Learn to set up and maintain your guitar. Learn to change strings, set intonation, fix action, and more. It’s easy to make your guitar sound better and comfortable to play by making adjustments to its setup. You will also find guitar cleaning and maintaining tips that will help your guitar last longer and maintain its finish.
Setting Up vs Cleaning/Maintenance
While most new guitars sound well out of the box; with some adjustments, these can be made to sound better and also more comfortable in the hands.
This is what setting up a guitar means.
Things like intonation, guitar action, tuning, and strings can impact the quality of the sound produced by a guitar.
In order to get the best sound out of your guitar and also to match it for your playing comfort, you can get the guitar setup done professionally for a nominal cost, or you may learn to do it on your own. You can even learn to do basic repair guitars by beginning with smaller areas such as learning the basics of leveling and crowning frets.
On the other hand, guitars need proper care (such as cleaning and polishing) as well as maintenance so that it continues to play beautifully, retain their finish, and last longer.
A guitar is a sensitive musical instrument and is prone to dust, moisture, grim, sweat and weather conditions which can make it wear out, and make it go out of tune within a matter of weeks, if proper care is not taken.
Steps & Tools for Setup
Keep the require tools ready – you will need screwdrivers, Allen keys, and a chromatic tuner.
Here’s what you should check and adjust.
Guitar Neck Should be Straight
You need to get the Guitar Neck dead straight!
If it is dead straight, and there’s no buzzing, you can assume the truss rod is adjusted correctly.
Truss Rod Adjustments
The truss rod is a long metal rod that is inserted into the neck of the guitar and fixed.
This is where you use the Allen keys to adjust the truss rod, as tightening or loosening it flexes the neck.
Use New Strings
Next is to use brand new strings, to maximize your guitar intonation.
Usually, the lighter the string, the weaker is the tone.
For the standard EADGBE tuning you can use string gauge from 0.9 – 0.11 (avoid string gauge 0.13 for standard tuning as it can damage your guitar neck).
Check the Gaps
Next is to check the Gaps between the Strings and the Frets.
The standard gap between the sixth string (low E) and the crown of the twelfth fret 2 mm. And for first string (high E), it is 1.5 mm.
Before you check the gap, ensure the guitar is tuned using the standard EADGBE tuning.
Set Intonation
Next step is to set the intonation.
Final Testing
Once the intonation setup is done, play it and notice the changes produced.
It is not very easy to do this process on your own, though with the right set of tools you could do it. But then doing the Guitar Setup regularly (sort of maintenance) does help to get a better sound, and also trains your sensitivity to its tones. Usually it is easier to get your guitar stay in tune, if you set it up more often.
Various Parts of a Guitar
Learn about all the parts of a guitar.
How does the Guitar Top impact the sound
How to Change Strings on a Guitar
How to correctly change strings on Guitars.
How to Tune a Guitar
Learn how to tune a guitar on your own.
How to Clean, Polish & Maintain a Guitar
Useful online guitar cleaning and maintaining tips
Guitar Repair Tool Kit
Guitar, like other music instruments, requires regular maintenance (and periodic repairs). With the right guitar tools on hand, you can undertake simple maintenance activities yourself.
You will find guitar tools ranging from guitar/bass string cutters to 10-in-1 multi tools, truss rod drivers and even cradle maintenance stations.
Fender Custom Shop Guitar Tools. This tool kit includes the most commonly used tools, such as screwdrivers, hex wrenches, diagonal cutter, string winder, ruler and more. You can do setups, adjustments, to ensure your Fender is operating at peak proficiency.
You may opt for single guitar tools as well. The CruzTools Groovetech Guitar/Bass 10-in1 Multi-Tool, includes 4 metric and 3 fractional hex keys, 2 Phillips screwdrivers, a ruler for setting action and a 2.5mm slotted screwdriver.
