- A set of hex wrenches (also called Allen wrenches)
- A capo
- A tuner
Step 2: Tune the guitar to pitch.
- Before you can adjust the nut, you must tune the strings to the correct pitch.
Step 3: Capo the first fret of the guitar.
- This will hold the strings in place at a specific pitch as you adjust the nut.
Step 4: Locate the nut.
- The nut is the small piece of bone, plastic, or metal at the headstock of the guitar, where the strings are held in place just above the frets.
Step 5: Use the hex wrench to loosen the nut.
- There will be two or three screws on the nut. Turn the screws counterclockwise to loosen them. Use the size wrench that best fits the screw heads to avoid stripping them.
Step 6: Check the nut height
- Once the strings are loose, check the height of the nut using a capo on the third fret.
- Hold a straightedge along the top of the frets, and ensure there's a gap between the bottom of the string and the straightedge.
- There should be about the thickness of a business card between the nut slot and the bottom of the string on the first fret, and about half that much space between the nut and the bottom of the string on the second fret.
Step 7: Adjust the nut height.
- If necessary, use the hex wrench to turn the adjustment screws on the top or side of the nut clockwise or counterclockwise to raise or lower the string slots.
Step 8: Check the intonation.
- Once you have set the nut height, you need to check that the guitar is correctly tuned.
Step 9: Tune the guitar again.
- If the guitar is not in tune, make slight adjustments to the nut screws until the guitar is perfectly tuned.
Step 10: Remove the capo.
- Once the nut is adjusted correctly, you can remove the capo from the first fret.
Step 11: Play the guitar and listen for any buzzing.
- If you hear any buzzing, re-adjust the nut height or string slots until the buzzing stops.
Step 12: Enjoy your newly adjusted guitar!
- Now you can play your guitar with perfect intonation and enjoy a great playing experience.