Guitar Lessen - Mike D Tucker - EzineArticles.com Expert Author

  • Alternative Treatment For Hearing Loss
    [Health-and-Fitness:Ears-Hearing] If you are looking for an alternative treatment for hearing loss here is some information you should consider. Unless you have permanent hearing loss caused by an injury or severe illness, alternative remedies have shown considerable promise.
  • Natural Treatments For Hearing Loss
    [Health-and-Fitness:Ears-Hearing] If you’re suffering from hearing related problems and are looking for an alternative to expensive hearing aids or surgery you may want to look into natural treatments for hearing loss. New research shows that certain supplements, vitamins, minerals and herbs can be used effectively to improve hearing.
  • Windows Vista Shutdown Problem – Possible Causes
    [Computers-and-Technology:Software] Are you having the Windows Vista shutdown problem and not sure what to do about it? Here’s a few things you can try. It is pretty annoying sitting there waiting for your computer to shut down. Some PCs become so corrupt they never shut off. You could hold the power button down for more than four seconds but, this is not the proper way to shut off your computer. Each time you do so you cause more damage to your PC.
  • Keylogger Software Detection – Are You Being Watched?
    [Computers-and-Technology:Personal-Tech] Ever wonder if your keystrokes are being recorded? I don’t know about you but every time I log into my bank account I wonder. Key loggers can become installed on your computer without your knowledge, and record every keystroke you make. So who is spying on you?
  • Windows XP Will Not Shut Down – Try These Tips
    [Computers-and-Technology:Software] If you are running Windows XP and it will not shut down here’s a few things you can try. This is a fairly simple problem to fix. First of all let me say, I know how annoying this problem can be. I used to hate sitting there looking at the computer waiting for it to shut off.
  • Using Registry Editors and Utilities to Tune Up Your PC
    [Computers-and-Technology:Personal-Tech] Cleaning and repairing your windows registry is like giving your computer a good tuneup. Over time, your computers file entries become corrupted or bloated and need to be scanned and cleaned. While you can edit your registry manually it is usually not recommended. Even the most experienced computer technicians have difficulty doing this.
  • Is Your Windows Explorer Slow Or Freezing? – Try These Tips
    [Computers-and-Technology:Personal-Tech] It’s very annoying when Windows Explorer runs slow or starts freezing up on you. It could cause you to lose hours of work. This is one of the reasons why the windows are sealed in high-rise office buildings. If they were not, you may witness flying computers. Here’s a few things you can do to correct your problem.
  • Fixing Windows XP Crashes and Blue Screen Errors
    [Computers-and-Technology:Personal-Tech] If you are experiencing frequent Windows XP crashes or the dreaded blue screen error here’s a few things you can try before taking a sledgehammer to your PC. Getting a fatal error on your computer can be very annoying. Especially when you’re in the middle of a large project and lose all your work.
  • Find Out Who an Unlisted Phone Number Belongs To
    [Communications] If you are getting unknown or prank calls and need to find out who an unlisted phone number belongs to here are a few things you can try. This will also work to trace most cell phones, whether they are unlisted or not.
  • How to Make Your Computer Bootup Faster
    [Computers-and-Technology:Personal-Tech] There is nothing more agonizing then waiting for your computer to boot. I used to be able to make a whole pot of coffee while I waited for my PC. If you are having this problem and want to make your computer bootup faster here’s a few things you can try.
  • Preforming an Unlisted Phone Search – Do They Really Work?
    [Communications] Are you getting unknown calls or maybe prank calls that come up as unlisted? Do you need to trace that person down and find out who they are? These days it is easier than ever to find out the owner of any phone number.
  • Tips For Fixing the Slow XP Shutdown Problem
    [Computers-and-Technology:Personal-Tech] Sometimes older computers will get so cluttered with garbage and corrupt programs that they become very slow in their operations and extremely slow when trying to shut off. If you are running Windows XP and are experiencing the slow shutdown problem you can usually fix it yourself.
  • The Truth Behind Spyware – Do You Really Need to Worry About It?
    [Computers-and-Technology:Personal-Tech] Spyware was intentionally created to have a specific effect on your computer. It was built to generate revenue for the companies involved with its distribution. Unlike many viruses, which are purely malicious, the software has a purpose. By using privacy-invasive programs these companies, some of them multi-million dollar companies, have found a way to market their products. It is essential to know the tell-tale signs in order to free your computer of these infections.