You can also use a maintenance station such as the D’Addario Planet Waves Headstand Instrument Workbench Stand. Just rest your music instrument on the padded support cradle, atop the sturdy tripod, to help it stay in place and steady. You can then proceed with the maintenance, be it changing strings, dialing in pickups, adjusting the trem, and so on.
Fret Leveling Bars, Fret File, Fret Hammers, Fret Press, Nut Files, Saddle Slot Files, Understring Radius, Gauge, Guitar String Action Gauge, Clamps, String Spacing Ruler, Sandpaper, Guitar Polish
Owning these tools (tool kits) will help you easily keep your string instrument in top shape, without having to pay much for it.
Guitar Intonation: How to Fix/Adjust It
Guitar Intonation explained and how to fix it. With musical instruments, especially string instruments such as guitars, intonation refers to accuracy of the pitch, the extent to which the notes produced are in tune, versus being flat or sharp. Often intonation issues are encountered when playing higher up the fret-board (closer to the guitar body).
If you have any guitar friends, I am sure you would have heard them saying that they have to take their guitars to the music shop set the guitar intonation.
So what exactly is this Guitar Intonation?
In simple term, it is about tuning the guitar right from one end to the other. Usually on guitars, most of the notes are set correctly but over time, as you move up the fret-board you will notice that some of the notes start become sharp or flat.
Intonation basically refers to the notes on the guitar being in tune all the way from “open” to the “high end” of the fret-board. Most beginners may not be able to realize this aspect about the accuracy of the pitch, but most experienced players would know. And if you hear one that has not been set, and one that has been set properly, you will surely be able to appreciate the slight difference in pitch.
For example, if you play the 12th fret, the note produced should be exactly an octave higher than the open string. If the 12th-fret note is slightly higher than an octave, your string is fretting sharp; if the 12th-fret note is slightly lower than an octave, the string is fretting flat.
How to Fix It
Here’s a simple way to correct a string’s intonation:
- Move the saddle away from the nut if the string frets sharp
- Move the saddle towards the nut if the string frets flat.
Different bridges have different methods to do this, but it’s self-explanatory when you look closely at the bridge assembly carefully.
Check the Intonation Frequently
So it is important to check the intonation occasionally, and it is quite easy to do using an electric tuner.
Here’s what you need to do:
- First you need to tune all the strings to the proper pitch using your tuner, or any other method
- Next, play the open note on the E string and then compare it with the E note that you play on the 12th fret of the same string
- That strings intonation is set properly if the electric tuner shows the right pitch
- In case the tuner shows a change in pitch (flat or sharp), the intonation of that string is out of place
- Repeat the process for each string to determine if their intonation is out
Ask a Professional to do It
If your guitar is going out of tune even after you tune it, it is probably time to set its intonation right. You need to get the intonation of your guitar adjusted to correct it.
The best approach is to have a professional get it done; I wouldn’t advise you to try doing it on your own, if you find that the intonation of your guitar is out.
This is because this involves having a look at guitar parts such as the truss rod and the spring tension on the bridge, and these may need to be adjusted first. You might even need to file the nut down, or get a new one cut.
These are obviously not easy tasks and require much harder adjustments. You risk making the tone sound worse if you try to do it yourself and if you are not able to do it correctly.
Take it to a music shop instead and pay for it; it is quite affordable to get the guitar intonation done.
How to Set the Intonation
There are several ways to intonate a guitar in case you want to give it a try; here’s a video that shows you how to set the intonation on your guitar.
Here are the steps that you need to follow:
- Tune your instrument to the tuning you’re planning to play in.
- Adjust your action as per your convenience
- Fret the string at the 12h fret, pick it and observe your tuner. If you are sharp (too high) or flat (too low) your intonations are off and an adjustment will need to be made.
- When playing the string at the 12th fret, if its sharp then the bridge is too close to the center of the string, and you need to make the vibrating length of the string longer.
