How to Check if Your Guitar’s Neck is Straight

Checking and Adjusting Your Guitar Neck

The neck adjustment is always the first step in setting up a guitar. Since the neck is particularly sensitive to weather changes, it requires regular maintenance and adjustment. Here's a systematic guide to check your neck's straightness:

Visual Inspection Method:

  1. Low E String Check

  • Rest the guitar's tail end on your toe

  • Look down the neck towards the bridge

  • Sight along the low E string, comparing it to the fret line

  • Note if the neck bows away from or towards the string

  1. High E String Check

  • Repeat the same process using the high e string

  • Compare the string line to the neck line

  • Look for any bowing in either direction

Physical Measurement Method:

  1. Low E String Test

  • Hold the guitar in playing position

  • Play the F note at the first fret on the low E string

  • Press the string down with your thumb just past the highest fret

  • Check the gap at the 10th fret

  • Use a medium guitar pick as a measurement reference:

    • If the gap is larger than a pick's thickness: neck needs tightening

    • If there's no gap or it's smaller than a pick: neck needs loosening

  1. High E String Test

  • Repeat the same process on the high e string

Important Safety Notes:

  • Truss rod adjustment typically follows the "lefty-loosey, righty-tighty" rule, but there are exceptions

  • Exercise extreme caution when adjusting

  • If the truss rod nut feels stuck or stripped, stop immediately

  • Seek qualified professional help if you encounter any resistance

Interested in learning more about repairing and maintaining your guitar? Check out Geoff’s guitar workshop.

Geoff Benge