  • Tips For Fixing a Slow Computer
    [Computers-and-Technology:Personal-Tech] If you need help fixing a slow computer. There are a few things you can try yourself. Following the tips in this article will cure most slow computer problems. This procedure will vary depending on what operating system you have.
  • Eliminating the Windows XP Freeze Up
    [Computers-and-Technology:Software] Are you experiencing a Windows XP freeze up? Perhaps you are getting the blue screen error, mouse freezes, or maybe your control panel is freezing up on you. This article will provide some tips to help eliminate your problem.
  • Why is My Computer So Slow – Do I Have Spyware?
    [Computers-and-Technology:Personal-Tech] When you first buy a computer it seems as fast as lightning then over time it seems to slow down little by little. Most people think this may be caused from adding on too many programs or storing too much information on their computer. That really is not the case in most instances. This can be caused from such things known as spyware that gets stored on your computer when you visit certain websites.
  • Curing the Vista Slow Startup Blues
    [Computers-and-Technology:Software] Do you have the Vista slow startup problem? Do you hit your power button and go make a pot of coffee while you wait for your computer to boot in the morning? There is nothing more annoying than a slow computer, it makes you want to take a big sledgehammer to it.
  • What Causes a Slow Computer? – Top Reasons Explained
    [Computers-and-Technology:Personal-Tech] Causes for a slow computer can very, depending on your operating system, but basically there are a few things you should check into. Spending a couple of hours doing maintenance on your computer can greatly improve its performance. Following these tips should help you get started.
  • How to Fix Windows Vista Errors
    [Computers-and-Technology:Personal-Tech] Fixing Windows Vista errors is a little different than the older operating systems. You would think by now that Microsoft would have a completely stable operating system that would run error free, but not so. Any version of Windows can and will get errors from time to time.
  • Windows XP Slow Boot Times – And What Causes Them
    [Computers-and-Technology:Personal-Tech] Windows XP slow boot times can be caused by several different things. Your computer may have ran great when you first bought it but over the years you notice it’s been slowing down considerably. There are steps you can take to speed it up.
  • Look Up Address by Phone Number – Find Out Where Anyone Lives
    [Communications] If you are getting unknown phone calls, prank calls or just need to find out where someone lives. You can use a look up address by phone number search service and expose any caller. All you need is a full phone number, complete with area code and within just a few minutes you will have all the information you need.
  • What is a Reverse Phone Search? – And Why You May Need One
    [Communications] A reverse phone search service is a great tool to expose the owner of any phone number, whether it is unlisted or not this will also work for any cell phone, pay phone, business or residential, mobile pagers, and even pay phones. If you get calls from unknown numbers, prank calls or hangups in the middle of the night. You can find out who owns a phone number that has been calling you you can search out their information to get their name, address and a lot more.
  • Spyware Removal Software – Free Cleaners Are Not Free
    [Computers-and-Technology:Software] When searching for a means to rid your computer of spyware, you will come across countless free cleaners. It may look like you have saved yourself some money and solved your problem, at first. Trial removal tools are not as reliable and trustworthy as they appear to be. Many of them provide false security and leave you vulnerable to infections. They leave many crucial areas un scanned and do not provide active protection against incoming threats. Before downloading a free cleaner, it is important to know some of the facts that these companies manage to leave out.
  • Is Your Computer Really Slow? – Find Out How to Speed it Up
    [Computers-and-Technology:Personal-Tech] If your computer is really slow, and you need to speed it up. This article will provide some tips that can help you. There is nothing more annoying than waiting for slow applications to load or eating lunch while you wait for your computer to boot.
  • Are Your Applications Slow to Open? You May Have a Spyware Infection
    [Computers-and-Technology:Personal-Tech] If your computer is slow to boot or your applications are slow to open you may have spyware running in the background and not even know it. Most computers after a period of time collect unwanted programs that install without your knowledge.
