I just got this action after hours and months fiddling around trying to learn set up with trial and error. When my setup was like this I instantly got 50% faster and my guitar sustains perfectly now. It’s perfect. Listen to this video!!!!
Seven years later and still absolutely gold. Got myself a 7.25 and kept on fretting out. I Assumed it is just a matter of getting used to it, but this makes things so much better. Thank you for generously sharing.
This is really a great video. I now know what has been the source of my trouble and how to correct it. Thank you sir. This should be required in beginner lessons
I'm really late to this discussion, but for what it's worth... 1) Very enjoyable and informative video here! Great information! 2) My longtime method for setting string height is kind of low-tech, but it has worked really well for me throughout the years. I call it "a Quarter's worth of action." Quite simply, I aim to set the height of the strings so that I can JUST BARELY slide a Quarter under them at the location of the 16th and 17th frets. I rest the Quarter on top of those two frets so that it spans them like a bridge over a river. I work with the 6th and 5th strings (as a pair) initially, then scoot the Quarter underneath the 4th and 3rd strings, and then finally underneath the 2nd and 1st strings. Ideally, I like to get it so that, when plucked gently, each string sits just high enough above the Quarter to be able to ring clearly and without buzzing against the top of the Quarter. This process gives me a nice medium-low action, and gets the strings following the fretboard radius with pretty good accuracy. That's my story and... 😊
That's such a great argument but, if you factor in floating tremolo's and string tension, isn't action subjective and variable/relative to playability?
Jut so you know there are standard measurements. For a 9.5 radius Fender 4/64 (1.6mm) is considered standard Fender setup not high. Generally speaking ‘High’ is 5/64 or 2mm- 2.2mm, Standard or ‘Medium is 4/64 or 1.6mm and anything lower than 1.4 mm is considered low. Superlow is below 1.3mm. YMMV
I capo mine on the first fret .then set the strings at the 17th fret to the fender specs or 1.6 mm then when you let off the capo it’s just right for the 7.25 radius .
As someone who bought a used strat and set up my guitar on my own to factory specs I know feel I have to go back and redo the whole process. Excellent video.
This makes WAY TO MUCH SENSE!!!! Thank you, I will try this, I know you are not "telling" me this is what you should do, but you describe feelings (e.g., the squeezing and digging for the string feelings) that I have on my two guitars. I have had the guy who set up the guitars say "You've got a good low action - makes it really easy to play" - Well for strumming cords it is, but now I am wondering if playing the lead stuff is being hindered because of the digging and squeezing I do. That describes the feeling I have precisely. I'll let you know after I make a change to my prized white MIM start ($499 worth of Fender goodness... LOL).
Actually, most of the string's action configurations have this shape on the saddles because of the neck curvature, what helps to avoid buzzing. In my modest opinion, the best configuration for blues/shuffle goes with a quiet high 0.11 string action on E flat tunning on a strat. But great tips anyway, very clear and useful. Thanks for sharing these tips with us buddy!
Wow, you just made my power chords playing so much easier!, I kept hitting the G string, not anymore now after raising the top 3 strings a little. Thank you
Awesome. I just started playing, have read stuff about different action heights. Sure the low action felt easier for a beginner but I can tell you this made bending a lot easier and as a bonus the guitar sounds much better because there's now zero buzz.
Excellent vid. I do this sort of setup for every single Strat I own; It's nice to see there are pro blues players out there who also go by this method. Though, contrary to what others said here, I think this setup works for all styles (on a Strat) -- not just blues. Of course, your axe MUST be properly constructed from the factory to begin with.
Excellent ideas! An action too low makes me feel like i have to be overly "careful" when bending. for whatever reason i start setting up a guitar with the D and G strings. and then work outward but your logic is very sound! ....interesting!
As a guitar tech, I would caution on this setup. It is a very specialized setup for a very specialized playing style. I've done setups like this for a number of my blues LEAD clients and it's great for that. Anthony did title this "... For Blues" for a reason and it works for his style. My clients that are shredders, rhythm, rock, county, etc. typically have setups that follow the curvature of the fretboard (height will vary greatly). That being said, this is how my Strat is set.
Yeah, I guess I use both the fretboard radius and the 'feel' to adjust the action. I adjust the B string (most bends, for me) to feel right, then adjust the other strings to follow the radius of the board, then follow up with minor adjustments if some strings feel too low or high. The fretboard radius method alone may not work too well when you're dealing with compound radius boards.
Tim McGuire That's a great point. This setup would be pretty terrible for many other types of playing that involve less bending and more tapping. Generally for metal/shredding I've always thought the lower the better for the action.
