How to adjust the action on your guitar.

Chris's favorite tools for guitar setups:
Neck Relief Gauge: stewmac.sjv.io/LP3W2M
Digital Nut Slotting Gauge: stewmac.sjv.io/kjn0v3
Neck Relief Gauge and Nut Slotting Gauge Set: stewmac.sjv.io/oeZXKW
String Action Gauge: stewmac.sjv.io/Vy39Vk
Fret Rocker: stewmac.sjv.io/2rP13g
Soundhole Truss Rod Wrenches: stewmac.sjv.io/NKdkVv
Truss Rod Wrench Set: stewmac.sjv.io/qnR4qj
Precision Straightedges: stewmac.sjv.io/jWAnn6
Guitar Player Repair Guide: stewmac.sjv.io/BXozBq
Basic Setup Kit: stewmac.sjv.io/x9xkPA
Gauged Nut Slotting Files: stewmac.sjv.io/kjn03z
DiamondCut™ Nut Slotting Files: stewmac.sjv.io/mgVXq7
Nut and Saddle Vise: stewmac.sjv.io/QO3JaY
Nut and Saddle Sander: stewmac.sjv.io/qnXByY
Want to help us make more content? Please consider becoming a member of our channel! It really helps us out. If this video helped you in particular, you can also say thanks with a super thanks!
Interested in tonewood for your next build? Please visit our personally curated tonewood for sale at: www.driftwoodguitars.com/tonewood
Join Chris Alvarado as he discusses the 5 things that can make your acoustic guitar play poorly. By following along in this video using the "Acoustic Guitar String Action Simulator", you will be able to understand what things can change on your guitar to make it play better or worse, and how to fix them.

[@NighthawkEnforcer]

This is the absolute best explanation of playability of an acoustic guitar that I’ve seen. I can’t believe I’m just finding this video!

[@rejerh8731]

100% agreed

[@lowden7268]

@@rejerh8731 AMEN!

[@flouisbailey]

For visual learners this is excellent not for everyone however great to watch at 2:30AM when you can’t sleep.

[@paulsullivan9117]

Leaves no doubt about whats needed when you can so easily see what's going on!!

[@tower_studios_dave]

I set up acoustic guitars professionally for my customers at my studio here in England. This is not only the best and clearest demonstration of the setup process I have ever seen, but also a demonstration of your passion for your craft in creating that brilliant model. Props dude. I'm so glad I found this channel. You're killing it. Love your work 🙂

[@NiechoBGC]

How much do Luthier's usually charge for set ups?

[@tower_studios_dave]

@@NiechoBGC I only charge a nominal amount, because I do it as an extra service for my customers at my studio. I've just been speaking to a friend of mine tonight though who is a well known luthier, and he charges £80 for a comprehensive setup. He has made guitars for David Gilmour though, so shop around and ask for recommendations from other guitarists in your area. All the best!

[@NormeeShays]

30 years of experience playing guitar. I’ve seen hundreds of setup videos. This one is the absolute best one. My hat’s off to you!

[@MegaTubescreamer]

that model is a stroke of genius in understanding applied mechanics its practical and provides instant recognition of the problems every responsible guitarist should be aware of, great stuff ,

[@GreenMach1ne]

Single-handedly the best explanation of this that I’ve ever come across on the Internet. Thank you so much.

[@ruisousa4835]

Hi Chris, this is really the best explanation about guitar setup i have come accross. Your setup simulator is absolutely fantastic, it helps so much to be able to see the impact of a modification on the nut or saddle, or neck relief instead of just a theorical explanation. You really did a great job here, thank you very much.

[@mboyer68]

You would've been a very successful engineer. The things you do, especially the accelerated failure mode testing... measuring the bow of the top, measuring the depth of the dents using a dial indicator, etc. Now you build a model, a very functional teaching model, and are using it to help your viewers understand a guitar setup...you ARE the man. Thank you so much. Who'da thought that James Franco had this level of engineering and teaching skills...and I thought you were just a stoner Hollywood actor!

[@Yourcreatorlovesyou]

Humble hardworking patient , help him get these videos out people . As i continue to watch this channel i now know what a good guitar is .

