What’s your best setup tip? Edit: For those saying to measure from the fret rather than the neck, I am accounting for that adjustment with the measurement by adding a couple 32's, as you can see on the ruler itself. Sorry if that was unclear!
also, you dont need a fancy tool to remove the knobs, you can use something like a shoelace or yarn, and wrap it under it and pull it off.. dont use something like a skrewdiver.. you will damage the knob and the finish
Its friggin insane. I just bought all the cleaning products and tools just today with the intention to set up my strat on the weekend. I guess its time to unplug Alexa
The whole point with intonation is to make the 12th fret exactly the halfway point of the string. When you change the bridge, it changes the string tension and thus it's PITCH - OPPOSITE to what you may think! You must retune the string each time after adjusting the bridge. (He did not do or show that) THEN you check to see if your adjustment did the job. If not, (A) check and get string in tune again. (B) check pitch at 12th fret. (C) If it is sharp at the 12th, then LENGTHEN the string by tightening it's bridge piece (away from the neck). Counter- intuitively it WILL raise the string tension and raise the pitch. If it is flat at the 12th, then SHORTEN the string by loosening it's bridge piece (toward the neck). Counter- intuitively it WILL lower the string tension and lower the pitch. (D) You must reset or retune string then check your work. Rinse and repeat and move to next string. IT"S SIMPLE - JUST GET THAT 12th FRET SITTING ON THE HALFWAY LINE *** As far as I can tell, this dude is making the opposite corrections - do like I tell ya - do it right! ***
Actually you can fix your action by taking off the saddle bridge, buying a new one, and sand it down to your desired level. I did it to mine, and it made it 10 times better to play
As a beginner, this helped me set up my 2 strat knockoffs, I changed cables to the amp and am getting good tone. Learning by ear and trying to read TAB, scales, theory etc., is fun, only if my arthritis would cooperate, it's become my new physical therapy! Helps to keep my mind off of pain, almost meditation like, finding that zone, takes you to another place. Thx for great tutorials.
Just a heads up when tightening the control pots and the output jack. Make sure you stabilize them from the back to stop them from spinning! Otherwise, there is a good chance you'll break a wire inside.
Thank you! Your statement is exactly why I pay my guitar tech/Luthier to take care of my guitars....I have an idea what you said cause I listen but haven't invested the time..I'd rather keep practicing and playing. When 8 take a break and check out videos like this I appreciate it....cleaning and changing strings is all I do. The rest goes to shop where i trust
I have been doing my own set up for years, but my friend, you have created the most thorough instruction video on guitar set up I have ever seen. Wonderful mini tips.
Just rebuilt my Epiphone LP custom with EMG Het Set and then realized I can’t get it to the shop for set up because it’s still closed. This video just saved me big time.. never done a set up by myself. Just followed exactly the steps and it is 100 times better than I thought. I’m wondering how bad my set up has been for the last 10 years. Thanks Tyler, spent the money on a subscription to guitar super system instead to help support the channel and learn some more theory! Keep up the great work!
MrSpidey333 don’t think twice just do it. As long as that’s the sounds you are going for. Install was sooo easy because of the solder free EMG connections. Which you can watch on their RUclips channel. Make sure you get long shaft volume and tone pots though. They have two lengths.
@@TheyCallMeSean my hands, whatever I find in my closet, pure frustration. It's worth getting at least a peg winder for re-stringing. That alone will save you a lot of time and annoyance. Oh and extra strings. I never knew about the 1st and last fret trick but the conventional way for setting up your truss is to use a guitar neck straight edge. Allen wrench set in both metric and imperial. Check what kind of truss rod adjustment your guitars have because different manufacturers have different styles. I think most use a long allen wrench that you'll probably want a T handle for.
As someone who works setting up restringing and selling guitars, you don't need to wrap over before going under when stringing it as long as you get 3 wraps you won't have tuning problems and it will be great. When checking if your neck is straight its much much better to hold the guitar up and look at the shadow the strings leave that way you can see if your neck is front, back bowed or has a twist, you will even be able to easily tell if one of the frets is higher or lower then the others.
A fret rocker will tell you which frets are hight/low. Also, you can capo the first fret so you have a free hand to measure the relief instead of "bounce" as he calls it. Also, he doesn't outright mention which frets to check relief or adjust string height. If you're a details person, there are more specific videos.
Setup is often neglected but it’s an essential part of getting a guitar to play and sound it’s best. Start with setting up the tremolo first, then the neck relief, then the action, then the intonation and finally the pickup height. The truss rod adjustment guidance advice here is generally fine. However people should be aware that truss rod adjustment is a little more complex than first imagined. If you are finding that the guitar is buzzing in the middle of the neck (roughly frets 7,8 and 9) you may need to slightly tighten the truss rod to flatten the neck. This is counter intuitive but it’s a fact; the neck slopes upwards from 7th/8th fret towards the heel and if relief is excessive notes will fret out on the upslope. If buzzing is taking place lower on the neck you need to loosen the truss rod and add relief.
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.
The Setup is surely a BIG part of a guitarist quality, THANKS TYLER for al this tips, that make me a better guitarist and help me improve my guitar playing videos also. . PD: Badass rock in my videos 🔥
I'd always been afraid to touch the screws on the bridge, or (gasp!) the truss rod. Thanks to following your tips, my Washburn that I bought new in 1999 sounds *better* than it did when it was new! Now I have to do my other, newer guitars that now sound... not as good in comparison! Understanding what everything actually does was key for me, so again, thank you for the excellent tutorial!