I much prefer your approach. I think it helps by forcing you to pay attention to whats going on i.e focusing on the touch, pressure and adjustment of your fingers. I think its probably better for experienced players and not for newbies. All the specs relating to string height and relief given by various manufacturers, players and websites etc are generally always different anyway so why not just forget the subjectiveness of it and personalise it. Great to see someone take a more common sense approach. Great video and explanation.
Well said! Everything - learning chords, riffs, setting up the action and pickup height... it's all about using your ears and learning it's all about feel. Who cares about music sheets and string height measurements!
As I watches your teaching , its easy to see you have many years playing the guitar cause your hand movement is so clean, that doesn't develop over night.
On an unrelated note, sweet opening "monologue"...love the tone and licks. When you play unaccompanied like that, are you "hearing" the 12-bars in your head? I've been playing around with that kind of solo stuff, and while I can do it, I have to think a lot about what I'm playing in relation to what I'm hearing in my head.
Jeffrey Richard Yes. A goal of every blues player should be to solo to a 12-bar track playing in their head and have the chord changes come out through their soloing to a listener.
Thats just your taste for string height...i have my top E and B higher than any of the other strings.. its all about what works for the individual..everyones grip and hands are different
I have CS Strat with Compound radius (9.5 to 12 inch) on 0.10 to 0.52 strings: capo on a 1st fret then measured on 12th fret: high E 3/64 (approx 1.2 mm) and then all other strings to 4/64 inch (aprox. 1.6mm). It works great with chords and big bends!
Hi, thx for the tips. I'm new to electric guitar. I have a stratocaster, my strings are 0.09-0.42. though my strings are light guage, but compared to your bending, i found my strings are pretty tight and hard to bend so much like you.. So does the tention of the string is related to what? how to adjust the guitar to have a loose string? and does the springs on the back of the guitar control the string tension as well? Thank you
It’s been five years, but I’m going to reply nonetheless. It’s about the tuning. In order to loosen your strings you tune your whole guitar a half step or a whole step down. With less tension on the strings you make them feel more loose.
Well. Doesn't it have to deal with the radius of freatboard too? Fretboard is rounded in some radius so G has to be higher than E just to be adjusted to the freatbord so it won't lay on it. Am I wrong somewhere? Doesn't it make more sense?
You're absolutely right. Initial setup is done so the saddle heights match the radius of the fretboard. This should give the strings the same action/fret clearance. The player can then adjust the saddle height to their preferred string action. Not that I'm a guitar tech... Just recently became interested in how to set up a guitar instead of taking it to the shop all the time.
Hey Anthony! You mentioned that you set up the first string's height so that it's easy to bend the string by just pushing up without applying much pressure towards toward the fingerboard. But doesn't it depend on the fret height? I mean you can set the string height as high as you want, but if your frets are worn as soon as you press the string against the fret no "finger meet" is left to there to help you bend and you'll have to push downwards.
stas It is related. If you have jumbo frets, it requires less squeezing to bend at any string height. If you've got worn down frets I'm not sure higher action helps in this regard because you've got so little fret height between your fingers and the fretboard.
Hello. I cannot produce a whole step note by bending the "high e" string. Please advise what to do. Do I need higher string height on "high e" string just to satisfy the whole step note? Appreciate your response. 🙂
Could you help me out I don’t know much about action but watched the benefits of this particular setup but I wanted a guitar to do this so what would I say to the guitar tech to have this done
I setup my Ibanez RG's to follow the fretboard radius. I like a low to medium action as most of my guitars have medium frets ( except for a couple of my Ibanez's from the 80's) and that makes it a bit easier to bend strings. I've never owned a Strat but I do have a couple of Roadstar's that are similar to a Fat Strat. This setup appears to be more of "His" personal style setup and not a mainstream setup ( correct me if I'm wrong). I love to learn new ways to skin the same cat. Who knows, maybe that cat will be skinned for good one day.