  • Is Your Slow Computer Infected With Spyware?
    [Computers-and-Technology:Software] At one time or another almost every computer that spends time online will get a Spyware infection. If you have noticed your computer slowing down or applications taking forever to load you may be infected. Malicious programs can come bundled in at almost any download, like free screen savers, tool bars, weather applications, and so on.
  • Best Anti Spyware XP – What Really Works
    [Computers-and-Technology:Software] If you’re looking for the best anti spyware for XP, read on. So you bought a PC with XP and it ran great, or at least it used to. There are several reasons why your machines performance may not be what it used to be. By reading this article you will find what the main causes of poor performance are and how to repair them to get your PC running like new.
  • Is it Safe to Use a Windows Command to Remove Spyware?
    [Computers-and-Technology:Personal-Tech] So you are looking for a way to remove malicious programs, and you think a windows command to remove spyware may be the answer? This article will outline the problems with commands and more efficient ways to rid your computer of unwanted programs and what to look for in removal software. After reading this you will be able to clean your computer easily, and without putting your system settings at risk.
  • Windows Has Detected a Spyware Infection – Learn How to Fix It
    [Computers-and-Technology:Personal-Tech] If your computer is telling you, “Windows has detected a spyware infection”, don’t panic, this article has the solution. You will learn how to cure this problem, what the threat is, and another negative effect it may have on your computer. After reading this you will also know how to avoid the threats that are associated with this error message and how to remove it from your computer for good.
  • Reverse Phone Finder – Expose the Owner of Any Phone Number
    [Communications] Using a reverse phone finder will let you know the name and address of any unknown phone number. Ever get prank calls or repeated calls from an automated telemarketer? They are annoying and burn up you cell phone minutes. There is a way to put a permanent stop to them.
  • How Do I Get Rid of Spyware? – Secrets Revealed
    [Computers-and-Technology:Software] Is your computer infected and now you are asking yourself, how do I get rid of spyware? At one time or another almost every computer will get infected with some sort of spyware. Your computer can slow down to a crawl or worse yet your information is collected and sent off to a foreign country.
  • Using a Reverse Phone Check – Find Out Who Owns Any Phone Number
    [Communications:Mobile-Cell-Phone] Using a reverse phone check will expose any unknown caller. Have you been plagued by mysterious calls of unknown origin? Maybe you have had the phone ring at odd hours, only to pick up, say hello and have the caller hang up or maybe you have been the victim of prolonged telephone harassment.
  • Using Reverse Phone Books – Search For the Owner of Any Phone
    [Communications:Mobile-Cell-Phone] Reverse phone books are a great tool to use if you need to find out who owns any unknown phone number. If you are getting prank calls, hang ups or need to check out your husband you can get detailed info with just a phone number.
  • Is Your Computer Responding Slow – Number One Reason Why
    [Computers-and-Technology:Personal-Tech] If your computer is responding slow or takes a long time to boot this article will provide you with a few tips on how to speed up your computer. Modern programs use more memory than older software so they use more computer resources and memory.
  • Is Your Windows XP Too Slow? – How to Speed it Up
    [Computers-and-Technology:Personal-Tech] My windows XP was running too slow and trying to run anything took forever. I learned how to give my PC a tune up and now it is running like it did when it was new.
  • Unlisted Phone Number Searches – Exposed
    [Communications:Telephone-Systems] Doing unlisted phone number searches are a good way to find out who is the owner of an unknown phone number. If you get prank calls that come up as unlisted you can preform a search to expose the persons name and address plus a lot more.
  • Using Cell Phone Reverse Listings
    [Communications:Mobile-Cell-Phone] Cell Phone Reverse Listings can be used to search out and find the owner of any cell phone number. If you’re getting unknown or prank phone calls and need to find out who has been calling you a reverse phone search is what you need.
  • Slow Computer Problems – Anti Spyware Might Be Your Answer
    [Computers-and-Technology:Software] Slow computer problems are one of the most common complaints from PC users. There is no need to suffer with a slow PC. If your computer takes forever to boot or you go and get coffee while programs load, you may be infected with spyware.
  • Tracking Cell Phone Calls – Trace Any Number in Seconds