I learned the acronym TRAIN from one of the Fender Custom Shop luthiers for the proper order. Tune the guitar, Relief- check and adjust, Action- check and adjust, Intonation- check and adjust, Noodle around on the guitar to be sure everything is correct.
Crap I forgot to polish my frets the other day when I was re-stringing my guitar... it’s a Floyd rose guitar... all of you Floyd rose owners probably already know this... keep the bridge level the whole process. Wedge something in that hole behind the saddle block to keep the bridge level. Put your new strings on, tune to pitch just once, back off springs little bit, tune again, and then screw in springs until trem wedge falls out. Amazing invention that guy made...there’s a video on here... makes Floyd rose set up quick and painless. Like 15 minutes
Stack of guitar picks works pretty good. Also if you just got the guitar and are re-stringing, check what gauge it had on it. If you change string gauges it will unbalance whatever the currently set tension is between the strings and the tremolo springs which will make the bridge go out of whack. That's when you have to touch the screws that hold the tremolo springs in place. Not a fun processes lol.
I am not going to lie. Tried to watch as many tutorials on how to do it, this one was it. I am a decently good guitarist but I do not know alot about maintenance. This video made me understand what something does and how it works but at the same time keeping it really simple
Great video Tyler. Can I just make one suggestion? It might be more advisable to set action by measuring from the top of the fret rather than the fingerboard. This is because there are many different types of frets, so going from the strings point of contact would generally be best. Cheers!
Yeah that seems like a pretty big mistake in this video. Everything I have heard about measuring action is from top of fret. I'm no expert though maybe one can chime in.
@@jeff1872tyeah, my machinist ruler was made specifically for guitar setups and it is, by design, too wide to fit between the frets like tyler's. it's like the size and shape of a credit card; the idea being you can lay it across 3+ frets and it stays level.
With reference to 10:20 - If the “D” string is “sharp” at the 12th fret, (it means the string length is too short) - You don’t “loosen” the saddle, you turn the saddle length adjustment clockwise to to pull the saddle back a touch to lengthen the string therefore flattening the “sharp” note fretted.
exactly what i thought. very badly explained. i don't know why most intonation instructions are super confusing. just explain it as you would to a kid. what are the steps exactly and why, give them a way to memorize it.
Also, must re-tune the open string after the adjustment and BEFORE rechecking the 12th-fret pitch, since moving the saddle piece usually changes the string tension (as it did here). Did you catch that the 12-fret pitch wasn't exactly right after doing it the other way 'round?
suggestion: When you tighten a knob or input jack it is safer to open up the plate on the back and physically hold the pot or jack in place with your fingers while you tighten the nut. Tightening from the top of the guitar can/will spin the wires around underneath and possibly pull a wire off. I got a lot of repairs from people tightening the control nut from the top. Signed: Musical Instrument Repair tech since 1974. P.S. BRAVO to you. You are one of the very few who knows to intonate a guitar in the "playing position"
I still have some questions, but this has been super helpful, especially showing us exactly which tools you're using. It's a bit discouraging when an instructional video breezes over these details. Cheers
Your channel is my one-stop-shop for anything that have to do with guitars. I owe my success to you and blame my flaws on you as well, so thanks for that lol
Thank you for this video I wish I watched it 14 years ago! The only challenging part for me was trying to read a ruler in 32nd's. Now I'm happy my guitars are like butter and I can do this anytime I need to myself.
Few things I missed and need rn: How to set up tremolo bridge and how to grind the nut properly. I put on heavy gauge strings recently and my brigde gone crazy up and thicc string is to big for nut hole
I'm new to playing and thought I was never going to do anything right. I broke the electronics of my guitar and sent it in for warranty repairs. When I got it back I thought they sent me the wrong guitar. They replaced the string and set it up correctly. What a difference ... Have your guitar setup !!!
When I figured out how to set up my guitar myself I felt like a god damn genius. Saved myself a lot of time and money, and it played like it should afterward. It really not that hard!
I've been doing all my work on my guitars for years now and there isn't much I'm not comfortable doing but still watches these videos and I always find something I didn't know or a small tick that I may of forgotten.
A tip for those with headless guitars. You wanna make sure to lock the string down then clip the excess and tighten slightly then lossen the nut and pull in the little bit of string hanging off so it doesn't poke out.
Dude, I can't tell you how much this video saved my life.... I'm pretty should I did almost snap my neck because my actions were all super high to take care of the backbow. But now I got it sounding perfect
I've been wanting to find an all-encompassing setup video like this one for a while now, so thanks for taking the time to make it! I've been playing for about a decade now, I guess it's time I learn to take care of my own guitars other than just changing out strings.
For reference to those who may not know this... a very important point for novices was overlooked. When intonating the guitar you failed to demonstrate which direction was, " tighten" the saddle and which direction (Right or left) will "loosten " the saddle . Most call it lengthening or shortening the string.
Great stuff. I love doing my own set-ups, care & maintenance. Music Nomad makes some tools that will tighten things, without the chance of Scratching your Guitar's finish. I use an extra-soft-bristle, baby's toothbrush vs.the Sharp pointy dental tool. Truss rod always makes me a little nervous though. Enjoyed this. Stay Safe brother.
