Want Your Guitar to Sound Better? Master These 6 Techniques!

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  • Опубліковано 15 тра 2024
  • If you want to get the best performance possible out of your guitar, there are a handful of simple maintenance tasks that will help you get the most for your tone and playability.
    Dan Erlewine, Tomo Fujita and Gene Imbody walk you through all 6 in this video (and they are easier than you might think). Check it out!
    0:00 6 Things Every Player Should Know
    1:40 Changing Strings
    10:00 Adjusting the Truss Rod
    12:58 Setting the Action
    19:08 Adjusting Pickup Height
    21:42 Adjusting Intonation
    27:04 General Maintenance
    Check out some of our other videos cover the topics above in more detail:
    How to String an Acoustic Guitar
    • How to String an Acous...
    How to String an Electric Guitar
    • How to String an Elect...
    How to Measure Your Guitar's Action
    • How to Measure Your Gu...
    Tomo's Video on Adjusting Pickup Height
    • How to make better ton...
    How to Intonate a Guitar
    • How to Intonate a Guitar
    Understanding guitar truss rod adjustment
    • Understanding guitar t...
    5 Reasons Your Guitar Won't Stay in Tune
    • 5 Reasons Your Guitar ...
    How to Clean a Guitar
    • How to Clean a Guitar
    Tools and supplies featured in this video include:
    ESP Multi Spanner Wrench
    www.stewmac.com/item/1344
    String Action Gauge
    www.stewmac.com/item/0670
    Radius Gauges
    www.stewmac.com/item/5432
    Understring Radius Gauges
    www.stewmac.com/item/0353
    Truss Rod Wrenches
    www.stewmac.com/item/6100
    Jack The Gripper Tool
    www.stewmac.com/item/0814
    StewMac Hygrometer/Thermometer
    www.stewmac.com/item/0814
    D'Addario Guitar Humidifier
    www.stewmac.com/item/10665
    Peterson StroboStomp HD Pedal Tuner
    www.stewmac.com/item/5863
    Guitar Tech Screwdriver Set
    www.stewmac.com/item/3000
    - - - - - - - - - - - -
    StewMac has everything you need to repair, build or maintain your guitars.
    Everything we sell is backed by our Lifetime Promise, and we offer fast worldwide shipping.
    Shop StewMac: www.stewmac.com
    Instagram: @StewMac_Guitar
    Facebook: / stewmac
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 382

  • @TomoFujitaMusic
    @TomoFujitaMusic Рік тому +256

    Thanks so much for having me!

    • @stewmac
      @stewmac  Рік тому +20

      We love it when you visit us and make videos with us. 😎

    • @lets-allplay
      @lets-allplay Рік тому +7

      Truly enjoy the lessons you post on your channel. Thanks TomoFujitaMusic & StewMac !

    • @TomoFujitaMusic
      @TomoFujitaMusic Рік тому +6

      @@lets-allplay Thank you so much!

    • @7guitarras326
      @7guitarras326 Рік тому +6

      You're great Tomo, it is always a pleasure to listen to all your experience and considerations about the guitar's world, thank you very much!

    • @TomoFujitaMusic
      @TomoFujitaMusic Рік тому +2

      @@7guitarras326 Thank you so much!

  • @robertclarkguitar
    @robertclarkguitar Рік тому +109

    I absolutely adore Tomo. He is the kindest truly passionate guitar /music teacher. Equally player. Insane the man can play anything but usually jazzy blues. So clean and precise with rare effects at all. Amazing musician. He isn't about selling you anything but introducing you to the guitar. Amazing gentleman.

    • @robertclarkguitar
      @robertclarkguitar Рік тому +1

      @@VanMan83 totally agree. Also says a lot about bringing his mom and dad in on calls. I know they are so proud.

    • @TomoFujitaMusic
      @TomoFujitaMusic Рік тому +3

      Thank you so much!

  • @kwpowell0412
    @kwpowell0412 Рік тому +18

    I've been a student of Dan for more than 30 years. The man is a legend. I bet he's forgotten more than most of us will ever know!

    • @scottmulrooney3130
      @scottmulrooney3130 Рік тому +2

      I’ve had the privilege to spend a few weeks with Dan about 30+ years ago. An absolute legend and one heck of a great human being.

    • @tjsponik
      @tjsponik Рік тому +2

      Dan has never been afraid to show everyone his "how to do it" tips and tricks. Skills die when you hide them from the rest of the world!

  • @replicated
    @replicated Рік тому +56

    This is the best Stewmac video I've seen in quite a while. This is absolutely great. Hope to see more of these guys.

    • @stewmac
      @stewmac  Рік тому +14

      We definitely want to get Tomo back to Athens to visit us and help us make more content!

  • @ronmorey3475
    @ronmorey3475 Рік тому +7

    These three together would make for a great regular show on the channel. Thanks!

  • @richardlynch5632
    @richardlynch5632 Рік тому +6

    Dan's book "How To Make Your Electric Guitar Play Great" gives all the wisdom of how to do just that...!
    Invaluable 😉👍
    Thanks Mr. Erlewine😎👍❤🖖

    • @stewmac
      @stewmac  Рік тому +3

      It’s true! Highly recommend that book as an essential guide.

  • @MichaelSotoCE
    @MichaelSotoCE Рік тому +6

    So great to see these guys together

  • @jeffwillock324
    @jeffwillock324 3 місяці тому

    Thx so much guys.

  • @thisperfectworld
    @thisperfectworld Рік тому +14

    This video is going to become my go-to reference for every electric guitar student I have from now on! The tip about intonating not just to the octave, but to chords above and below the 12th fret, is gold!

  • @yoping00
    @yoping00 Рік тому +1

    There is so much wisdom in this session. Thank you!

