in mind that this is very condensed. There is more left out of this video than included. I also chose different guitars that feature simple parts for clarity. So.... please don't ask why I didn't give tips for a nine string ZR50 with six pickups in drop G tuning. Thanks for understanding.

00:09 The single most important setup adjustment
00:45 Neck bow, also called relief
00:49 Concave bow
01:00 Truss rod defined
01:38 View the relief of your fretboard
01:58 Measuring the gap
01:58 Tools include straight edge and feeler gauge
02:50 Make the adjustment
03:10 Decrease the gap (flatten the neck)
03:38 Increase the gap (add more concave curve)
03:50 Floating bridge angle adjustment
04:11 Spring tension adjustment
04:39 Action (string height) adjustment
05:36 Intonation adjustment - tune the twelfth fret note to the harmonic (chime)
05:50 12th fret is in middle of the string
06:24 Making the intonation adjustment
06:47 If the note is sharp of the harmonic do this to flatten the note until it matches the harmonic.
06:54 If the note is flat of the harmonic do this to sharpen the note until it matches the harmonic.
07:26 Metal Method instructor Dee J Nelson very cool tune, Pants on Fire
09:00 Closing

[ghostscalper]

VirtualLife is right: On a tremolo type bridge, NEVER EVER touch the two bridge-mounting screws/studs while the strings and springs are under tension !!! You will immediately kill the screws and the knife-edges on the bridge (repair will kost at least USD 300.-).
And then you would have to learn the weird way to "tune a Floyd Rose in 60 seconds" à la Doug Mark. Which is absolutely irrelevant on an unworn and perfectly working Floyd type tremolo.

[Heriberto]

This gentleman gave me the tools to start playing guitar decades ago here we are in 2018 and still educating me ...thank you from the bottom of my metal heart

[skyeditor]

I Freakin Love This Guy. I bought some Metal Method lessons when they were on cassette tapes back when i a young man. Seeing Doug is like seeing an old friend. Brings a smile to my Face!

[uprght]

Doug....been doing this work since 1973...I have NO issues with the info presented. The one place I wanted to jump in and say something was when you adjusted intonation to flatten the fretted note....BEFORE you adjust the screw clockwise for the saddle, DO detune that string....or you will add tension between the saddle and the ball end, and risk a POP! Adjusting that screw counter-clockwise has never popped a string on me....
It's a valuable service you've provided. Thank you.

[kaeljoe]

Finally, someone that known what their talking about .This is the only channel that tells people to Re check the truss rod the next day and re adjust if needed.

Thank you Mark

[johnny]

finally a real teacher and very professional. been playing for 38 years and still learned a lot.

[RumbleFish]

This dude is like the "Bob Ross" of guitars! This is, by far, the best truss rod adjustment video I've ever seen!

[Gstation]

Thanks Doug - I did the 1st fret to 17th fret and checked. Sure enough, I was off big time ! Thanks for the tip . She is working beautiful now. I had to tighten the truss rod 2 quarter inch turns. She is spot on now ! Thanks much.

[frogblues]

I've watched at least ten different videos on guitar setup. This is far and away the best one.

[danmar]

A complete guitar setup in 60 seconds in ... 9 minutes! :)

[uunz]

This is a super informative video. I had no idea how important the feeler gauge is to adjusting the action. SUPER LIKE for being one of the most comprehensive tutorials about this subject.

[pauldaniels]

Finaly someone saying things clearly with a real explanation!!! I love it!

[slipperedlobster]

Excellent tutorial...right to the point. Clear, concise and correct. I appreciate that you got it done...and quickly. This will go on my permanent list of tutorials under (adjusting and caring for my guitar). Thanks.

[riansettles]

Great video. I've been a fan since the old guitar magazine advertisements. I don't remember the exact year I ordered your lessons. I'm thinking anywhere between 83 to 85. I learned a ton of stuff from you. I'm very happy to see you still going. Thanks Doug and keep on pickin brother.

[AllyRowan]

This is a really handy video. I did the quick check of my electric and found there's definitely not enough space at the 7th. Getting that set up then checking the other stuff feels like more of a breeze now. The info about the saddles was handy too

[elcochipit]

Thanks Doug (again), I bougth Metal Method VHS in the late 80´S, helped me a lot..salutes!

[wldbill]

Thanks Doug, for that harmonics tip, and the stretching the string to check for string deadening as well.

[Paul_Warren_Wolfe]

Thanks Doug... I was just changing the strings on my son's guitar and the G was sharp at the 12th fret... couldn't remember clockwise or counter-clockwise (brain spasms) so I turned to you and you set me straight.

[DeadShred]

Man I remember seeing your Metal Method lessons in the back of my Circus magazines in the early 80's . Problem I didnt have the money for the tape or a VCR to play it on LOL I got where I wanted by the late 80's by watching MTV videos and or Tab which was difficult to read . I always learn better by watching . Had I had Youtube then I would be a Vai or Satch by now Oh well still love playing like a shredder. George Lynch was my Guru and still my fav of all times . Hes the hardest working man in Metal /Rock music lol The James Brown of Guitar !!!

[remingiusrentis]

Thank You very much Doug Marks for your information on the Every Inch of Electric-Guitar Setup check for Tonation