Protip for angled headstocks and non-locking tuners (a la vintage Gibson): wind the string UNDER then OVER (opposite of what Tyler suggested). It'll help keep the break-angle over the nut correct, while still pinching off the string. Maximum tuning stability achieved.
I ordered today my first electric guitar, I can't wait to unbox and play it This video will be helpful EDIT: I bought Fender Squier Bullet Mustang HH Kinsmam BB10 amp ik it's not that great but it's best I could afford for now EDIT 2: It finallt arrived! I've been playing on it for about 2 hours and it sounds great!
Doesnt matter how you start man. And I think it helps to learn on a cheaper guitar. If you can play a lower quality one then playing a good one is a breeze.
@@razorgear78 I've been playing on a classical guitar, that I borowed from my uncle, for like 8-9 months and I finally decided, that I need my own guitar. I didn't want another classical/acoustic because they would've hold me back. So now I'm here waiting for the guitar to arrive...
Important to tune and re-tune after each adjustment. Order of operations is also very important, especially depending on what type of bridge you have, tremelo, etc. I'd add dead straight neck is a personal preference, some concavity is preferred by many.
I once stumbled upon a great setup tip that I've never heard anywhere else : when you change your strings, after having installed the new ones gently pull them away from the fretboard, kind of like a bow. It tightens the knot and helps the string stay in tune. It may be scary but you should be fine, I've never broken a string doing that ( although, I have 10" strings and a floating bridge so it helps)
Well usually you'd stretch the strings by doing that. Straight out of the packet they need stretching otherwise they'll just go flat for a while until they stretch out themselves
I thought intonation was this way: if note is sharp, tighten the screw (going clockwise) to move the saddle back and if the note is flat, loosen the screw (going counterclockwise) to move the saddle to the front.
If fretted note is sharp you want to make the distance longer between 12th fret and the saddles. So Yes, that means you have to tighten the saddle screw, so it would move the saddle backwards, further from the headstock. By doing this the tension might be higher so the fretted note might become even sharper, therefore re-tuning is vital so one not confuse himself.
@@acehandler1530 Too funny as a kid in the 70's I used to keep my Surfboard in my bedroom always waxed with Sex Wax, that stuff smelled so good, Strawberry, Lemon or Coconut were my favorites. But in all seriousness I use Burt's Bees Wax Lip Balm (like Chapstick) on the Nut, String Trees (on my Fenders) a little on the Saddle and Bridge too. Stands up to heat and humidity easy to wipe of excess and doesn't attract dust and dirt like the liquids do. I would think Sex Wax would actually work too.
@@The_Timinator Yes! I really love that strawberry-scented variety. Mixed about 50/50 with Tiger Balm - and BOOM mf, that's some SERIOUS sex wax 😂 She always looks SO surprised 😂😂😂
I use Howard's butcher block conditioner, on the fretboard. You can also intonate by relative tuning; rather than intonating by octave, for example, you fret E6 at the 5th and intonate to A5. I find it to be more durable throughout tuning and string changes.
Thanks for the tips dude, Ive been playing guitar on and off for 17 odd years and never really bothered looking into all the technical in and outs of guitar maintenance. Turns out my intonation was way off and i needed to adjust the bridge slightly, Thanks for the video, Im sure it will be one of many watches when I need to do some maintenance.
Step 1: Be in the same band and practice space as your guitar tech. Step 2: Ask nicely and give whiskey to your tech until they fix your instrument. This has been the last year and a half of my life lmao.
For a year I couldn't get my fat E string intonated. I finally figured it out. The Bridge screw that changes the length of the string was too long, and it would touch the fat E string before it would get to the correct spacing. I Found a shorter bridge screw on a strat copy... and it worked!
You can’t move the saddle to intonate the neck. Because acoustic strings are so much thicker buzzing on the frets is a bigger problem so be very careful with how you adjust the truss rod. I would google anything specific to your manufacturer. If you are lucky enough to have a decent Taylor you can also have the neck shimmed up because it’s not a glue joint, I had it done by the factory rep on my 810 ce. Another thing you want to make sure of with acoustic is protecting the finish while working on the guitar because the wood is extremely susceptible to dents,swirls and scratches..good luck don’t be intimidated I’ve been doing it for a long time it’s relaxing
I'm a 49 year old guy and never learned how to do my own setups. I'd like to get a kit of tools and start on my 35 guitar collection. I'm not so much interested in all the cleaning products you seem to be pushing but the actual technical aspects, adjustments and the specific tools required for a proper setup. I already know how to wipe down my guitar with polish and oil the fretboard.
That electronic music..... Hey big boy, you got anymore of that nut sauce? Also my 1st guitar was a Ibanez RG 550. I used to spend hrs getting that thing intonated. Didn't know about the fret stones, Thanks!
Theres one major thing i noticed that I would address. When tightening the nut on a volume/tone pot, a switch, or an output jack, ALWAYS remove the electronic cavity cover and HOLD what you're tightening as you do it. If you dont do this, you will turn the pot in the guitar, and over time this will break solder joints and cause shorting. You don't notice the pot moving from the top because the nob is off.