So far out of all the videos I've seen on string height an bridge height it makes alot of sense especially if u been play as long as I have u can feel what u like in your strings now maybe for a newbie or if yer setting up someone's guitar u have the starting point of a facts sheet of that guitar, cause everyone likes it different but for me I do it by feel🤔works fantastic thanks for the videos
You over thought this one. You even said the "D" string height not critical, higher/same as "G"? OK I agree it does not matter. Asymmetrical or symmetrical. You said it and I agree. It does not matter. Funny thing is while you say you only go by feel on the high "E". I bet my last dollar it lines up with accepted measurements. My point is you are making an issue out of a non issue. But on a secondary observation. I really like your explanation of why we do have a curve/non equal heights. I never knew why and now I do. Finally just for thought consider if the "G" and "D" strings are set at the same height from the saddles. When you go to grab the "D" will be higher as the greater diameter causes. You gave a great explanation of why we do not have flat saddle heights. Your Asymmetrical "D" string is your preference and even in your own explanation not really a necessity. Symmetrical is just fine for most. I also notice you have an upside down vibrato. Please do not try and explain why that is better. Jimi did it because he was left handed that is it. Do not give justice beyond that.
With a vintage Strat neck that has a 7 & 1/4 inch radius ya gotta start with a height that the strings won't choke out on the fretts when ya bend, which is pertty high...
Why does Fender recommend for 9,5" 1.6mm on the bass AND treble side? Doesn't make sense to me because I thought you have to follow the radius and so from the high e every other string raises a little bit so you have (for example) 1.5 - 2mm. And especially the bass strings need more space? On every other radii Fender recommends the "rising principe" and also on every tune-o-matic bridge the saddles are preset for the radius. This is why I'm actually very confused about how to set my 9,5" strat.
I could imagine for comfort and ergonomic pupose. You don't have to reach down to grab the arm, just extend the right pinky. I'm a guitar newbie, but soon noticed I want it that way on mine
The "action" refers to the distance between the bottom of the string and the top of the fret. What do you mean your action feels tight? by tight I personally assumed you were saying it was a bit low but you're thinking about lowering the saddles further so I must be wrong. *confusing* Do you mean the strings feel tighter than they were before fret dressing? If so, that is probably because the neck has been straightened and now the strings have more tension. You can either 1. get use to the new tension, usually takes about 1-2 weeks if you play semi-regular 2. get lighter strings 3. take the guitar back and ask the dude to put a little more relief on the neck. Hope this helps : D
Wow this makes a lot of sense... I only have les paul styles, which doesn't allow for individual lowering and raising of string heights - les paul style only has the tailpiece. This makes me want to get a strat now!! I don't have the money! Maybe i'll get a kickstarter going. :-)
Your Guitar fretboard has a radius... For an even feel, adjust the saddles/string height (preferably with an "under"string radius gauge...) at the radius of your fretboard.. The high e string a bit lower and the low E string a bit higher with the in between strings in radius as i mentioned.... These are some guidelines. I mostly set the high and low E, and then adjust the rest with the under string Radius Gauge.
Care to share the SRV set up? What is that? I know he had huge strings and his tech would put some sleeving on the strings up to the saddles, to stop them from breaking.
Texas Blues Alley If it had no been for being fortunate to have some GREAT Guitarist show me licks and " Secrets " It would have taken me much longer to learn what I know .. I wouldn't give out names , but there's no secrets among true musicians; and when I meet a GUITAR JERK , I give him a compliment on what a JERK he or she is and walk away ! I enjoy your videos .. You are a good teacher / JOE TAYLOR
At times, for sure. I don't mind the .11 for the E, but the .15 for the B seems super light. I def. prefer a .16 or .16 for B, and a .18 or .19 for G, but the problem is that for most .12 sets, the G ends up being .20 or .21 which I don't like.
All depends on the fingertips size eh? When bending...If the tips grab the string correctly, down pressure is relieved thereby easing wear on frets and hand fatigue. Adjusting your guitar to your individual physical makeup makes your guitar yours. Another reason that bonds you to your instrument. When you can play your guitar with precision and ease and someone else allowed to play your guitar is fighting to play it just confirms...it's your guitar 😉🤣👍😎 My #1 guitar when just starting out had to have fretwork done way before it should have because of all the downward pressure I was applying. That was because I didn't have the action correctly set up to my fingers size. An expensive lesson learned. However...did achieve a lot of muscle strength in the process 🤣👍😎 Live and learn eh? 👍😎❤🖖
lower your saddles like in the video, then adjust repeatedly your truss rod until it gets better, then start incrementally raising the saddles so the buzzing is gone. also get a compressor peddle for your amp which will make your soft touch loud and... here is the most important part. stop strumming and plucking so hard.
fretboard radius and the odd high fret will determine how low you can set the action - if your frets are all level like they should be - a low action set up is easy enough - one high fret and it screws up the whole set up. Fender guides are just that - a guide so what he is saying is right also your set up depends on how you play - eg if you dont bend strings much you can get lower action etc too low and the guitar will sound poor
i think what the fast playing metal guys dont get is. the "shredders" dont actually pick very hard. they usually have extremely low action. not super heavy strings. and an IMMENSE amount of gain on there amps giving them the natural compression for legatos and those super fast licks. give them a strat with 11 gauge strings tuned to standard with higher action and a super reverb(of course depending on the player, not including zakk wylde and metal guys that also are blues or bluegrass guitarists.) youll find they wont be able to play so incredibly all of the sudden. im an ex metal guy turned to pure blues. it was re learning the instrument all over again.
