How to Raise the Bridge on a Les Paul Guitar

The string height on a guitar regulates the sound and the amount of pressure it takes to make chords. The bridge or bridge saddle regulates the string height. Les Paul guitars are all equipped with bridge saddles. Raise or lower the bridge to create the best string height.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Screwdriver
• Tuner or piano

1. Locate the Les Paul bridge saddle on the body of the guitar close to the ends of the strings. The bridge saddle is a tin metal bar with one screw on each end.

2. Loosen the strings. Twist the tuning pegs at the end of the neck of the guitar. Do not take the strings off. Just loosen them enough to have some slack.

3. Raise the bridge by loosening the screw in the end of the bridge saddle. Use a screwdriver or your hand to raise it. Some bridge saddles have screws with knobs to turn with your hand. Others require a screwdriver. If you raise the strings too high the guitar sounds airy and makes it difficult to play chords.

4. Check the height. Tighten the strings and play a few bars. This allows you to find the best height for the sound you need. The guitar is not in tune yet but this lets you estimate the right sound.

5. Tune the guitar with a tuner or piano.

Resources

• Learn more about Les Paul guitars.