[@rrvirus]

how come anyone that watch this video ended up not subscribed to your channel? it confused me. i own taylor, yamaha and epiphone. hopefully one day i can order a guitar from you. amazing work sir.

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

Thanks for saying that.

[@raymster8450]

Awesome show and tell video! Thanks, i learned quite a lot!

[@mikegoh2569]

Thanks Chris for sharing your knowledge. Enjoyed this video very much.

[@Timmonsongs]

Incredible little model you’ve made here. Awesome.

[@lyndamcardle4123]

Just a brilliant and informative explanation of setting up....and the best I've ever witnessed. Well done.

[@robmiller3464]

This demonstration tool was fantastic. Great job, thank you Rob

[@johnboehr5471]

Just ran across a couple of your videos. This one really blew me away. What an ingenious tool you've made to explain the complexities of guitar setup. An excellent video!

[@markashley8393]

Awesome model and very helpful demo!👍🏼👍🏼

[@MrJtigger707]

Brilliant idea with the model!

[@mospheric]

Fantastic, informative, video! Brilliantly done, thank you!

[@stevecroft5068]

A brilliant and easy explanation of guitar playability.👌

[@ardumus]

Great model. Really made it easy to visualize the concepts you were presenting.

[@shivangagarwal8043]

Honestly the best setup video i have seen. Great job bro!!!

[@williamcleves1950]

Thanks you, well done....you've made me rethink a number of things...

[@sizzler271]

Hands down the most informative vid I've seen on this subject, and love the demo model.

[@matthewfunk6658]

What an insightful lesson, thanks!

[@jerrysamuelson1247]

Great video. Amazing model to do your illustrations. Thank you.

[@alexmoll8372]

What a fantastic model. I can't imagine a better visual tool to help truly understand the various adjustments. Thank you.

[@lenm2643]

Absolutely brilliant, many thanks from the UK .

[@sirgaryo]

What an absolutely brilliant video !!!! This is so helpful, fantastic !!! 😍🎸👌

[@stanleychui1048]

An excellent demonstration on setting up a guitar! Thank you so much!

[@carljohnson4691]

I’ve been playing for over forty-five years, doing my own setups for almost twenty, and worked as a guitar tech for about a year before being recalled into the military, and this is the best explanation of how to set up a guitar I have ever seen. Excellence!

[@warloshernandez]

I really appreaciate your time, this video was very clear and to the point.

[@thislisa]

The model and explanations were outstanding.

[@markreams3192]

Great teaching aid. You really make guitar setup clear!

[@derekwalton16]

This is the finest explanation of hows and whys of set up and visually makes everything so clear and obvious.

[@frankhiatt4271]

Love the model which provides the perfect visuals to better understand cause and effect. Thank you!

[@dougww1ectebow]

What a great teaching tool! I learned a lot today, thanks.

[@ronaldscholtens103]

A better explanation than this is not possible. Thank you very much for all your effort to explain this item with your fantastic cnc model.

[@tunemaking]

Exceptional video explaining the various nuances affecting a guitar’s action!

[@whirap]

ditto and kudos . best visual instruction on the mechanics of guitar set up. bravo.

[@stevenneufeld3791]

thank you for posting this video. really helpful.. love your channel and expertise!

[@lucienrobidoux3692]

You are a total genius…thanks for sharing your expertise!

[@klemens1346]

Excelent video Sir! Perfect demonstration and best explanation ever. Thank you.

[@_jw_harper]

Outstanding and so clear. Much appreciated 🙏👍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@EddyfyingArt]

This visualization model is pure genius! Excellent job!👏🏻

[@choiceblade]

I cannot thing of nor have I seen anywhere such an eloquent and accurate visual depiction of guitar build and action. Answered a slew a questions I had. Thank you!

[@tonygoacher7659]

This is the best explanation of set up I've ever seen. Your model is brilliant along with your explanation. Thank you.

[@dennisfalls3091]

Awesome video...I agree ...your setup simulator really shows how it all works together. Thanks ! 👍👍

[@martinsmith8641]

Great model and lots of great information Thanks

[@JocelynnRodrigues]

You know your stuff! Love it. Thank you for this demo - super helpful!

[@kennyayala6189]

Fantastic explanation and demonstration of all the factors involved! I love the cross-section/"slice" of a guitar side-view model you came up with -- really neat idea!