    [Communications:Mobile-Cell-Phone] If you get harassing or unknown calls and want to find out who has been calling, here are some tips for tracking cell phone calls. Prank callers think they are safe by using a cell phone, but they are wrong.
  • How to Trace a Cell Phone Text Message – Expose the Sender
    [Communications:Mobile-Cell-Phone-SMS] Are you getting prank or harassing cell phone text massages and want to find out who has been sending them? This article will provide some tips on how to trace a cell phone text message. Getting constant text messages from an unknown source can be very annoying.
  • Is Spyware Slowing Your Computer Down?
    [Computers-and-Technology:Software] Most people never realize that their computer is infected with spyware and adaware. What they do notice is that it is running a lot slower than it used to. Slow boot times or waiting forever for programs to open and start can be very annoying. Ever get so annoyed you want to smash your computer with a hammer?
  • Top Rated Spyware Removers – What Really Works?
    [Computers-and-Technology:Software] Fed up with running three different scans on your computer to detect and clean all the built up spyware and adware? Investing in one of the top rated spyware removers will not only save you time but it will give you piece of mind knowing ALL the bad stuff is eliminated from your computer. You can feel safe next time you log into your bank account.
  • Basic Spyware Removal – Speed Up Your Slow Computer
    [Computers-and-Technology:Software] Amazingly some people have been running their computer for years and have never scanned it for spyware or adaware. If you have windows popping up, applications starting or running that you did not install or maybe your homepage is now set to something you did not want, you are infected with spyware.
  • Spyware Reviews – Top Spyware Removal Programs
    [Computers-and-Technology:Personal-Tech] Before you download software to clean your computer, spyware reviews will help you decide on the many programs out there. After all you are trusting you expensive computer to a piece of software that can possibly delete files that your computer needs to run on making your problem even worse.
  • Reverse Cell Phone Listing – 3 Ways to Preform a Search
    [Communications:Mobile-Cell-Phone] A reverse cell phone listing is needed if you want to trace or find out who owns an unknown cell phone number. You may be getting prank calls or hang ups and want to find out who is behind the calls. Maybe you want to see who your husband or wife has been calling.
  • How the Experts Trace a Cell Phone Number
    [Communications:Mobile-Cell-Phone] If you need to trace a cell phone number to see who is behind the unknown calls you are getting or to trace the recent calls on your wife or husbands cell phone you will need to do a reverse call search. Private investigators and law enforcement agencies have been using a search service for years.
  • Free Cell Phone Reverse Lookup – Are There Really Any Free Searches?
    [Communications:Mobile-Cell-Phone] Is there really a free cell phone reverse lookup service that works and will not charge you? How many times have you used a “free” site that takes you to a certain point and then wants to charge you? It is annoying to say the least.
  • Using Cell Phone Reverse Lookups to Trace Any Cell Number
    [Communications:Mobile-Cell-Phone] Cell phone reverse lookups are a way to get information on any cell phone number even unlisted. If you are getting prank calls or want to find out who a number belongs to a simple search will reveal the callers name, address service provider and a lot more personal information then you ever thought possible.
  • Tracing an Unknown 800 Number – Turn the Tables on Them
    [Communications:Telephone-Systems] Tracing an 800 number is not as easy as it sounds. Telemarketers are now hiding behind 800 numbers and using automated systems to make their calls. There is a way however to get the companies real phone number and address.
  • Is That New Person Your Dating Telling the Truth? Do a Quick Background Check
    [Relationships:Dating] Is That New Person Your Dating Telling the Truth? Do you know private investigators and law enforcement agencies use reverse call look ups? It is an easy less expensive way to do a quick background check on someone without them knowing. Is your new boyfriend being completely honest with you? Run his number through a reverse call search and check him out. He will never know.
  • How To Trace A Cell Phone Location – Without Them Knowing
    [Communications:Mobile-Cell-Phone] Have you ever wanted to trace a cell phone and find out the location of the caller. There are services available that will let you preform discreet searches. The cell phone owner will never know they have been tracked down. A decent reverse cell phone trace will reveal the callers full name and address, date of birth, address history, and some services will provide any criminal or other very personal records on that person.
