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TRUSS ROD ADJUSTMENT
Introduction: This lesson will guide you through the procedure for adjusting the truss rod located within the neck of your guitar. As with any other machine, always check the user's guide before making any alterations to your guitar. If you purchased your guitar direct from a factory or from a reputable music retailer, chances are you will not need to make any adjustments to your guitar's truss rod. However, if you change the gauge of your strings, perform in hot and humid environments, or travel across the country with your guitar (or had it shipped across the country), you may need to check the neck for proper amount of forward bow. In order to check the neck and make adjustments, you will need the following tools:
- Straightedge framing square long enough to cover the length of the fretboard
- Feeler gauge set
- Socket screwdriver or allen wrench, one of these should have been included with your guitar
- Phillips screwdriver
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Procedure: Before adjusting the truss rod, tune your guitar to the pitch you normally perform at (e.g., standard pitch, half-step flat, etc.). Use an electronic tuner for accurate results. Follow the steps below in sequential order when attempting to adjust your guitar's truss rod. Also, be sure to read the Tips section at the bottom of this page before starting.
- Figure 1 - Rest the body of the guitar on a chair. Make sure the neck of the guitar is free and not resting on any part of the chair.
- Figure 2 - Place the straightedge on the center of the fretboard (between the 3rd and 4th strings) so that it is resting on the 1st and last fret wires. Check to make sure that the straightedge is not resting on top of the bridge, pickups, or nut.
- Figures 3 & 4 - Slide the .010 inch (.254 mm) feeler gauge leaflet in between the 7th fret wire and the straightedge. If you CANNOT fit this particular size leaflet under the straightedge your truss rod is too tight. Go to Figure 5 below to loosen the truss rod. Figure 6 will show you how to tighten the truss rod.
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 Figure 1 |
 Figure 2 |
 Figure 3 |
 Figure 4 |
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- Loosening the truss rod (Figure 5) - After removing the truss rod cover using the Phillips screwdriver (not shown), use your socket screwdriver or allen wrench to turn the truss rod to the right (counter clockwise). This will loosen the truss rod and increase the amount of forward bow in the neck. Only give the truss rod about 1/10 of a turn. Retune your guitar if necessary and recheck.
- Tightening the truss rod (Figure 6) - If you CAN fit a feeler gauge leaflet greater than .010 inch (.254 mm) between the 7th fret wire and straightedge, you can lower the playing action. Turn the truss rod to the left (clockwise). This will tighten the truss rod and decrease the amount of forward bow in the neck. Only give the truss rod about 1/10 of a turn. Retune your guitar if necessary and recheck.
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 Figure 5 |
 Figure 6 |
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Tips
It's a good idea to wait about two hours before turning the truss rod again. This will prevent undue stress on the wood of the neck. Also, do not turn the truss rod more than one revolution in a 24 hour period. Making too much of an adjustment to the truss rod too fast may cause the wood of the neck to weaken.
It is ultimately the discretion of the individual player to set the action allowing for optimal comfort and sound. For example, rhythm guitar players may prefer to keep their action somewhat higher, compared to lead guitarists. However, keep in mind that there is an optimal range in forward bow for the overall health of the neck, and you should consult your guitar's manufacture/user's guide for that. Over a period of a week or two, you should find a balance between playing comfort and neck stability.
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