Jimi Hendrix used .010, .012, .015, .026,.032 and .036 strings. Maybe your need for ‘big strings’ is you trying to compensate for some perceived inadequacy of your own, rather than a search for tone, since Jimi is pretty much ’ the tone’. He also tuned down a half step. I personally use .012 strings but I tune them down to D like Robin Trower, still more tension than Jimi but I’m not worried about how big things are, I am content with my size.
Yes, I don't have any personal experience, but anytime you change one of the contact points of the string (bridge/saddle or nut) the tone will most certainly change. I imagine that graphite being a softer material than brass or steel, would be a bit smoother and creamier like nylon and "tame" the high end.
Yes. If you have steel saddles and go to Graphtech, you will notice a reduction in brightness. But tone can be compensated for with EQ, broken strings cannot.
I think this general approach is kind of the default for electric guitar anyway, but I suspect that for some genres of playing, there's less overall curvature to the action.
I just got this action after hours and months fiddling around trying to learn set up with trial and error. When my setup was like this I instantly got 50% faster and my guitar sustains perfectly now. It’s perfect. Listen to this video!!!!
This is the ultimate tutorial about the action's set up on every guitar. Thanks a lot for sharing.
Seven years later and still absolutely gold. Got myself a 7.25 and kept on fretting out. I Assumed it is just a matter of getting used to it, but this makes things so much better. Thank you for generously sharing.
I know this is an old video but it was exactly what I was looking for, thanks a lot Anthony!
This is really a great video. I now know what has been the source of my trouble and how to correct it. Thank you sir. This should be required in beginner lessons
Damn! How you played, What you were playing, the tone! So so good. Could listen all day
I'm really late to this discussion, but for what it's worth...
1) Very enjoyable and informative video here! Great information!
2) My longtime method for setting string height is kind of low-tech, but it has worked really well for me throughout the years. I call it "a Quarter's worth of action."
Quite simply, I aim to set the height of the strings so that I can JUST BARELY slide a Quarter under them at the location of the 16th and 17th frets. I rest the Quarter on top of those two frets so that it spans them like a bridge over a river. I work with the 6th and 5th strings (as a pair) initially, then scoot the Quarter underneath the 4th and 3rd strings, and then finally underneath the 2nd and 1st strings. Ideally, I like to get it so that, when plucked gently, each string sits just high enough above the Quarter to be able to ring clearly and without buzzing against the top of the Quarter. This process gives me a nice medium-low action, and gets the strings following the fretboard radius with pretty good accuracy. That's my story and... 😊
This channel is so good. I can watch it all weekend.
The best explanation of setting up a guitar for blues
This is so much better than all those video's talking about measurements
I find that high action makes it easier to bend notes, strum more aggressively, and overall get more enjoyment out of playing guitar
How high you set up your action ?
@@rembertoquintanilla5007 4/64” across all strings on the 17th fret which is Fender’s recommendation. I’ll do 5/64” on occasion
That's such a great argument but, if you factor in floating tremolo's and string tension, isn't action subjective and variable/relative to playability?
Jut so you know there are standard measurements. For a 9.5 radius Fender 4/64 (1.6mm) is considered standard Fender setup not high. Generally speaking ‘High’ is 5/64 or 2mm- 2.2mm, Standard or ‘Medium is 4/64 or 1.6mm and anything lower than 1.4 mm is considered low. Superlow is below 1.3mm. YMMV
I capo mine on the first fret .then set the strings at the 17th fret to the fender specs or 1.6 mm then when you let off the capo it’s just right for the 7.25 radius .
As someone who bought a used strat and set up my guitar on my own to factory specs I know feel I have to go back and redo the whole process. Excellent video.
This makes so much sense....thank you....have not heard this anywhere else.....just what I need.
This makes WAY TO MUCH SENSE!!!! Thank you, I will try this, I know you are not "telling" me this is what you should do, but you describe feelings (e.g., the squeezing and digging for the string feelings) that I have on my two guitars. I have had the guy who set up the guitars say "You've got a good low action - makes it really easy to play" - Well for strumming cords it is, but now I am wondering if playing the lead stuff is being hindered because of the digging and squeezing I do. That describes the feeling I have precisely. I'll let you know after I make a change to my prized white MIM start ($499 worth of Fender goodness... LOL).