Me: driving to my guitar tech. RUclips: Music is Win video notification. Me: *watches video at an empty parking spot* Also: Drives home and sets up Squier strat. Me for the last time: likes the video. Tyler: you’ve done good Tyler. You’ve done good. My guitar tech: *out of work*
So I bought guitar that the person before me apparently turned every adjustment input on the damn thing. I knew something was wrong because it ALWAYS sounded terrible. Just fixed all the problems, and actually enjoying playing again. Thank you man. Well done!
Great video. When setting the action you set the high E to 2/32 and the low he to 2.5/32. What do you do with the other strings? Do you use radius gauges to adjust the other 4 strings, or do you just make the wound strings 2.5/32 and the other strings 2/32? Thanks.
What’s your best setup tip? Edit: For those saying to measure from the fret rather than the neck, I am accounting for that adjustment with the measurement by adding a couple 32's, as you can see on the ruler itself. Sorry if that was unclear!
step 1: get a guitar
dont tighten your output jack without holding the back.. you can rip the wires from the jack if it spins
Get a simple tune o matic guitar
1. pay guitar tech to set up guitar
2. done
also, you dont need a fancy tool to remove the knobs, you can use something like a shoelace or yarn, and wrap it under it and pull it off.. dont use something like a skrewdiver.. you will damage the knob and the finish
0:47 How to clean your guitar
5:02 Truss rod adjustment
6:50 How to set your action
7:27 Pickup height tips
8:47 Intonation adjustment
You are a legend
THANK YOU
God
Excelent bro!
Da real MVP
You have no idea how much this helped me. No one else has been as clear as you were on a proper setup.
true
Fr!! I never understand anyone else
Your kidding right?
@@toastoftowne1076 your
dude, what internets are you watching?
is this a paid fake account? :}
Why does every video this guy post tend to my current problems? amazing!
So true!!!
He has a camera in your house
Seems like he is spying on me
It really does feel like he’s spying on me lmao
Its friggin insane. I just bought all the cleaning products and tools just today with the intention to set up my strat on the weekend. I guess its time to unplug Alexa
The whole point with intonation is to make the 12th fret exactly the halfway point of the string.
When you change the bridge, it changes the string tension and thus it's PITCH - OPPOSITE to what you may think!
You must retune the string each time after adjusting the bridge. (He did not do or show that)
THEN you check to see if your adjustment did the job.
If not,
(A) check and get string in tune again.
(B) check pitch at 12th fret.
(C) If it is sharp at the 12th, then LENGTHEN the string by tightening it's bridge piece (away from the neck).
Counter- intuitively it WILL raise the string tension and raise the pitch.
If it is flat at the 12th, then SHORTEN the string by loosening it's bridge piece (toward the neck).
Counter- intuitively it WILL lower the string tension and lower the pitch.
(D) You must reset or retune string then check your work. Rinse and repeat and move to next string.
IT"S SIMPLE - JUST GET THAT 12th FRET SITTING ON THE HALFWAY LINE
*** As far as I can tell, this dude is making the opposite corrections - do like I tell ya - do it right! ***
6:33
Fixing the action is easy.
Me: cries in acoustic
Stfu 😀
Actually you can fix your action by taking off the saddle bridge, buying a new one, and sand it down to your desired level. I did it to mine, and it made it 10 times better to play
@@cozmikzombi its the destring-restring stuff that is a nightmare
@@cozmikzombi that's what I did too. I used to not really like playing my Acoustic, but now it's my favorite
@@jesuschrist4185 tf's your problem
As a beginner, this helped me set up my 2 strat knockoffs, I changed cables to the amp and am getting good tone. Learning by ear and trying to read TAB, scales, theory etc., is fun, only if my arthritis would cooperate, it's become my new physical therapy! Helps to keep my mind off of pain, almost meditation like, finding that zone, takes you to another place. Thx for great tutorials.
Just a heads up when tightening the control pots and the output jack. Make sure you stabilize them from the back to stop them from spinning! Otherwise, there is a good chance you'll break a wire inside.
And also make sure you know the difference between a nut and a washer lol
did that to my wah pedal once lol, had a loose input
had to solder the wire back onto the jack
Thank you! Your statement is exactly why I pay my guitar tech/Luthier to take care of my guitars....I have an idea what you said cause I listen but haven't invested the time..I'd rather keep practicing and playing. When 8 take a break and check out videos like this I appreciate it....cleaning and changing strings is all I do. The rest goes to shop where i trust
Arg. I just did this to my jazzbass. 🤦♂
I have been doing my own set up for years, but my friend, you have created the most thorough instruction video on guitar set up I have ever seen. Wonderful mini tips.
Your cleaning supplies cost more than my setup
He's cleaning supplies cost more than my guitar
@@kiimawittu_ his*
I didn't know guitars needed to be cleaned. I've never cleaned mine and it sounds just fine.
@kiimawittu_ true, but when you own 10 or 15 guitars, it becomes worth it.
Bruh ye
Just rebuilt my Epiphone LP custom with EMG Het Set and then realized I can’t get it to the shop for set up because it’s still closed.
This video just saved me big time.. never done a set up by myself. Just followed exactly the steps and it is 100 times better than I thought. I’m wondering how bad my set up has been for the last 10 years.
Thanks Tyler, spent the money on a subscription to guitar super system instead to help support the channel and learn some more theory!
Keep up the great work!