  • Reverse Cell Phone Lookup – Stop Prank Calls Cold
    [Communications:Mobile-Cell-Phone] Do you get annoying prank calls or wrong numbers on you cell phone all the time? Nothing worse than getting prank calls at 2 am or while you are driving in heavy traffic. I used to get these all the time but I found out how to put a stop to them.
  • How To Trace A Cell Phone Number
    [Communications:Mobile-Cell-Phone] We all get calls from strange unknown cell phone numbers but trying to get information on a cell phone is a lot harder then a regular landline telephone. I wanted to learn how to trace a cell phone number so I did a little research to find out how.
  • How To Find The Owner Of Any Phone Number
    [Communications:Telephone-Systems] Do you receive prank calls, a lot of unknown calls on your caller id or need to find out who your husband has been calling on his cell phone? If so a reverse call search can give you the information you need.
  • Best Reverse Phone Number Search Provider
    [Communications:Telephone-Systems] With so many reverse phone search providers out there I wanted to offer some tips on finding the best one for your money. Some sites I joined were just scams offering outdated and worthless information and once they have your money it is really difficult to get a refund. I found this out the hard way.
  • Food to Eat for Gout – The Gout Diet
    [Health-and-Fitness:Arthritis] A lot of people who suffer from gout, have been able to reduce their sudden sharp pains with an improvement in their diet. In this article, I will discuss the exact food to eat for gout, and give an explanation as to why certain foods in flame the symptoms of gout, while other foods lower them. Follow the advice given in this article, and you should be able to come up with a diet of food to eat for gout that will be both tasty and effective in giving you much needed relief.
  • Low Purine Diet and Gout – Benefits Involved
    [Health-and-Fitness:Nutrition] If you’re looking to learn more about a low purine diet, and how it relates to the effects of gout, then you will want to read this article. Specifically we will touch upon which foods are high in purine, so you can avoid them, and which foods you should eat that are low in purine. After reading this article, you should be able to analyze whether a low purine diet may offer the relief needed for gout.
  • Gout Causing Food – What To Avoid For Controlling Gout
    [Health-and-Fitness:Alternative] One of the major causes of gout is the foods we put in our bodies. In this article, I will discuss several different gout causing foods, and offer advice on how to avoid them, and replace them with foods that have demonstrated the ability to decrease the pains associated with gout. If you are interested in learning how you can alter your diet, to avoid gout causing food, then you will want to read this article.
  • Foods to Avoid That Cause Gout
    [Health-and-Fitness:Nutrition] If you’re looking at avoiding certain types of foods, to decrease the painful attacks associated with doubt, then you’ll want to read this article. Specifically, I will give you indicators for foods that are known to increase gout attacks, so you know which foods to avoid. Also, I will give you a basic list of foods you should start reducing from your diet today. Simply follow the advice given in this article, and you’ll know what food to avoid that cause gout.
  • Gout Prevention – A Simple Guide
    [Health-and-Fitness:Arthritis] If you’re seeking relief through gout prevention, then you’ll want to read this article. Specifically we’ll talk about different proven ways to reduce pain from gout through proper dieting. Also, I will give you tips on how to immediately lessen the pain of each attack you may experience for gout. By following this article, you will be well on your way to enjoying quick gout prevention
  • How to Repair an Xbox 360 – 2 Tips You Can Try
    [Gaming:Console-Systems] Here are some tips on how to repair a xbox 360 console. If you are getting screen freezes or the dreaded 3 ring of death here are two things you can try to start with.
  • Make Money Repairing Xbox 360′s – Get In On A Red Hot Business Opportunity
    [Gaming:Console-Systems] With, what seems like every other Xbox breaking down there is a huge demand for Xbox 360 repair. Why not cash in on the opportunity? After you repair your first one you will discover that they are pretty easy to repair. Not much different than your computer.
  • Record And Watch TV Shows Online – How To Do It
    [Computers-and-Technology:Personal-Tech] There are several methods you can use to record TV shows and movies from your computer. After installing satellite to PC software I was able to get 4,000 channels. This was great but I wanted to record the shows and watch them later.
  • How To Remove A Stuck Game From Xbox 360
