How to Adjust a Tremolo Bar

Tremolo bars are often used at strategic times during songs.

A tremolo bar is often called a whammy bar or vibrato arm. This device is often used on electric guitars to add vibrato to the guitar's sound. The vibrato is increased when the guitar player presses his hand against the tremolo bar while strumming or picking the guitar strings. The tension of the strings change as the guitarist moves the tremolo bar back and forth, making a "whammy" sound or a pitch-bend effect. On some guitars, the tremolo bar may need to be adjusted to alter the amount or the pitch of the vibrato.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips screwdriver
• Guitar tuner
• 2 4-mm screws
• Allen wrench

Instructions

Adjusting the Tremolo Angle

1. Locate the tremolo system on your guitar. It should be located beneath the strings on the body of your guitar. Carefully remove the tremolo cover plate from the body of your guitar.

2. Locate the spring tension adjustment screw within the tremolo system with a Phillips screwdriver. The spring tension adjustment screw should be a small screw at one end of the cavity. Tighten the screw to change the tension in the spring and re-tune your guitar until you have the pitch you desire.

3. Place the tremolo cover back on the body of your guitar, making sure that it is fastened properly.

Adjusting the Tremolo Height

1. Locate the tremolo unit on you guitar; it can usually be found beneath the strings on your guitar body. Open the cover of the tremolo system and locate the stud lock screws. Adjust the stud lock screws by turning them counterclockwise with an Allen wrench.

2. Adjust the tremolo height adjustment screws on the sides of the outer part of the tremolo system. Use an Allen wrench to lower or raise the tremolo as you desire.

3. Tighten the stud lock screws by turning them clockwise and replace the cover on you tremolo system.

References

• Ibanez: Help and How To...
• Hear and Play: The Purpose of the Whammy Bar