[@Kevin.odonnell]

That is by far the best teaching tool I’ve ever seen. I wish you’d sell these so I can use it to demonstrate!

[@larryfoster2227]

Very cool! Thanks brother, this helped immensely!

[@garytavis2876]

Great job with this video. Thanks for the tutorial.

[@davepontrello4159]

You have done a great service to the guitar playing community. And guitar mechanics as well. I plan on sharing your video to all my playing friends. I was planning on making my own video someday on how to evaluate a used guitar and you have covered every aspect in this video. Thx.

[@francoisperreault9635]

Wow! What a great video, explaination and setup. Thank you very much! You could not be mort clear👍👍👍 François from Québec

[@SlyRenegade]

Sir. you are the best. this wooden diagram / setup helps me so much. thank you.

[@ronfish5388]

Excellent visualization and explanation of the variables involved and how it reflects to different aspects of playability. What a great teaching aid you built! I learned a ton!

[@Jason_Megibow]

Hands down the best acoustic guitar "set up" demonstration and tutorial video!!! And... huge props for the clever ingenuity of that model. Thank you !

[@zackmerrill1573]

This was awesome. Appreciate your time and energy making this video. Hands down the best visuals on guitar setups and care!

[@jonahguitarguy]

That model is perfect. And you explained guitar geometry very well. I've been enjoying your videos very much. Thanks Chris.

[@roadshowautosports]

The best acoustic guitar setup video bar none!!! You cover every aspect of the problems and causes answering which course of action and setup steps to correct it! You’re THE MAN!!!! Thank you so much for what you do for us!!!!

[@WheelmansOutdoorChannel]

I can’t tell you how many times I have reviewed this video. It is an exceptional explanation of guitar dynamics and your visual aid should be used in classrooms. The work and time you have put into your videos is not unnoticed. Keep up the great work!

[@Tarheelbluez]

Simply said, thank you for this. This is by far the best setup content I’ve seen.

[@kweinfurt]

I’m SO happy that KZbin put this video on my Home Screen. Hands down the clearest, best explanation of this I’ve ever seen. The model is AWESOME.

[@mikerobinson579]

Not only is this by far best vid on playability adjustment I've ever seen, it has got to be among the best presented vids, on any subject, on the whole of KZbin. Thanks. I've learnt a lot.

[@user-cw5gl1gt7l]

That model is amazing!! Very clever aid to help explain all the principles in an intuitive manner… love it and great job!!!

[@matthewharper9615]

You've inspired me to attempt a much needed setup on my old Seagull S6. As others have said, this really is the best explanation of what a setup is and how to go about it. I love the model. I'm already looking for more videos where you use it.

[@peterbayliss1484]

I love your serious side, and your technical know how 👍😎

[@permit40]

Genius and innovative teaching. Thanks!

[@captbuscemi]

Easily the best video I’ve seen from you 😀. That model is amazing, great explanation, thanks Chris!

[@tonymac7272]

Awesome video and thanks for taking the time to build this model. Best demo I've ever seen on explaining these things. I know some of these things but you explained it all on a different level that is extremely helpful to me. Thank you!

[@johna3322]

Fantastic video man. Super informative and easy to understand. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this for us.

[@jmc2567]

Thankyou for taking the time to create that model guitar for us,it certainly aided in your description of problems with guitars,Best wishes to you and all your viewers and subscribers, from, Auckland, New Zealand ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐👍✅❤🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂

[@oprymusicstore4851]

I can see why you were excited about this project. Excellent work and teaching aid. very cool!

[@stanlees3721]

Great video, Chris! Absolutely helpful. Thanks for drawing back the curtain on what has heretofore been a sort of well hidden-almost arcane art. Again, thanks much!

[@mandolin-george-uk]

This video, your presentation and the intricate model is an another level. This is qualitatively different from anything else on the internet - a true gold standard. Masterclass. Outstanding.

[@dphipps3631]

Excellent demo sir. Top marks.

[@scottjantzen7]

Excellent video. That model is very helpful in understanding the various factors that impact playability of a guitar.

[@dougbateman6613]

I have been building and setting up guitars for decades, and this is absolutely the most helpful video I have ever watched. Thank you for sharing this valuable information with others.