    [Gaming:Console-Games] Halo 3 is stuck inside your Xbox 360 and you want to get it out. There is a way to manually remove it. First you will want to unplug the power for a few minutes to let your Xbox reset. Re-attach the power cord and see if you can now eject your DVD.
  • Xbox 360 Three Red Lights Fix – Repair It Yourself
    [Gaming:Console-Systems] If your Xbox 360 has stopped working and you are getting the 3 red light error don’t panic, there is hope. With some basic tools and a decent repair manual you can fix it yourself.
  • Repairing Your Xbox 360 – Do it Yourself
    [Gaming:Console-Systems] Repairing your Xbox 360 is really not that hard if you own some basic tools and have a little patience. First of all let me say if your unit is still under warranty do not open it up. You will void your warranty.
  • Top Tips For Mastering Your Guitar
    [Arts-and-Entertainment:Music] Wouldn’t you love to pick up your guitar and rip out a blazing fast set of leads? Everyone who plays wants to impress their friends and family and all guys know the chicks love a good guitar player. Here are some of our top tips for mastering your guitar.
  • Learn To Play Guitar Online – Is It Better or Not?
    [Arts-and-Entertainment:Music] With the new modern guitar lessons you can learn to play guitar online. But is it better than taking the traditional guitar lessons? I have been playing for over 10 years and I think there has never been an easier method to learn and master guitar.
  • Learn How To Play Acoustic Guitar – The Fast Way
    [Arts-and-Entertainment:Music] If you want to learn how to play an acoustic guitar you can do it the old fashion way by learning how to read music, learning every note and chord on the guitar just so you can play a few basic songs. Or take one of the new guitar courses out.
  • Cheap Long Distance Calling – Pennies A Month
    [Communications:VOIP] Fire your local phone company and get cheap long distance calling. Why pay your phone company premium rates for long distant calling when you can get unlimited calls local and long distant anywhere in the US and Canada
  • Small Business Web Site Building – The Easy Way
    [Internet-and-Businesses-Online:Web-Design] So you have decided to start your own online business and now you have to figure out the process of small business web site building. How should you go about it? This article will help to answer some of your questions.
  • Starting An Internet Based Business
    [Home-Based-Business] Starting an Internet based business can be a real challenge. I have learned a lot in the past few years and if I had to start all over again knowing what I know now I would have done things a lot different. This article will provide some tips for anyone looking to start there own online business.
  • Reviews Of Final Smoke Program – Does it Work?
    [Health-and-Fitness:Quit-Smoking] This is my review of the final smoke stop smoking program – Having been a smoker for over 25 years I wanted to quit. As you get older you notice yourself slowing down. At least I did. You wake up in the morning and feel it in your lungs.
  • Laser Hair Comb – Can It Really Work As Good As They Say?
    [Health-and-Fitness:Hair-Loss] Is this gimmick for hair loss that sounds too good to be true? Maybe not. I did some research and found some interesting information on laser hair combs.
  • Your Ipod Crashed Now What – Can It Be Saved?
    [Computers-and-Technology:Data-Recovery] Your Ipod stopped working for some reason and you don’t want to lose all your data. Don’t panic this article will help. First of all and most important is DO NOT CONNECT YOUR IPOD TO ITUNES.
  • Garden Tiller Maintenance – It’s That Time Of Year Again
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] Well it is that time of year again and you are getting ready to plant your garden. As you dig your garden tiller out of the corner of the garage you notice it is full of cobwebs. Looks like you will have to perform some garden tiller maintenance.
  • Making Soap – Without The Stinky Mess
    [Home-and-Family:Crafts-Hobbies] When I think of making soap I always think of granny from the Beverly Hillbillies stirring up a big pot of Lye soap out back by the swimming hole.
  • My Hovercraft Plan
    [Automotive:ATV] For some reason I have always been fascinated with hovercraft. I think the idea of hovering over almost any surface is really cool. I came up with a plan to build my own hovercraft with readily available materials and basic tools.
  • Garden Tiller – What Type Do You Need
    [Home-and-Family:Gardening] Well it’s that time of year again to start busting up your garden soil and start your planting. How you do that is up to you. If you need the exercise or have a very small garden you could always do it by hand. But there are better ways…
  • Corrupted Photo Recovery
    [Computers-and-Technology:Data-Recovery] You have over 300 pictures in your digital camera and no way to retrieve them. Don’t panic there are ways to save them. Start by reading this article on corrupted photo recovery.