Actually, most of the string's action configurations have this shape on the saddles because of the neck curvature, what helps to avoid buzzing. In my modest opinion, the best configuration for blues/shuffle goes with a quiet high 0.11 string action on E flat tunning on a strat. But great tips anyway, very clear and useful. Thanks for sharing these tips with us buddy!
That was dynamite ! I followed your (lead) and tried that pattern. It feels real nice. What a fantastic vid ! Thank you from Yuma,AZ.
Wow, you just made my power chords playing so much easier!, I kept hitting the G string, not anymore now after raising the top 3 strings a little. Thank you
Awesome. I just started playing, have read stuff about different action heights. Sure the low action felt easier for a beginner but I can tell you this made bending a lot easier and as a bonus the guitar sounds much better because there's now zero buzz.
Excellent vid. I do this sort of setup for every single Strat I own; It's nice to see there are pro blues players out there who also go by this method. Though, contrary to what others said here, I think this setup works for all styles (on a Strat) -- not just blues. Of course, your axe MUST be properly constructed from the factory to begin with.
Best action explanation for strat. Thank you
Thank you! Bends and overlaping strings are easier to manage for me now!
I use to set up using radius gauges not not more after watching this video! Srv rhythms are much so easier like pride and joy and cold shot awesome
Excellent ideas! An action too low makes me feel like i have to be overly "careful" when bending. for whatever reason i start setting up a guitar with the D and G strings. and then work outward but your logic is very sound! ....interesting!
As a guitar tech, I would caution on this setup. It is a very specialized setup for a very specialized playing style. I've done setups like this for a number of my blues LEAD clients and it's great for that. Anthony did title this "... For Blues" for a reason and it works for his style. My clients that are shredders, rhythm, rock, county, etc. typically have setups that follow the curvature of the fretboard (height will vary greatly).
That being said, this is how my Strat is set.
Yeah, I guess I use both the fretboard radius and the 'feel' to adjust the action. I adjust the B string (most bends, for me) to feel right, then adjust the other strings to follow the radius of the board, then follow up with minor adjustments if some strings feel too low or high. The fretboard radius method alone may not work too well when you're dealing with compound radius boards.
Tim McGuire That's a great point. This setup would be pretty terrible for many other types of playing that involve less bending and more tapping. Generally for metal/shredding I've always thought the lower the better for the action.
@@Texasbluesalley you make the first string height easier to bend by lowering or by raising it? And what about neck relief measurement?
I much prefer your approach. I think it helps by forcing you to pay attention to whats going on i.e focusing on the touch, pressure and adjustment of your fingers. I think its probably better for experienced players and not for newbies. All the specs relating to string height and relief given by various manufacturers, players and websites etc are generally always different anyway so why not just forget the subjectiveness of it and personalise it. Great to see someone take a more common sense approach. Great video and explanation.
Well said! Everything - learning chords, riffs, setting up the action and pickup height... it's all about using your ears and learning it's all about feel. Who cares about music sheets and string height measurements!
Prudent info, not just repeated content.
As I watches your teaching , its easy to see you have many years playing the guitar cause your hand movement is so clean, that doesn't
develop over night.
Wouldn't following the curve of the neck accomplish the same goal?
Yes you can follow the curve of the neck. W Percival.
This is why the 7.25 radius on Fender Strats and Teles are so critical
Really dig this tone. Smooth.
Thank you, thank you very much sir! You explanation really solved my problem.
Great Idea!!! Im setting my strat right away. Thanks.
Very well put together.
I like the way you explained
On an unrelated note, sweet opening "monologue"...love the tone and licks. When you play unaccompanied like that, are you "hearing" the 12-bars in your head? I've been playing around with that kind of solo stuff, and while I can do it, I have to think a lot about what I'm playing in relation to what I'm hearing in my head.
Jeffrey Richard Yes. A goal of every blues player should be to solo to a 12-bar track playing in their head and have the chord changes come out through their soloing to a listener.
hello,,,can i ask if this is a Compound Radius fretboard?,,,,and this is a Fender Strat Guitar?,,,,,and what Model?,,,,bery nice Sound,,,thank you
Makes sense . But why do you use that left handed tremmelo bridge on your right handed body ?
Diggin deep to find the G string is wrong in more than 1 aspect
Actually this should be done after the concert...
