How to Measure Your Guitar's Action Using StewMac Measurement Tools

Getting the PERFECT setup starts with accurate measurements at a number of critical points on the guitar.
In this Trade Secret, Blake demonstrates fast and accurate ways to measure the height of your action at the 1st fret, the 12th fret, get accurate fingerboard radius readings, and check your radius at the saddle.
If you're new to guitar repair or thinking of trying to adjust your action yourself, this is a good one to check out.
Products used in this video:
StewMac Shop Rule
www.stewmac.com/item/4905
String Action Gauge
www.stewmac.com/item/0670
Understring Radius Gauges
www.stewmac.com/item/0353
Notched Radius Gauges
www.stewmac.com/item/5433
Basic Setup Kit
www.stewmac.com/item/3910
#3316 Ball-end Hex Keys
www.stewmac.com/item/3316
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StewMac has everything you need to set up, repair or build guitars.
Everything is 100% guaranteed. Fast worldwide shipping.
Shop StewMac: www.stewmac.com
Facebook: / stewmac
Instagram: @StewMac_Guitar

[@Bomber848480015]

Absolutely the best video and most practical ever on the internet. Seriously this makes alot more sense then some of the ridiculous videos out there. Nice Job thank you.

[@edreed5571]

Mack like goldie. Go back like the oldie. But the goodie.

[@nootypenguino]

Agreed 👍👏

[@Jim1457a]

Thumbs up for using an old string as a feeler gage! That's brilliant!

[@izich]

This is the best guitar action setup video described in 8 minutes that you'll find online. Thank you!

[@notbraindead7298]

This young man did an excellent job explaining the subject matter. He also did a pro job with the Stew-Mac sales pitch. I’ve purchased some of the Stew-Mac set up tools and they work as advertised.

[@sirnatanielson]

18 years playing guitar and I'm finally taking the dive into my own repair and setups. Mainly because I'm mechanically sound now. And this video nailed what I needed to fill some gaps. thank you!

[@XxStonedImmaculatexX]

I thought I was the only one lol But I played for about 10 years before even knowing what a setup was. I would just raise any saddle if I heard the string buzz 😂

[@konjunto2477]

I am just now starting to try and set up my own guitars. IMHO the best video I have seen so far. Thank you. for taking your time to post the vid.

[@JebJulian]

Hands down the most important guitar setup video on your channel. Thanks a bunch

[@bassfishingwiththeantichri2921]

This video helped me understand how to check my action the best out of all the other videos. Thanks, Blake!

[@choimdachoim9491]

Thanks tuh KZbin I is buhcumin a gitar mekanik ! Seriously. I got my first guitar exactly 61 years ago and never knew any of the stuff I've learned on KZbin this past 6 months. It's a whole new hobby at the age of 73 to repair, adjust and modify my guitars, both acoustic and electric.

[@form49]

Listening for string buzz on under-string radius gauge is the tip I needed. Thanks!

[@Johannsen00]

This is the most thorough tutorial I´ve ever seen, including some paid courses on learning platforms. Other videos miss many important details on each step. I would definitely sign up for a paid course with this guy.

[@iswitchover1097]

Under MCO, gives me a lot of time to do things. This is one of my biggest challenging project. Without any basic knowledge, I hope I can make it. Thanks Blake!! Your tips is awesome and appreciate it.

[@ChadwickRider]

Thank you StewMac ... always appreciate these videos. Just another reason why I get all my parts from you guys.

[@andrewjeffries8721]

Thank you for the instruction, Blake! StewMac is definitely the goto authority for instructions for quality guitar work!

[@doggod07]

I've seen a lot of guitar repair vids in my time and this is very good. And I am amazed (or embarrassed) that I have only just discovered StewMac. Greetings from Australia.

[@JohnnyMacalvee-cf7et]

You probably save a truck load of money by not finding them earlier.

[@ratchowmein]

I like this guy. Easy to understand and he looks relaxed.