- In general, if the fretted note is flat, use your screwdriver to move the bridge saddle closer to the pickups to shorten the string. If it’s sharp, move the saddle away from the pickups to lengthen the string.
How to Raise the Guitar Strings (Guitar Action) If Its Touching The Neck?
Bought a new guitar recently? Are the strings on the guitar lower and touching the neck? You’ll need to raise the strings.
So how do you raise the strings if its touching the neck of your guitar?
There are two parts to it – raising the string and then adjusting the intonation.
Raising the Strings
To raise the strings, you need to raise them at the bridge. There are some screws that adjust the “saddle” of each string. Turn the screws in one direction and the string lowers, do it the other direction and the string raises.
Adjusting the Strings
Once the guitar strings are raised so that they don’t rub or buzz against the neck, you’ll need to adjust the intonation. This is done by turning the horizontal screws on the ends of the saddles.
To do so, play the string open, and then play it again at the twelfth fret. If the two sounds are slightly different (other than being an octave apart), the length of the string will need to be adjusted. Adjust it by turning the horizontal screw either in or out, depending on whether you need to raise the intonation of the sound, or lower it.
Not sure about this step? Get an electronic tuner, it’s much easier and more accurate to do this step using an electric tuner instead of using just your ear.
Guitar Coating
Many believe that the sound of a guitar or any musical instrument that is made of wood is totally dependent on the quality of the wood that is used.
The truth is that while wood plays an important part, the sound quality also largely depends on the lacquer that is used on the instrument.
Lacquer is basically a coating that is applied on a guitar to give it a polished look.
There are different types of Lacquer, almost all of which were originally used for furniture finishing but is now used for musical instrument finishes as well.
Typically there are two types of Lacquer, the old nitro-cellulose lacquer which is used on most expensive and better-sounding guitars and the modern synthetic lacquers, such as acrylic or polyurethane lacquers. Guitars that are lacquered with these artificial modern substances, score very well in looks, and have a durable finish, but sound very okay.
Guitar Maintenance Tips
It is important to take good care to ensure your guitar stays in excellent condition. Even if you own an inexpensive guitar, it is important to keep it in top shape. Here are some useful tips that will help you take good care of your musical instrument.
Handle with Care
You should handle your guitar with a lot of care without placing it on the floor etc. The best option would be if you could place your guitar in a guitar case or a bag and you can put it against the wall, on a stand or a wall hanger etc.
Play the Guitar Regularly:
Finally, the best way to protect the guitar is by playing the guitar. There is no better way to keep the guitar in good shape than to play it regularly. A guitar that is not played often is not taken care of. When you play the guitar regularly, you will realize if it requires tuning or if the strings need to be changed.
Check Your Guitar Strings
Make sure you play your guitar regularly, and in case you are not going to use it for a long time, keep it inside a guitar case.
You may have to change your guitar strings from time to time, as strings go dull and listless over time, though there is no fixed rule as to when you should change them. It depends purely on your usage of the guitar. Usually, a set of strings lasts for about 3 months or so.
How to clean & restring your guitar
Tune Your Guitar Regularly
Tuning the guitar properly is important to get the right sound. You can use a tuning fork to tune the guitar or perhaps an electronic tuner to tune the strings. If you have access to the internet, you can use online tuners as well to help you with this task.
Protect from Scratches
You should be careful and avoid things that cause scratches on the guitar. Be it while moving your guitar from one room to the other or using any sharp object close to the guitar etc, you should be careful and take the necessary precautions to avoid such incidents.
Get a guitar bag/case., even if you don’t intend to take your guitar outdoors. It will make sure your guitar is well protected from wear and tear. Guitars are made of fine wood, and so you need to be careful to ensure the guitar is not subjected to extremes of temperature which could result in cracking, swelling and even shrinkage.
Even though a guitar may seem to be a simple instrument, there are various parts that work together to produce the sound. Over a period of time, it is likely that some of it may not be working to the best of their abilities, which you may not be able to figure out, but something that a technician can correct.