And always with the minimum amount of squeezing. 😏😎
Thanks man, best adjust vídeo i ever seen.
Thank you so much for this tutorial
Thats just your taste for string height...i have my top E and B higher than any of the other strings.. its all about what works for the individual..everyones grip and hands are different
It's nice to hear the Vibroverb going, man!
Did you have the tube rectifier selected during this video on the amp?
Diode / Regular mode.
Texas Blues Alley your sound is deadly, love it....
I have CS Strat with Compound radius (9.5 to 12 inch) on 0.10 to 0.52 strings: capo on a 1st fret then measured on 12th fret: high E 3/64 (approx 1.2 mm) and then all other strings to 4/64 inch (aprox. 1.6mm). It works great with chords and big bends!
Hi, thx for the tips.
I'm new to electric guitar.
I have a stratocaster, my strings are 0.09-0.42. though my strings are light guage, but compared to your bending, i found my strings are pretty tight and hard to bend so much like you..
So does the tention of the string is related to what? how to adjust the guitar to have a loose string?
and does the springs on the back of the guitar control the string tension as well?
Thank you
It’s been five years, but I’m going to reply nonetheless. It’s about the tuning. In order to loosen your strings you tune your whole guitar a half step or a whole step down. With less tension on the strings you make them feel more loose.
Hello! What is your fretboard radius?
What kind of strings and string gauge are you using? Thanks
Him: If you've ever broken a string during a show that can be terrifying.
BB King: casually changes string while on stage.
Yea, but BB could talk you through it so you wouldn't even notice...
SRV just had a backup axe waiting
That's just another level of tension that he can create as the fans wait for him to pour his heart out onto the fretboard.
Doesn’t this happen naturally if u measure and follow the neck radius?
So relative to high e, b is closer to the neck? Is that right or do I have it backwards?
Well. Doesn't it have to deal with the radius of freatboard too? Fretboard is rounded in some radius so G has to be higher than E just to be adjusted to the freatbord so it won't lay on it. Am I wrong somewhere? Doesn't it make more sense?
You're absolutely right. Initial setup is done so the saddle heights match the radius of the fretboard. This should give the strings the same action/fret clearance.
The player can then adjust the saddle height to their preferred string action.
Not that I'm a guitar tech... Just recently became interested in how to set up a guitar instead of taking it to the shop all the time.
Hey Anthony! You mentioned that you set up the first string's height so that it's easy to bend the string by just pushing up without applying much pressure towards toward the fingerboard. But doesn't it depend on the fret height? I mean you can set the string height as high as you want, but if your frets are worn as soon as you press the string against the fret no "finger meet" is left to there to help you bend and you'll have to push downwards.
stas It is related. If you have jumbo frets, it requires less squeezing to bend at any string height. If you've got worn down frets I'm not sure higher action helps in this regard because you've got so little fret height between your fingers and the fretboard.
I play a mustang and changed my position of the saddle to compensate for a wound G string.. will this guide work for a mustang with a wound G string?
Nice explanation. Great tone, too. Amp and settings?
can you please tell me which guage string you use and brand
Great video, do also have unconventional ways of setting up the relief and nut height or do you just measure that out?
Hello. I cannot produce a whole step note by bending the "high e" string. Please advise what to do. Do I need higher string height on "high e" string just to satisfy the whole step note? Appreciate your response. 🙂
Could you help me out I don’t know much about action but watched the benefits of this particular setup but I wanted a guitar to do this so what would I say to the guitar tech to have this done
Great video, but what about the guitar neck, do you keep it as straight as possible, or do you keep some bow?
Always best to have some bow ,not a lot tho ,just enough so that you don't rattle your strings on the frets
Cool! Thank You 🤙🤙
I setup my Ibanez RG's to follow the fretboard radius. I like a low to medium action as most of my guitars have medium frets ( except for a couple of my Ibanez's from the 80's) and that makes it a bit easier to bend strings. I've never owned a Strat but I do have a couple of Roadstar's that are similar to a Fat Strat. This setup appears to be more of "His" personal style setup and not a mainstream setup ( correct me if I'm wrong). I love to learn new ways to skin the same cat. Who knows, maybe that cat will be skinned for good one day.
Again logic and reason prove best.
How do you make it easier to bend the High E string? How did you reduce tension
@ozzie houser whats a trem brake angle?
Interesting approach
I'm not sure but string gauge and where you were bending (12th) come into PLAY too.
My Strat feels great, but I have to dig a bit on my ASAT. I think it's time for an adjustment on that guitar.