[@JohnnyMacalvee-cf7et]

I like people that look like they have been hopped up on white snow. Ya know snappin' their teeth and all.

[@donlessnau3983]

Excellent vid. Clear, concise and to the point without all the stupid nonsense you find elsewhere. Blake did a great job.

[@dennisdewinter1997]

Such a great informative video. The measurements were exceedingly helpful.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Stew Mac always has such great information. I purchased both of Mr. Dan's books, and they gave-me-the necessary information to do all my own maintenance & set-ups = Much Happier now with the playability of my guitars. Stay Safe.

[@stewmac]

Dan's books are great resources! We're always here to help. Hope you're staying safe as well!

[@RockWeller]

Stewmac has such a great employee! Great tips man! Greetings from Singapore!

[@nolightescapeshere]

This is a great video. Feels very professional, very straight explanations. Thanks

[@espiritguitar]

The picture in the wall of you with Dan is amazing. great, great, great.

[@donlessnau3983]

Outstanding. Great info. Well presented without all the stupidity and nonsense of so many other sites. Well done. Thanks a lot.

[@cdnbluesdriver]

WOW!! Thanks so much for making this video. Production quality is great with simple, concise explanations. Bought the tools (solid- will recommend to a friend) and setup my very unusual guitar and it plays better than ever! I will say that learning to play cleanly on a poorly setup guitar really helps when you get the thing setup right! Thanks y'all!! . . . PS- Might actually go for a higher cut nut after figuring this stuff out for my goofy rig. Another day though. Going to enjoy this accomplishment!

[@TheMrOuf]

Been playing bass for over 15 years and i had no idea about all of this, thx alot ! really interesting !

[@raymondwilliams4346]

Dude, there's a saying, “If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough”. You nailed it! Bravo! 🙂

[@69jomen]

Thanks for actually showing how to actually read the string height gauge. Others just talk about it and expect you to know. .

[@TREV617]

Great advice if I am unsure always head for this channel.

[@NPRMc]

This is the video I’ve been looking for! Also, props for having working man hands.

[@TheAaron3dg]

Excellent video! Blake is a great instructor

[@zigzeller6510]

Thanks for the video! Nice to see someone else who appreciates the great open chord intonation afforded by the compensated Earvana Nut on your Telecaster: absolute magic on Fenders!.

[@nootypenguino]

Honestly this is the best video I've seen on this. Made sense. Thank you 👍

[@stewmac]

Glad it was helpful!

[@awakeandfree1933]

Got radius tools with a ruler I bought and never knew what they was for. Glad I found this vid

[@rescd4]

Best video, simple clear information. Thank You

[@satchrules101]

This video is pure Gold ! Thank you for this!

[@carlrae7129]

Love the scramble wound strings!

[@ksurf1082]

Excellent Video Blake!

[@OTIStheREALcarlos]

Absolutely fantastically made video great info and so visually clear to understand. Best video. Thank you.

[@stewmac]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DabooksofEli]

Thank you StewMac🙏

[@Michael-cm5kb]

Got a Dean Dave Mustane Zero. Now it's perfect. Thanks!

[@roberth5611]

Great video and helpful tips! Thank you!

[@fadeskywards1245]

Simple and comprehensible. Thanks

[@jessicahayden1415]

This is very informative. Thank you! Just what i needed.

[@cat_loaf943]

I am new to guitars & find this video very informative.

[@mikejr8604]

Exactly what I was looking for thank you.

[@bikenband]

Excellent tutorial. I own over 10 guitars now, so I’m going to order these tools out of necessity....

[@scot-combs]

Great video. I have an idea that some of these tools my show up as presents for our boys! (plus a link to the video)

[@tonydee6658]

The way a video should be, great job!

[@dannyschwinck234]

This is super informative. Thank you!

[@hillanblaine4702]

Something to consider: I've been checking out other videos on using the String Action Ruler (as I'm new to using them personally). I believe the reason why your measurements may not be correlating with your calipers is because of Fret-height compensation. From what I can tell, the String Action Ruler is made to sit on the top of the Frets, not down in the Fretboard. Again, just a thought, and definitely don't hold me to it. :)

[@erniemoi2732]

@@aldalesandro the reason why he made the string buzz onto the metal gauge thing is because if it’s not touching the gauge then it’s too high, he’s not measuring on a fret so that’s why he had ot make sure it has a slight buzz, so that the string is barely touching the gauge and they have the correct curve to the neck

[@aliensphyncter9528]

They make them with cut outs so they sit on the feet board also

[@charleshaupt6834]

Best video on this subject.Clear and understandable,thank.you...Respect...

[@sichuancowboy]

The best and most thorough video on this topic.

[@esmeraldo7887]

Is it really that thorough? His approach is to pick any non-bowed-relief that you want, any string height you like and then aim for about .020" of a gap at the first fret. If I was a beginner at setting up guitars, I wouldn't find that very helpful. I recommend that people aim for the factory specs for their guitar, and then mess around from there. A $3 feeler gage and two allen wrenches are the only tools needed.

[@sichuancowboy]

@@esmeraldo7887 WDYM?? .040 at the 12th fret is literally factory specs for Fender. His method for checking relief is universally accepted as the standard method: Check for 1st fret clearance, check for the relief gap at the 7th/8th/9th fret by depressing first and 15th (whichever fret meets the body). You could put a capo at the first and use your free arm to put a feeler gauge at the gap, but the method above is how everyone and their mom does it. A little gap, perfect. Want it straighter? Then do it like this video and remove the gap by tightening the truss-rod. From there, just use any String Action Ruler to measure both outside E strings (.030 to .040) and then use a String Radius Gauge to match the remaining strings to the neck radius. How's this a problem for beginners?

[@sunavila]

Great video.

[@samsungtvset3398]

For setting the distance of the string above the fret I use the plain end of a drill bit.They are available in steps of 0.1mm, are very accurate and don't cost much.

[@notbraindead7298]

I’ve used drill bits for “feeler gauges” for many different measurements. They also come in steps of 1/64th of an inch as well as the 0.1mm you mentioned.😊

[@bristolfashion4421]

Just set up my home-made George Harrison Rocky-a-like with help from you guys and it plays real nice now - so as ever a Big Thank-You 🙂

[@neilspellman8183]

I've watched quite a few videos similar to this, but this is the first one that made sense! Very informative and made it a little more comfortable to work on certain areas of my guitar! Thank you and well done!👍

[@tygerthecreator2860]

I’m a beginner and when I bought my guitar it was quite high. Today was the first time I adjusted mine and it worked well. I adjusted it to 1.5-1.75 mm on the thickest E string then 1-1.25 on the thin E string. no fret buzz and much more easier to play 😁

[@doedesjel]

Knowledge makes everything better 👍🏻

[@erickochheim1551]

Absolutely top video and top tools! Cheers from germany Eric

[@oatnoid]

Excellent vid. This is a keeper.

[@philbivins7133]

Great video, very informative...Thank you

[@GerryBlue]

Hey, someone with a lower action than mine, what doy you know, I also have a light touch. Great video, can't believe many players don't setup their own guitars.

[@mikelikesguitaralot]

Awesome video

[@scottpetrie6179]

Great video and excellent information. Does the same information and corrections of the truss, strings and saddles apply to Electric ukulele's to? Thanks

[@kevon217]

Thanks for the tutorial!

[@SakhaGaming]

Thanks for the clear explanation!!!

[@kalvincunhaaguiar2894]

this channel is so amazing

[@0HARE]

Thank you. This was very helpful. I mainly have and play nylon string classical guitars. Do you have any kits/tools specifically for them?

[@seanatteberry3686]

Great video. Thanks much.

[@Aaron_LH]

Super helpful video thanks

[@roycefaggotter6860]

Brilliant thank you, extremely informative.

[@bobkrause0103]

Great video

[@dvdbit1]

very helpful ,thank you

[@bobbarcus8310]

Thanks for not rushing In the old days they did that

[@paulhicks3595]

Very good. Thanks.

[@ahaua1]

Excellent video!

[@shashanksherkar392]

Very very nice information video. Thanks for that. I play a guitar which is ESP AX-50 LTD, a clone of B.C.Rich Warbeast without the tremolo bridge. It has a t-o-m bridge. I am from India, a small city without any guitar resources except local acoustic strings and picks. So, I have to do all my repairs, servicing by myself and I do not get the right tools for the job. Just 2 days back I found guitar string height tool on amazon and soon I will order that curved set of keys with different radius. I have been using the last trick of using old strings for height check, I am a recycler! It's good to know you use that. I play from Rock to thrash metal rhythm at 72 to 180bpm and lead as needed but at 50-75% bpm of rhythm and do heavy tapping on all strings above and near 12th fret mostly with legatos. If your string height as shown in the last part near nut cannot be adjusted without using nut filing, I have to check it by actually tapping between 3rd and 7th frets while playing. If I get a buzz, I just adjust the truss rod. Well in absence of proper tools what could I? I hope to know more about bridge adjustments etc as well. Thanks again. Keep on delivering that information in simple language.

[@sweetbloodsmusic8279]

Thank-you, this is extremely helpful

[@stewmac]

So happy to hear it! We're here to help.

[@infossil]

phantastic explanation, thank you

[@XxStonedImmaculatexX]

I usually place the radius gauge saddle on top and just take a look at looking down towards the bridge. If I see any gaps where the string isnt touching it, then I know I need to raise that saddle. Never figured I could just strum the string as well so I’ll definitely try that next time!

[@anthonycrook1987]

was noting the color of each wrap you chose for the feeler gauges. guess there's no universal standard on that yet. kudos' to the "most composed" stew mac team!

[@markrock78]

Best instruction video on here ❤

[@jshaw2900]

Love the vid, love the pic of Jerry in the background.

[@rzh3443]

Very helpful! Can we have one on setting up pickup heights ? More complicated I am sure but the basics would be good.

[@stewmac]

Check this video out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iICwfWeuqLZ-bJI

[@Mike-bf6em]

What a fantastic video. Thank you :)

[@jewelthesapphire6984]

Thanks StewMac!

[@golds04]

Love that gauge. Ha my tele is twice the height in action. Goes to show- to each their own! Great video

[@Christopher_Giustolisi]

I´m so glad to live in a country where we use the metric system.

[@pearlholloway7318]

Very good !

[@CodyCleggMusic]

Best video on setup I've found so far! Thanks for the knowledge.

[@J__C__]

Hmmm. Mine are at .008" at the first fret and I'm getting fret buzz sometimes. Going to attempt to replace the nut this weekend with a Graph Tech Black Tusq XL that will be the same exact size with a little sanding. It's already the right shape so hopefully it's just a matter of sanding to dimensions and installing. If not, I'm sure I can always put the original back in, right? 🤷‍♂️

[@peterludlow9847]

What a brilliant video ,do all these measurement sizes applies to a Les Paul. Many thanks

[@billybob9144]

Thanks for sharing this

[@jcmartiz]

You, sir, are a master!!!! thanks!

[@brownsparlour9813]

This is such an easy to follow video and so well done and easily explained i love these vids 👍

[@banjoist123]

I have a different approach/philosophy to height at the nut. Fretting a string at the 3rd and observing the height at the 2nd to me should be no different than the height of the string unfretted at the first fret. The fret is suspending the string just as the nut is. I've done lots of setups on guitars that would pass the 3rd to 2nd test, but that still have too much height at the nut.

[@tedadlington1777]

BRILLIANT vidio. Thank you

[@liorodriguez7998]

Love this! TY

[@healthchannel4399]

very informatic thanks

[@driven-tone672]

I learn a lot ..thanks