Check and adjust neck relief
S-style · 25.5" scale · 10–46 strings
Step 1 of 7
Close-up · headstock
Tune each string to pitch
1. Tune to pitch
- The neck bends under string tension, so tune every string to pitch first.
- Hold the guitar in playing position or lay it on its back with the neck supported.
2. Measure relief
- Put a capo on the 1st fret.
- Hold the low E down at the last fret.
- Measure the gap between the string and the top of the 8th fret.
- A typical target is about 0.25 mm. Enter your measurement.
Relief at the 8th fret (typical target)
- Low E
- 0.25 mm
3. Find the truss rod access and key
- On this guitar the truss rod adjusts at the headstock end, just behind the nut.
- Use the key that fits snugly. A loose key can round off the nut.
- If the adjustment is at the body end and you'd have to remove the neck or the pickguard to reach it, see a luthier.
4. Adjust ⅛ turn
- Look at the adjustment nut from the headstock end.
- Too much relief: turn ⅛ turn clockwise (tighten).
- Too little relief or a back-bow: turn ⅛ turn anticlockwise (loosen).
- Only ⅛ turn at a time. It should turn with light, steady force. Never force it. If it won't turn, or it creaks, stop and see a luthier.
5. Re-tune and let it settle
- Tune to pitch again.
- Give the neck a few minutes to settle. Some necks take longer: if the reading keeps changing, check again tomorrow.
6. Measure again
- Measure at the 8th fret like before.
- Still off? Repeat the ⅛ turn and let it settle again. Don't go further than about half a turn in total in one session.
Relief at the 8th fret (typical target)
- Low E
- 0.25 mm
7. Check the action
- Changing relief changes the string height. Measure the action at the 12th fret and follow the action guide if needed.