So far out of all the videos I've seen on string height an bridge height it makes alot of sense especially if u been play as long as I have u can feel what u like in your strings now maybe for a newbie or if yer setting up someone's guitar u have the starting point of a facts sheet of that guitar, cause everyone likes it different but for me I do it by feel🤔works fantastic thanks for the videos
So What Gauge Strings do you use?
Danny Vee .11 - .49 for E-Flat tuning.
Very interesting evaluation. Enjoyed it, thanks.
You over thought this one. You even said the "D" string height not critical, higher/same as "G"? OK I agree it does not matter. Asymmetrical or symmetrical. You said it and I agree. It does not matter. Funny thing is while you say you only go by feel on the high "E". I bet my last dollar it lines up with accepted measurements. My point is you are making an issue out of a non issue.
But on a secondary observation. I really like your explanation of why we do have a curve/non equal heights. I never knew why and now I do.
Finally just for thought consider if the "G" and "D" strings are set at the same height from the saddles. When you go to grab the "D" will be higher as the greater diameter causes.
You gave a great explanation of why we do not have flat saddle heights. Your Asymmetrical "D" string is your preference and even in your own explanation not really a necessity. Symmetrical is just fine for most. I also notice you have an upside down vibrato. Please do not try and explain why that is better. Jimi did it because he was left handed that is it. Do not give justice beyond that.
I know this is a pretty old video ... but how would you set your strat if you had a neck with a 7.25 radius and vintage frets ?
Totally different!
With a vintage Strat neck that has a 7 & 1/4 inch radius ya gotta start with a height that the strings won't choke out on the fretts when ya bend, which is pertty high...
Would this way of setting up the bridge be appropriate for a Tele as well?
Yes
Why does Fender recommend for 9,5" 1.6mm on the bass AND treble side? Doesn't make sense to me because I thought you have to follow the radius and so from the high e every other string raises a little bit so you have (for example) 1.5 - 2mm. And especially the bass strings need more space? On every other radii Fender recommends the "rising principe" and also on every tune-o-matic bridge the saddles are preset for the radius. This is why I'm actually very confused about how to set my 9,5" strat.
Does this action height set up also apply too a vintage 7.25 radius?
A question, why do you have a lefthanded tremolo system on your right handed Stratocaster?
I could imagine for comfort and ergonomic pupose. You don't have to reach down to grab the arm, just extend the right pinky. I'm a guitar newbie, but soon noticed I want it that way on mine
Just had my frets redressed. The action now feels tight so would the best thing to do be lowering the saddles?
The "action" refers to the distance between the bottom of the string and the top of the fret. What do you mean your action feels tight? by tight I personally assumed you were saying it was a bit low but you're thinking about lowering the saddles further so I must be wrong. *confusing* Do you mean the strings feel tighter than they were before fret dressing? If so, that is probably because the neck has been straightened and now the strings have more tension. You can either 1. get use to the new tension, usually takes about 1-2 weeks if you play semi-regular 2. get lighter strings 3. take the guitar back and ask the dude to put a little more relief on the neck. Hope this helps : D
Wow this makes a lot of sense... I only have les paul styles, which doesn't allow for individual lowering and raising of string heights - les paul style only has the tailpiece. This makes me want to get a strat now!! I don't have the money! Maybe i'll get a kickstarter going. :-)
You can also get a Ibanez ar bouble cut a way version which is like a les paul and sounds great
I've been using the same setup for years. When I first started, I was told to follow the radius of the fretboard. That was my logic.
Your Guitar fretboard has a radius... For an even feel, adjust the saddles/string height (preferably with an "under"string radius gauge...) at the radius of your fretboard.. The high e string a bit lower and the low E string a bit higher with the in between strings in radius as i mentioned.... These are some guidelines. I mostly set the high and low E, and then adjust the rest with the under string Radius Gauge.
Nice video. Have you ever tried the srv set up?
Care to share the SRV set up? What is that? I know he had huge strings and his tech would put some sleeving on the strings up to the saddles, to stop them from breaking.
Spudvader really high action as well. I cant remeber the numbers off the top of my head but a google search will have it. I use it and i like it.
Spudvader really high action as well. I cant remeber the numbers off the top of my head but a google search will have it. I use it and i like it.
Thanks for the info. But in the last video you said guitar knowledge were secrets, and not for anyone else to know ;-)
I have a short memory.
Texas Blues Alley And in the guitar jerk video, you said keeping your knowledge a secret from others is a bad thing!
