Solo ST Style DIY Electric Guitar Kit
Copyright © 2017 Solo Music Gear. All rights reserved | v2.0
TUNING AND SETUP
Tuning a 6-string guitar:
The open strings of a guitar, from the thickest to thinnest, in standard tuning are:
• E (2nd octave) – the thickest (or lowest sounding) string - is the 6th string
• A (2nd octave) – is the 5th
• D (3rd octave) – is the 4th
• G (3rd octave) – is the 3rd
• B (3rd octave) – is the 2nd
• E (4th octave) – the thinnest (or highest sounding) is the 1st string.
There are different methods to tune a guitar. Using a digital tuner is the easiest way. However, it is good to
learn tuning (and checking the accuracy of tuning) by ear with natural harmonics, unisons, octaves etc.
Guitar playability and intonation depends on its setup, so you may want to spend some time mastering the
necessary skills – be persistent in finding the optimal action (string height), neck relief and intonation
throughout the entire neck.
Adjusting Tremolo:
Adjust the bridge to a proper angle using the claw screws in the tremolo cavity so that the gap between
the top of the body and the rear of the bridge is about 1/8" (3.2 mm) or a notch less. Now you can install
the tremolo cavity cover.
Adjusting Strings Height:
String height is adjusted by the bridge height of tune-o-matic bridge. You may use a flat screwdriver to
turn the adjustable studs – turning the stud clockwise sets the bridge lower, turning it counterclockwise
sets it higher. Thicker strings need more room for vibration without “buzzing” (touching frets) so the
bridge must be set up a bit higher on bass (wound) strings side. Low action allows easier fretting and
faster playing. Recommended measurements for electric guitar with low action:
For the 1st String (the thinnest) – height at the 1st fret: 0.01” – 0.016” (0.25 – 0.4mm); at the
12th fret: .063” – .078” (1.6 - 2mm).
For the 6th String (the thickest) – height at the 1st fret: 0.016” – 0.024” (0.4 – 0.6mm); at the 12th
fret: .078” – .01” (2 – 2.5mm).
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