How to Perform a Complete Final Setup on Your GuitarUpdated 23 days ago

A final setup is four adjustments, in this order: neck relief, action, intonation, pickup height. Tune the guitar first so the neck is under proper tension.

Neck relief. Fret the first and last fret and tap the string at the 12th. If it lies flat on the frets you need more relief, so loosen the truss rod counterclockwise an eighth of a turn at a time and re-check.

Action. Aim for 2.4 mm on the low E and 1.6 mm on the high E, measured at the 12th fret from the top of the fret to the underside of the string. Adjust at the bridge.

Intonation. Compare the open string to the 12th-fret octave. If the fretted note is sharp, move that saddle back to lengthen the string.

Pickup height. Hold the string down at the last fret and measure from the pole piece to the underside of the string. About 2.4 mm on the bass side and 2 mm on the treble side is a good start.

All of these are starting points. Come back to them once you have played the guitar in.

Related: How to Adjust your Guitar Intonation