Texas Blues Alley If it had no been for being fortunate to have some GREAT Guitarist show me licks and " Secrets " It would have taken me much longer to learn what I know .. I wouldn't give out names , but there's no secrets among true musicians; and when I meet a GUITAR JERK , I give him a compliment on what a JERK he or she is and walk away ! I enjoy your videos .. You are a good teacher /
JOE TAYLOR
hope everyone understands i was being facetious there.
Ycjedi We're all just fucking around here.
Nice tips thank you!!!
can you do a video for action on les pauls / sg with a similar action on this strat?
I just set all my string same high at 12th fret according to radius of fretboard and all okay
I was hoping for an explanation on the blue painters tape on the trem arm. :)
Wrapped around the trem arm to make it fit more snugly in the hole. I prefer PTFE plumbers' tape.
Alex McGregor Probably a better choice, painters tape was the only thing I had on hand when I did it.
Do you ever find the 49 on the 11-49's to be a bit too light? I've just switched from EB 11-54 and the E string is a bit flubby for a blues rhythm
At times, for sure. I don't mind the .11 for the E, but the .15 for the B seems super light. I def. prefer a .16 or .16 for B, and a .18 or .19 for G, but the problem is that for most .12 sets, the G ends up being .20 or .21 which I don't like.
Try Dunlop Heavy Core strings!
All depends on the fingertips size eh?
When bending...If the tips grab the string correctly, down pressure is relieved thereby easing wear on frets and hand fatigue.
Adjusting your guitar to your individual physical makeup makes your guitar yours. Another reason that bonds you to your instrument.
When you can play your guitar with precision and ease and someone else allowed to play your guitar is fighting to play it just confirms...it's your guitar 😉🤣👍😎
My #1 guitar when just starting out had to have fretwork done way before it should have because of all the downward pressure I was applying. That was because I didn't have the action correctly set up to my fingers size. An expensive lesson learned. However...did achieve a lot of muscle strength in the process 🤣👍😎
Live and learn eh?
👍😎❤🖖
String gauge?
how the heck do you get the action that low without frettbuzzing mine can't even go half of that and the neck has little relief
lower your saddles like in the video, then adjust repeatedly your truss rod until it gets better, then start incrementally raising the saddles so the buzzing is gone. also get a compressor peddle for your amp which will make your soft touch loud and... here is the most important part. stop strumming and plucking so hard.
jumbo frets
god damn that intro just soothes my soul
fretboard radius and the odd high fret will determine how low you can set the action - if your frets are all level like they should be - a low action set up is easy enough - one high fret and it screws up the whole set up. Fender guides are just that - a guide so what he is saying is right also your set up depends on how you play - eg if you dont bend strings much you can get lower action etc too low and the guitar will sound poor
My fingers keep slipping under the strings, action too high
i think what the fast playing metal guys dont get is. the "shredders" dont actually pick very hard. they usually have extremely low action. not super heavy strings. and an IMMENSE amount of gain on there amps giving them the natural compression for legatos and those super fast licks. give them a strat with 11 gauge strings tuned to standard with higher action and a super reverb(of course depending on the player, not including zakk wylde and metal guys that also are blues or bluegrass guitarists.) youll find they wont be able to play so incredibly all of the sudden. im an ex metal guy turned to pure blues. it was re learning the instrument all over again.
Jimi Hendrix used .010, .012, .015, .026,.032 and .036 strings. Maybe your need for ‘big strings’ is you trying to compensate for some perceived inadequacy of your own, rather than a search for tone, since Jimi is pretty much ’ the tone’. He also tuned down a half step. I personally use .012 strings but I tune them down to D like Robin Trower, still more tension than Jimi but I’m not worried about how big things are, I am content with my size.
@@toddwilliamson2651 where's your other comment that was up big mouth.
Excellent explanation & excellent communicator in general. Have you ever considered school teaching?
Do graphtech saddles change your tone?
Yes, I don't have any personal experience, but anytime you change one of the contact points of the string (bridge/saddle or nut) the tone will most certainly change. I imagine that graphite being a softer material than brass or steel, would be a bit smoother and creamier like nylon and "tame" the high end.
Yes. If you have steel saddles and go to Graphtech, you will notice a reduction in brightness. But tone can be compensated for with EQ, broken strings cannot.
is it only applicable for blues???
I think this general approach is kind of the default for electric guitar anyway, but I suspect that for some genres of playing, there's less overall curvature to the action.
@@Texasbluesalley Thank you! 👍👍👍
very useful,thx
Wow. I thought I was the only one who decided the height of a high E string that way.
No u are not unique.
Sorry to confirm this. 😁
Thanks 🤘
Perfect sense ty.