How to Adjust the Neck of a Les Paul Electric Guitar
Some guitarists prefer low action on their guitars. Other guitarists like to set the action higher. Adjust the action by manipulating the bridge before you attempt to adjust the neck. If the frets buzz or the neck does not feel right, then adjust the neck by tightening or loosening the truss rod. This is easy to do on a Les Paul guitar.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
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1
Site down the guitar fretboard and inspect the neck. Look from the headstock towards the bridge. Determine whether the neck needs to be tightened or loosened.
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2
Loosen the strings and remove the Les Paul emblem plate on the headstock. The emblem plate is held in place with two Phillips head screws. Removing the emblem plate gives you access to the truss rod.
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3
Adjust the truss rod with a socket wrench or truss rod tool. Turn the truss rod clockwise to tighten the neck and make it straight. This allows you to set the action low without the frets buzzing. Turn the truss rod counterclockwise to loosen the neck. This allows you to have a slight curvature of the neck and set the action higher. Adjust the neck in quarter turn increments.
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4
Examine the neck after giving the truss rod a quarter-inch turn. Continue making turns and inspecting the neck until it is set where you want it.
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5
Replace the emblem plate and tune the guitar. Play the guitar and inspect the action and feel of the neck.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Be aware that it is possible to damage your Les Paul if you make the truss rod too tight.