[@piemmetubo]

That's the best explanation about setting I've ever seen. Thanks a lot for your generosity in making and sharing it.

[@robertdodge8587]

Really clear explanation ,will help my understanding greatly .Thank you!

[@SuperSterling]

This is exactly what I was looking for! thanks man!

[@buckwheat7673]

You truly, truly have the gift for teaching. Very rare believe it or not.I'am so inspired. Thank you!

[@Hikaru109Ichijyo]

cool, and the model helps, thanks helps me understand the instrument more

[@bangaujam]

Best explanation of acoustic guitar setup with an amazing training aid I've ever seen. ❤

[@ellenrik]

Excellent explanation from a true craftsman. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@Adrianlewis61]

That was just brilliant, Chris. Thank you!

[@carlbussmann7559]

Easily the finest explanation of all the items that make your guitar the most playable; I had not thought about string tension and other factors which bring it to PERFECT ! Thank you much.

[@SamuelPurnama]

Wow, your explanation using these props is really awesome. You're really intent on teaching the lesson. Thank you very much for your effort. I appreciate it. So far, your video is the best and the most comprehensive for explaining how to set up an acoustic guitar. Super! 👍👍

[@tassospep3681]

Great job, thank you, cant wait for the next video👍👍

[@paulmonkcom]

Really good video, love your model...am off to explore the rest of your videos for more juicy info... 🤘🏽

[@xpursangjock8724]

Awesome simulator! Well done! By far, the best comprehensive explanation of guitar playability in the universe!

[@gibbonsdav]

This is very helpful info. Thanks!

[@Nashville663]

What a great and informative Video. I feel the model helps demonstrate the different areas for potential adjustment that may be required, and also the effects on the complete setup. Probably the most informative & practical demonstration I have see. Thank you.

[@Tbone1952]

This is a lot of variation to absorb but by far, leaps and bounds the best setup video I have ever seen WOW !! Excellent video thank you!

[@jfan4reva]

Thanks! Your demo tool does a good job of illustrating how changing different parts will change the relationship between the nut, neck, saddle, the frets and the strings. Never thought about how a string change would affect the geometry of the guitar, or how to tell what's making an instrument that used to play well, play poorly now. Very informative! Everyone who watched is now smarter. Thanks for the video!

[@bluesingmusic3443]

Great video. I have an old $100 beater acoustic/electric I've had it for almost 20 yrs. Could never get it to intonate. So I tuned it for slide. However saw another builder's video, a guy described exactly what was wrong my old beater. The guy said "check your nut". 1st I lowered the action by shaving the saddle, that helped, but it still was sharp along the fret board. Decided it was an inexpensive guitar, so I did the half pencil trick, all the strings were too high. I filed the slots to the point I had .020 at the 1st fret, the old guitar came to life. Every fret was in tune on all the strings (to my amazement). The guitar is basically plywood, but she actually sounds Great! I decided to do the same with a newer 335 copy I bought for $150, that, a fret leveling & crowning, a new set of $20 humbuckers, set the action to Gibson recommendations, that guitar sounds good (the pups are $20 so ididnt expect it sound like a real 335), plays like a dream as well. I've been playing 50+ yrs, & never realised how a few thousanths on a nut, could make such a difference. I've got a '92 Fender Telecaster that only needed a bit of saddle adjustment, it's always played great. Of course the guitar companies do set their guitars up with high action, (so they don't buzz when people try them out). Funny how a few tweaks can turn a cheap guitar into 1 that plays well, & sounds pretty good.

[@WindOfTheWisp_Janine]

Wow...I've been setting up my own & other folk's guitars for many years, but I still watch as many videos as I can, as I always learn something new! But as many others have commented, this has got to be one of the best demonstrations out there! Absolutely love the model, as it allows a visualization of situations that one could not easily demo with a real guitar. Especially appreciate you going over in detail which situations cause which areas of the fretboard to buzz, & emphasizing to always check relief first...so many folks don't cover this.Thanks so much for all of your time & effort to put this together!!🙂🎸

[@guitarraspedales8784]

So thankful for the info!

[@jimclayton2982]

Great video. It might be the most instructional video I have ever watched about setting up a guitar. Well done!