How to Set-Up a Tremolo Bridge

The guitar tremolo is often referred to as a whammy bar.

Guitar tremolos are used to change the pitch of the note while you are playing. The basic tremolo includes the moving bridge and a set of springs to set the tension for the tremolo itself. Adjustments often need to be made to tremolos for them to work properly. If a tremolo is not set up, it may go out of tune often or not work properly. The intonation is a crucial part of setting up a tremolo, as the movement that a tremolo is capable of can change the string's properties.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Inspect the current location of the bridge in reference to the body of the guitar. The bridge should be parallel with the guitar body. If it is not, you will have to make some adjustments to get it to that point. Tune the guitar to pitch before your inspect the bridge's location.

2. Adjust the springs of the tremolo if the bridge is too close to the body. Flip the guitar over and unscrew the spring cavity cover to access the springs. Loosen the spring claw to set the bridge parallel with the guitar body. Flip the guitar back over and tune it to pitch as the adjustment will most likely pull the guitar out of tune. Repeat the procedure if the bridge is still too close to the body until it is parallel.

3. Adjust the springs of the tremolo to correct a bridge that is tilted upward away from the body. In this case, the spring claw is too loose and will need to be tightened. Flip the guitar over and tighten the spring claw one full turn at a time. Flip the guitar back over and retune it. Check the bridge again and make any necessary adjustments to get it parallel.

4. Check the intonation to make sure that it is correct. The intonation assures that the distances from the bridge saddle to the 12th fret is the same as the 12th fret to the nut on every string. Pick the open string and tune it to pitch with a tuner. Place your index finger on the 12th fret and pick that note. If it is not in tune, you will need to adjust the saddle.

5. Move the saddle forward if the 12th fret note is flat compared to the open note. This will shorten the distance from the saddle to the 12th fret. Turn the saddle screw clockwise on your tremolo bridge. Turn the saddle screw counterclockwise if the 12th fret note is sharp. This will increase the distance. Recheck the intonation after every adjustment.

References

• Vintage Kramer; The Floyd Rose Tremolo
• Guitar Attack; Basic Guitar Setup