That's really nice to hear.
You got any tips my guy? I’m planning on doing this for my Epiphone too
MrSpidey333 don’t think twice just do it. As long as that’s the sounds you are going for. Install was sooo easy because of the solder free EMG connections. Which you can watch on their RUclips channel. Make sure you get long shaft volume and tone pots though. They have two lengths.
0:50 tightening things
1:11 cleaning the frets
1:50 polish the frets
2:51 fretboard conditioner
3:14 lubricate nuts
3:25 neck cleaning
3:42 crackling volume-tone knob/ pickup selector
3:51 intrument polish
4:18 changing strings
4:45 truss rod adjusment
6:33 adjusting the action
7:08 adjusting pickup height
8:32 Intonation
Anything can be easy when you have the right tools. Make sure you invest in your setup tools and don't cheap out.
What do you use personally?
@@TheyCallMeSean my hands, whatever I find in my closet, pure frustration. It's worth getting at least a peg winder for re-stringing. That alone will save you a lot of time and annoyance. Oh and extra strings. I never knew about the 1st and last fret trick but the conventional way for setting up your truss is to use a guitar neck straight edge. Allen wrench set in both metric and imperial. Check what kind of truss rod adjustment your guitars have because different manufacturers have different styles. I think most use a long allen wrench that you'll probably want a T handle for.
Stew macs are overpriced though. I can definitely cheap out and get same results.
When you measure the height of the string you're suppose to measure from the top of the fret.
That is the comment i was searching
@@eyupdeli7860 +1
To the bottom of the string?
@@thezeek2745 Yes.
Yeah, well what if it's fretless 😊
As someone who works setting up restringing and selling guitars, you don't need to wrap over before going under when stringing it as long as you get 3 wraps you won't have tuning problems and it will be great. When checking if your neck is straight its much much better to hold the guitar up and look at the shadow the strings leave that way you can see if your neck is front, back bowed or has a twist, you will even be able to easily tell if one of the frets is higher or lower then the others.
A fret rocker will tell you which frets are hight/low. Also, you can capo the first fret so you have a free hand to measure the relief instead of "bounce" as he calls it. Also, he doesn't outright mention which frets to check relief or adjust string height. If you're a details person, there are more specific videos.
Setup is often neglected but it’s an essential part of getting a guitar to play and sound it’s best. Start with setting up the tremolo first, then the neck relief, then the action, then the intonation and finally the pickup height. The truss rod adjustment guidance advice here is generally fine. However people should be aware that truss rod adjustment is a little more complex than first imagined. If you are finding that the guitar is buzzing in the middle of the neck (roughly frets 7,8 and 9) you may need to slightly tighten the truss rod to flatten the neck. This is counter intuitive but it’s a fact; the neck slopes upwards from 7th/8th fret towards the heel and if relief is excessive notes will fret out on the upslope. If buzzing is taking place lower on the neck you need to loosen the truss rod and add relief.
I know this is late but thank you so much
8:45 “Turn down the tone knob”
Me who plays an ES-333: “...Well...”
Is it the tom delonge version?
Don't tell, guitar center is gonna go out of business.
WHAT????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PLS mrbeast buy some guitars
not because of this kind of instructions :}
RIP
This aged like milk
.007 at 9th fret is a good relief. Action 1/32 across. You measure from 12th fret not finger bored.
I forgot to like my bad. 2/32 at 5th fret board is like 1/32 at 12fret on the fret so it's good.
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.
This is a brilliant idea!
The Setup is surely a BIG part of a guitarist quality, THANKS TYLER for al this tips, that make me a better guitarist and help me improve my guitar playing videos also. . PD: Badass rock in my videos 🔥
I would appreciate a lot if you could give me feedback on my ROCK videos, really want to grow big :)
i listen to my guitar, i don't look at it. polish, cleaning bah humbug
@@commentfreely5443 i play my guitar and i also look at it, and other people look at it, so i want to be able to see my reflection in it
I'd always been afraid to touch the screws on the bridge, or (gasp!) the truss rod. Thanks to following your tips, my Washburn that I bought new in 1999 sounds *better* than it did when it was new! Now I have to do my other, newer guitars that now sound... not as good in comparison! Understanding what everything actually does was key for me, so again, thank you for the excellent tutorial!
I learned the acronym TRAIN from one of the Fender Custom Shop luthiers for the proper order. Tune the guitar, Relief- check and adjust, Action- check and adjust, Intonation- check and adjust, Noodle around on the guitar to be sure everything is correct.
Crap I forgot to polish my frets the other day when I was re-stringing my guitar... it’s a Floyd rose guitar... all of you Floyd rose owners probably already know this... keep the bridge level the whole process. Wedge something in that hole behind the saddle block to keep the bridge level. Put your new strings on, tune to pitch just once, back off springs little bit, tune again, and then screw in springs until trem wedge falls out. Amazing invention that guy made...there’s a video on here... makes Floyd rose set up quick and painless. Like 15 minutes
Do you have a link to the product?
Stack of guitar picks works pretty good. Also if you just got the guitar and are re-stringing, check what gauge it had on it. If you change string gauges it will unbalance whatever the currently set tension is between the strings and the tremolo springs which will make the bridge go out of whack. That's when you have to touch the screws that hold the tremolo springs in place. Not a fun processes lol.