So it is better to maintain it well, and you could even get your guitar checked by a guitar technician at least once a year, to correct any flaws or defects.
Here are a couple of videos on guitar Cleaning and maintenance.
Cleaning & Polishing a Guitar
You should clean and polish your guitar regularly to avoid humidity, dust etc to affect the guitar. You can use a good furniture polish to clean your guitar. Always use a dry, soft cloth to clean the dust away from the guitar. You can also use toothbrush and soap water to clean all the oil, grime and dust build up from the guitar. Also don’t forget to dress the frets so that the accumulated oils and dirt can be removed and the fret boards remain dry.
Protect from Weather
Keep the guitar away from sun and moisture or extreme cold for a long period of time. Guitar is made of wood and exposure to too much heat, cold or moisture can damage the wood and make the guitar look faded. The guitar should be kept in a place which is dry and cool. Humidity has the worst effect on a guitar. Too much humidity makes the guitar swell up and expand which affects the tone and the play-ability of the guitar over a period of time. So, it is very important to keep the guitar in a dry place preferably in a good guitar case.
Here are the things that you should avoid while taking care of a guitar:
- At no cost should you wipe your strings with a wet cloth because the strings will rust.
- Do not use chemicals to clean the guitar as it might discolor it.
- Don’t keep the guitar on the floor as it may create annoying sounds.
- During monsoons, avoid keeping the guitar in the case , as it will warp.
- Never leave the guitar in a hot car. Even if placed inside a case, the temperature could cause a lot of damage to the guitar.
Different People, Different Styles: What is Your Style?
The more experienced guitarists have their own tricks to get the best sound out of their instrument, obviously learnt through a lot of trial & error.
Here are some examples.
- There are some who don’t believe in doing any changes to the instrument; they just buy good quality stuff. So if they like to play the electric guitar, they would get a top quality guitar and an amplifier (most recommend a loud amp for beginners, keeps them excited), and perhaps some pedals. Basically, these guys recommend spending the MOST that you can afford to get the best sound.
- But then there are many who would disagree (about using expensive gear) and would encourage you to try out inexpensive stuff (most inexpensive ones are quite good these days) and learn to set up the guitar. They believe that only by setting up things you would know what can, and can’t be adjusted to your needs.
- Another maintenance routine that is quite common with most experienced guitar players (its quite simple actually): Fast Fret on the strings, cleaning the body and neck from sweat after playing, and the occasional cleaning and adjustments every time the strings are changed.
- Another school of thought is that beginners should use digital multi-effects and amp modelers so that they get familiar with the various sounds. Later on, then can get better versions of those effects/amps.
If you have recently bought your first guitar, its better to let professionals fix or set up your guitar (except for things like changing strings). Even experienced guitar players get it fixed (setting the action, bending) by technicians.
So what is your style? Do you fix everything yourself?
What do You Love or Hate About Your Guitar
This is your opportunity to share your experiences and mistakes, what you love and what you hate about your guitar (and how did you set it right).
We want to hear from you, and here’s your chance to be the expert.
How Do You Maintain Your Guitar
Here are some things we would like to hear from you.
- Do you have a maintenance routine to keep your guitar in top condition?
- Do you get your guitar professionally serviced, & how often?
- How long did it take for you to figure out how to setup your guitar?
- How do you set up your guitar to get the best sound out of it?
- Do you try for a different sound for recording, compared to what you do for playing live?
- What are the biggest mistakes novice guitar players do when setting up their guitars?
- What advice would you give to a beginner guitar player?
Share Your Technique
When sharing your tips & suggestions, please remember to clarify whether your tips are meant for acoustic or electric guitars, or both (wherever it applies). We don’t want the beginners to get confused, which would be a waste of your efforts.
Also Read: How To Setup Your Guitar The Right Way
KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
Truss11 says
Here’s video that shows how to setup a guitar: