Electric guitar setup, in the right order.

1. Strings and tuning come first

Install the strings you actually plan to use and tune to the pitch you actually play in. Gauge and tuning change tension, and floating tremolos make that interaction especially obvious.

2. Measure neck relief

Relief describes the slight longitudinal curve of the neck. Record it before changing bridge height. If the guitar buzzes mainly in the lower or middle frets, this measurement becomes especially useful.

3. Measure action

Once relief is known, record string height at a consistent fret. Action is a playing compromise, not a score. A heavy attack usually needs more room than a light touch.

4. Check the nut where appropriate

If open strings buzz or first-position chords feel unusually stiff or sharp, the nut deserves attention. Do not file a nut slot just because the guitar has high action elsewhere.

5. Check pickup height

Pickup height affects balance and output. It belongs late enough in the process that your string height is already stable.

6. Intonate near the end

Compare the open string with the lightly fretted 12th-fret note only after relief and action are stable. Retune after every saddle movement.

7. Play the guitar

Test every fret, bends, chords, tuning return and the way the instrument responds to your actual picking hand. Measurements are there to help the guitar play well, not replace the play test.

Go deeper