How to tell a guitar is not human: You have to lube the nut.
mmm
You're nutty 😊
@@urvermin2682 People don't have to lube their balls, I guess?
I dont know why but i am in love with clear volume and tone knobs
I am not going to lie. Tried to watch as many tutorials on how to do it, this one was it. I am a decently good guitarist but I do not know alot about maintenance. This video made me understand what something does and how it works but at the same time keeping it really simple
Tyler: *shows tons of polishers for cleaning the neck*
Me: *wiping the neck with wet wipes*
I just hose it off.
@@springbloom5940 same
On a finished neck, no problem but on an unfinished one, wipes are the worst thing to clean your fingerboard with.
@@kiillabytez But they make it smell so baby-bottom fresh 😊
@@acehandler1530 Alcohol based ones can actually dry out and discolor the wood, causing all kinds of issues.
Great video Tyler. Can I just make one suggestion? It might be more advisable to set action by measuring from the top of the fret rather than the fingerboard. This is because there are many different types of frets, so going from the strings point of contact would generally be best. Cheers!
Yeah that seems like a pretty big mistake in this video. Everything I have heard about measuring action is from top of fret. I'm no expert though maybe one can chime in.
@@jeff1872tyeah, my machinist ruler was made specifically for guitar setups and it is, by design, too wide to fit between the frets like tyler's. it's like the size and shape of a credit card; the idea being you can lay it across 3+ frets and it stays level.
With reference to 10:20 - If the “D” string is “sharp” at the 12th fret, (it means the string length is too short) - You don’t “loosen” the saddle, you turn the saddle length adjustment clockwise to to pull the saddle back a touch to lengthen the string therefore flattening the “sharp” note fretted.
exactly what i thought. very badly explained. i don't know why most intonation instructions are super confusing. just explain it as you would to a kid. what are the steps exactly and why, give them a way to memorize it.
Also, must re-tune the open string after the adjustment and BEFORE rechecking the 12th-fret pitch, since moving the saddle piece usually changes the string tension (as it did here). Did you catch that the 12-fret pitch wasn't exactly right after doing it the other way 'round?
i understood how he explained it, but i understand your comment better thank you.
suggestion: When you tighten a knob or input jack it is safer to open up the plate on the back and physically hold the pot or jack in place with your fingers while you tighten the nut. Tightening from the top of the guitar can/will spin the wires around underneath and possibly pull a wire off. I got a lot of repairs from people tightening the control nut from the top. Signed: Musical Instrument Repair tech since 1974. P.S. BRAVO to you. You are one of the very few who knows to intonate a guitar in the "playing position"
I still have some questions, but this has been super helpful, especially showing us exactly which tools you're using. It's a bit discouraging when an instructional video breezes over these details. Cheers
Your channel is my one-stop-shop for anything that have to do with guitars. I owe my success to you and blame my flaws on you as well, so thanks for that lol
Same it's great
What a boss. He is the guitar hero we need. Not the one we deserve
Thank you for this video I wish I watched it 14 years ago! The only challenging part for me was trying to read a ruler in 32nd's. Now I'm happy my guitars are like butter and I can do this anytime I need to myself.
Tyler: posts video one how to fix all things on your guitar
guitar center: goes out of business
Guitar just filed for bankruptcy today lol
True lol
Guitar Center never set up any guitar properly that I played/bought there!
Few things I missed and need rn:
How to set up tremolo bridge and how to grind the nut properly.
I put on heavy gauge strings recently and my brigde gone crazy up and thicc string is to big for nut hole
I guess you are a noob guitarist
KirkHammettsWahPedal that’s why he’s asking for help
Matty B his username is literally noob guitarist
I think he gots this
Pay a guitar tech or luthier to set it up, or go back to the factory string gauge.
I was literally complaining about the setup of one of my older guitars today and lo and behold, Tyler clutches up..... again
I'm new to playing and thought I was never going to do anything right. I broke the electronics of my guitar and sent it in for warranty repairs. When I got it back I thought they sent me the wrong guitar. They replaced the string and set it up correctly. What a difference ... Have your guitar setup !!!
When I figured out how to set up my guitar myself I felt like a god damn genius. Saved myself a lot of time and money, and it played like it should afterward. It really not that hard!
yup. Maintaining and taking care of your instrument is just as important as playing
but muh neck is going to break, AAAA TRUSS ROD SPOOKY
My favorite part about this video is that there’s very little fat in it. It’s both very engaging and straight to the point and I appreciate it
I've been doing all my work on my guitars for years now and there isn't much I'm not comfortable doing but still watches these videos and I always find something I didn't know or a small tick that I may of forgotten.
It’s cool to see your upgrades from sharpen my axe
Agreed
A tip for those with headless guitars. You wanna make sure to lock the string down then clip the excess and tighten slightly then lossen the nut and pull in the little bit of string hanging off so it doesn't poke out.
Personally, this is my favorite kind of porn.
Me too. Anything gear related, not guitar specific. Lol
Ohh, that guitargasm is way too much for meeee
Wow this is the earliest iv ever been to a video
Him in the intro: it's actually really easy, don't be scared
The background music: I disagree
My wallet: 😵
Guess I'm not doing all this stuff... I'll just stick to swapping my strings and dusting my guitar off
I was thinking about learning to setup my guitar properly, and then this video popped up.