Like any precision instrument guitars will perform their best when they are properly set up. By setting up your guitar properly you can maximize your guitar’s potential and also customize how it will feel, play, and sound to your liking. There are some adjustments that are best left to a professional but you can do a lot yourself with just a few simple tools. Here are 3 easy steps you can take to adjust your guitar’s action, intonation, and pickup output.

The action of a guitar refers to how easy it is to fret (push down on) the strings. A guitar set up with good action will play effortlessly. The easiest way to affect the action of a guitar is by adjusting the string height at the bridge. Most electric guitars will have an adjustable bridge to allow this. Most guitar bridges will have either a hand-turned bridge height adjustment knob (like on Les Paul type guitars) or a hex-wrench driven mechanism (like most Strat-type guitars). Simply turn the screws to lower the string height. The goal is to go as low as you can before the strings start to ‘buzz’ meaning they are resting on a the fret wire. There are some instances where you may want a higher string height, for example if you play slide guitar, but in general the lower the better. Other adjustments that affect string height and action such as height at the nut, neck angle, and truss rod adjustments may be better left for the professional.

Intonation of a guitar refers to the relationship of the frets to the precise string length. A guitar that is intonated correctly will sound ‘in-tune’ at all neck positions. Poorly intonated guitars will sound ok at one neck position, but will sound ‘out-of-tune’ at other neck positions. The length of a guitar string from nut to bridge needs to be exactly bisected at the 12th fret. In other words the 12th fret must divide the string exactly in half. Here the adjustable bridge comes into play again. Most bridges will have individual saddles for each string that can be moved to adjust intonation. Moving the string saddle, in effect, changes the length of the string. You will need a good electronic tuner to adjust your intonation. The goal here is to precisely match the tone of the fretted 12th string to the tone of the 12th string natural harmonic. A natural harmonic tone is achieved by only lightly putting your finger over the fret wire (the 12th in this instance) and picking the string normally. Natural harmonics will ring like a chime. They are easier to hear when the guitar is plugged into an amp and even easier when using the overdrive channel of your amp. Use your tuner to match the tone of the 12th string harmonic to the fretted 12th string tone by incrementally moving the string saddle one way or the other. Do this for each individual string, and your guitar will be intonated.

Pickup output can greatly be affected by the proximity of the pickup to the string. The easiest way to adjust this is by adjusting the pickup height. The closer the pickup is to the string the higher the output. Most pickups will have a height adjustment screw on either side of the pickup housing. Simply turn it to raise and lower the pickup. Fret the strings at the highest possible fret and raise the pickup so that it’s about 1/8” from the string. This should produce a good high output sound. From here you can customize your sound by either raising or lowering the high E or low E side of the pickup to enhance or subdue the treble or bass response. Make sure that you match the output between all of your pickups so that you won’t get a big volume change when you change pickups.

With these tips your should be able to improve and customize your guitar and maximize the its performance. Remember that a properly set up guitar has a great impact on how it will play. It can be the difference between a guitar that plays good or one that plays great. Visit www.2ndstringguitars.com for the best value in new and used guitars, factory 2nds, and refurbished instruments at cheap guitar prices.

E. Lucktong

About The Author

E. Lucktong is an avid guitar player and performer with over 20 years of experience. Visit http://www.2ndstringguitars.com for great values on new and used guitars, Factory 2nd and refurbished guitars, and vintages.


  
Tags: ,

Leave a Reply

*


  
For Beginner