Dude, I can't tell you how much this video saved my life.... I'm pretty should I did almost snap my neck because my actions were all super high to take care of the backbow. But now I got it sounding perfect
Gunk on the frets is the bane of my existence, thank you
"Something loose on my guitar"
Me: guess its time to buy a new guitar.
i know this video is pretty old at this point but if you could do an acoustic version that would be awesome!
I would also like to see that
I've been wanting to find an all-encompassing setup video like this one for a while now, so thanks for taking the time to make it! I've been playing for about a decade now, I guess it's time I learn to take care of my own guitars other than just changing out strings.
For reference to those who may not know this... a very important point for novices was overlooked. When intonating the guitar you failed to demonstrate which direction was, " tighten" the saddle and which direction (Right or left) will "loosten " the saddle . Most call it lengthening or shortening the string.
I have finally found my favorite name for how to wrap my strings, make a *string sandwich* 4:55
Great stuff. I love doing my own set-ups, care & maintenance. Music Nomad makes some tools that will tighten things, without the chance of Scratching your Guitar's finish. I use an extra-soft-bristle, baby's toothbrush vs.the Sharp pointy dental tool. Truss rod always makes me a little nervous though. Enjoyed this. Stay Safe brother.
This honestly is the clearest setup video imo
Protip for angled headstocks and non-locking tuners (a la vintage Gibson): wind the string UNDER then OVER (opposite of what Tyler suggested). It'll help keep the break-angle over the nut correct, while still pinching off the string. Maximum tuning stability achieved.
I ordered today my first electric guitar, I can't wait to unbox and play it
This video will be helpful
EDIT:
I bought
Fender Squier Bullet Mustang HH
Kinsmam BB10 amp
ik it's not that great but it's best I could afford for now
EDIT 2:
It finallt arrived! I've been playing on it for about 2 hours and it sounds great!
What did you get
Enjoy!
Welcome and good luck!
Doesnt matter how you start man. And I think it helps to learn on a cheaper guitar. If you can play a lower quality one then playing a good one is a breeze.
@@razorgear78
I've been playing on a classical guitar, that I borowed from my uncle, for like 8-9 months and I finally decided, that I need my own guitar. I didn't want another classical/acoustic because they would've hold me back.
So now I'm here waiting for the guitar to arrive...
Important to tune and re-tune after each adjustment. Order of operations is also very important, especially depending on what type of bridge you have, tremelo, etc. I'd add dead straight neck is a personal preference, some concavity is preferred by many.
This has become my go to guitar setup video, as I refer to it every time I do maintenance on one of my guitars. Thank you for making that possible.
I once stumbled upon a great setup tip that I've never heard anywhere else : when you change your strings, after having installed the new ones gently pull them away from the fretboard, kind of like a bow. It tightens the knot and helps the string stay in tune.
It may be scary but you should be fine, I've never broken a string doing that ( although, I have 10" strings and a floating bridge so it helps)
Well usually you'd stretch the strings by doing that. Straight out of the packet they need stretching otherwise they'll just go flat for a while until they stretch out themselves
I thought intonation was this way: if note is sharp, tighten the screw (going clockwise) to move the saddle back and if the note is flat, loosen the screw (going counterclockwise) to move the saddle to the front.
Yes correct. The video is wrong about arguably the most important subject.
If fretted note is sharp you want to make the distance longer between 12th fret and the saddles. So Yes, that means you have to tighten the saddle screw, so it would move the saddle backwards, further from the headstock. By doing this the tension might be higher so the fretted note might become even sharper, therefore re-tuning is vital so one not confuse himself.
SoMe BaSiC tOoLs
Appreciate the "This is what I like" approach, as opposed to use only this... Thanks for a wealth of information for a 60 year old newb. Instant sub.
Fun fact : You don't need all the tools he used to clean his guitar. you can use the things available within your reach.
So I could technically use olive oil as a nut lube?
@@yourlocalryan Yeah, or Sex Wax 😊
@@acehandler1530 I’m trying this.
@@acehandler1530 Too funny as a kid in the 70's I used to keep my Surfboard in my bedroom always waxed with Sex Wax, that stuff smelled so good, Strawberry, Lemon or Coconut were my favorites.
But in all seriousness I use Burt's Bees Wax Lip Balm (like Chapstick) on the Nut, String Trees (on my Fenders) a little on the Saddle and Bridge too. Stands up to heat and humidity easy to wipe of excess and doesn't attract dust and dirt like the liquids do. I would think Sex Wax would actually work too.
@@The_Timinator Yes! I really love that strawberry-scented variety. Mixed about 50/50 with Tiger Balm - and BOOM mf, that's some SERIOUS sex wax 😂 She always looks SO surprised 😂😂😂
Tyler, your the man. However, I turned my truss tod for the first time today ... and the neck snapped off my guitar. YOU OWE ME A NEW STRAT
Chris Martin ouch
Did you power drill that shit? How does that happen? Quarter turns dude, quarter turns!
Got be super careful bro
I think this was sarcastic
Lol this was sarcasm everyone
I use Howard's butcher block conditioner, on the fretboard.
You can also intonate by relative tuning; rather than intonating by octave, for example, you fret E6 at the 5th and intonate to A5. I find it to be more durable throughout tuning and string changes.
The intonation adjustment was liiiife changing. New PRS just sounded off to me and this made all the difference
1:05 Pop
I was looking for that kind of video on this channel just yesterday. 😅
Thanks for this. I'm now in the process of adjusting/setting up my 30 year old Ibanez Sabre 440S for the first time thanks to you.
Hi tyler, you have a great channel, would you do a tutorial like this about the guitar tone( for apartment and etc)
Remove strings, lemon juice on fretboard, new strings, tune, set action set intonation. Clean guitar. Done. Lol
why lemon juice?
@@roee594 it helps keep fretboard from drying and cracking. Its lemon oil not juice i just call it that lol
@@alexvieira7945 thank you so much, I'll try it when I'll change my strings
@@roee594 yw
Hey Tyler. Random idea for a “Guitar riffs you think...” video;
Guitar riffs you think are played on guitar, but aren’t. And Vice-versa
Thanks for the tips dude, Ive been playing guitar on and off for 17 odd years and never really bothered looking into all the technical in and outs of guitar maintenance. Turns out my intonation was way off and i needed to adjust the bridge slightly, Thanks for the video, Im sure it will be one of many watches when I need to do some maintenance.
i find clip on tuners also accurate for adjusting intonation
well that was almost 30 years ago, now tuners have gotten more accurate
I'd watch Philip McKnight for these kind of videos
Step 1:
Be in the same band and practice space as your guitar tech.
Step 2:
Ask nicely and give whiskey to your tech until they fix your instrument.
This has been the last year and a half of my life lmao.
For a year I couldn't get my fat E string intonated. I finally figured it out. The Bridge screw that changes the length of the string was too long, and it would touch the fat E string before it would get to the correct spacing. I Found a shorter bridge screw on a strat copy... and it worked!
Could you do the same for an acoustic guitar? Because I feel they're a little bit more tricky to set up
The fret and fretboard care are the same, as well as the polishing and truss Rod tips. The rest is different.
You can’t move the saddle to intonate the neck. Because acoustic strings are so much thicker buzzing on the frets is a bigger problem so be very careful with how you adjust the truss rod. I would google anything specific to your manufacturer. If you are lucky enough to have a decent Taylor you can also have the neck shimmed up because it’s not a glue joint, I had it done by the factory rep on my 810 ce. Another thing you want to make sure of with acoustic is protecting the finish while working on the guitar because the wood is extremely susceptible to dents,swirls and scratches..good luck don’t be intimidated I’ve been doing it for a long time it’s relaxing
Hey guys!
its chrisfix and today im gonna show you how to do a complete mantenience to your guitar at home with common hand tools.
Make sure you change the blinker fluid every 5 string changes
I'm a 49 year old guy and never learned how to do my own setups. I'd like to get a kit of tools and start on my 35 guitar collection. I'm not so much interested in all the cleaning products you seem to be pushing but the actual technical aspects, adjustments and the specific tools required for a proper setup. I already know how to wipe down my guitar with polish and oil the fretboard.
Thank you , my 84 USA Strat says thank you as well , never looked it sounded better
Not a washer.. but a NUT that needs tightening.
Are there any guitar maintenance kits that you recommend, and do you have any specific tips for setting up an acoustic guitar?
One day I will also buy an emerald green PRS like yours!
I’ve had my Fender Acoustic since 2007. I’ve never cleaned the frets with a scribe before. Can’t wait to see how much is there lol.
Important: That GTA San Andreas dance music in the background
That electronic music..... Hey big boy, you got anymore of that nut sauce?
Also my 1st guitar was a Ibanez RG 550. I used to spend hrs getting that thing intonated.
Didn't know about the fret stones, Thanks!
Also worth noting, jatoba wood fretboards don’t need oil either! That’s why Ibanez uses it so much.
Theres one major thing i noticed that I would address. When tightening the nut on a volume/tone pot, a switch, or an output jack, ALWAYS remove the electronic cavity cover and HOLD what you're tightening as you do it. If you dont do this, you will turn the pot in the guitar, and over time this will break solder joints and cause shorting. You don't notice the pot moving from the top because the nob is off.
Me: driving to my guitar tech.
RUclips: Music is Win video notification.
Me: *watches video at an empty parking spot*
Also: Drives home and sets up Squier strat.
Me for the last time: likes the video.
Tyler: you’ve done good Tyler. You’ve done good.
My guitar tech: *out of work*
The fear of breaking the strings always keeps in horror of cleaning the guitar myself.
So I bought guitar that the person before me apparently turned every adjustment input on the damn thing. I knew something was wrong because it ALWAYS sounded terrible. Just fixed all the problems, and actually enjoying playing again. Thank you man. Well done!
This is easily one of the best setup videos I’ve seen. I love the camera angles on the truss rod adjustment.
Great video. When setting the action you set the high E to 2/32 and the low he to 2.5/32. What do you do with the other strings? Do you use radius gauges to adjust the other 4 strings, or do you just make the wound strings 2.5/32 and the other strings 2/32? Thanks.
I use a radius gauge for the rest. If you have a ruler and a sheet of paper/cardboard you can make your own radius gauge.
Make it even for all strings but the low e. It'll play better.
When you’re early but don’t know what to say
So you say Mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell
Love the 80s retro bkg music.
Glad to see a channel that supports the home guitarists! Thanks for the tips Tyler.