  • @Tessmage_Tessera
    @Tessmage_Tessera Рік тому +3

    Beautiful old Mustang. I've always wanted one of those.

  • @derekclacton
    @derekclacton Рік тому +3

    Hats off to Dan Erlewine!

  • @sixslinger9951
    @sixslinger9951 Рік тому

    Two of my favs, Dan and Tomo.

  • @LunarWolf
    @LunarWolf Рік тому +1

    That was extremely helpful. Thank you so much.

  • @LaMusicade4
    @LaMusicade4 Рік тому

    Thank you !

  • @KekmanForTheRestOfTheWorld
    @KekmanForTheRestOfTheWorld Рік тому +3

    Thank you so much for inviting Tomo Fujita!

  • @embee1706
    @embee1706 Рік тому +13

    I love the vibe the lads have going! There seems to be a lot of mutual respect and I just love them sharing their knowledge with us. Thank you!

  • @geertverholen9382
    @geertverholen9382 Рік тому +2

    Thanks, nice overview! Tomo your always real practical!

  • @kennwan9917
    @kennwan9917 Рік тому +6

    Dan seems like the sort of guy everyone would want to sit and have a coffee with. Some people really do emit an aura that makes them instantly likeable.

  • @reverberation_9
    @reverberation_9 5 місяців тому

    This video is just gold. Thank you for sharing all this knowledge.

  • @robertstanley3253
    @robertstanley3253 Рік тому +1

    Thank you for this very informative and easy to understand video!

  • @The9thChord
    @The9thChord Рік тому +1

    Thanks Stewmac and Tomo!

  • @matthewderosby713
    @matthewderosby713 Рік тому +1

    What a great video! Thank you! 😊

  • @organism-gk9rj
    @organism-gk9rj Рік тому

    This is a masterclass, so simple to understand!

  • @roadtorockstar7848
    @roadtorockstar7848 Рік тому

    Thank you for this one!

  • @bareknuckles2u
    @bareknuckles2u Рік тому +1

    What a useful video. It is just what I needed. Thank you!

  • @jokinmyass9446
    @jokinmyass9446 Рік тому +6

    This video is pure gold. Absolutely invaluable information here. Thanks for the generativity gentleman!

  • @autodidacticprofessor869
    @autodidacticprofessor869 Місяць тому

    4:44 FINALLY somebody talks about string diameter and the post-post length issue!!

  • @JohnHorneGuitar
    @JohnHorneGuitar Рік тому

    Valuable info. I'll be sharing this video with all of my students. Also, it's good to see more of Gene in recent StewMac videos. The repair work he's done on my instruments and the info he's shared with me has been so helpful!

  • @the1khronohs40
    @the1khronohs40 Рік тому

    Brilliant video! Loved it! ❤

  • @doyleallen3762
    @doyleallen3762 Рік тому +1

    Great information. Thanks!

  • @karl1949
    @karl1949 Рік тому +1

    Much appreciation fellas, awesome stuff!

  • @keithcarter9396
    @keithcarter9396 Рік тому +1

    Thank you for this Tutorial, it was good to be reminded of the basics of guitar maintenance. It is good to have a prompt to care for our instruments,

  • @theo9789
    @theo9789 Рік тому

    Wow the collective knowledge here, is priceless! Thank you gentlemen.

  • @OrenZar
    @OrenZar Рік тому

    Very informative, thank you!

  • @jimmycrabtree-tb6jc
    @jimmycrabtree-tb6jc 2 місяці тому

    Great info!!

  • @tacmason
    @tacmason Рік тому +2

    These guys are true “Guitar Lifers” , a real pleasure to see them pass that love forward !

  • @richarde3378
    @richarde3378 Рік тому +6

    I love any and all videos with Dan in it. Thanks for all your guitar wisdom, Dan! 😀

    • @stewmac
      @stewmac  Рік тому +1

      Glad you like them!

  • @jlc904ubc
    @jlc904ubc Рік тому +1

    Great video! Thanks guys!

  • @fmh357
    @fmh357 Рік тому +1

    I learned a few things. Thank you.

  • @nikolaki
    @nikolaki 11 місяців тому

    Very entertaining video. Thanks guys!

  • @coreybagley5579
    @coreybagley5579 Рік тому

    Thank you gentlemen for going over those 6 things. They are very important.

  • @russtyruss_i-Invest
    @russtyruss_i-Invest Рік тому

    Great video, informative for new and experienced guitarists. Cheers!

  • @DaringDan
    @DaringDan Рік тому +3

    Tomo's the man!

  • @BrandochGarage
    @BrandochGarage Рік тому

    Y'all Rock! All Y'all!

  • @mickbee7227
    @mickbee7227 Рік тому

    i love this.. great stuff.

  • @acdclexu6296
    @acdclexu6296 Рік тому +1

    Tomo is such a cool dude love watch his stuff

  • @itsianlol
    @itsianlol Рік тому +6

    Great video, excellent chemistry between all 3 hosts, a real treat! Thanks for the tips!

    • @stewmac
      @stewmac  Рік тому

      Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @johnfeole1971
    @johnfeole1971 Рік тому +5

    Thanks Gene, Dan,, Tomo for the clear, useful info..

  • @neilsmith9473
    @neilsmith9473 Рік тому +13

    What a pleasure to watch three such knowledgeable, friendly gentlemen and experts in their own fields talking guitars. The perfect combination of characters and know-how. I really enjoyed this; a genuine pleasure and I learned a great deal. Thank you, guys. Just subscribed to the StewMac and TomoFujitaMusic channels.

    • @stewmac
      @stewmac  Рік тому +5

      Thank you kindly! 🤘😎

  • @carlkerkman7028
    @carlkerkman7028 Рік тому +2

    Tons of great info - these steps took me years to learn (well prior to the easy access to info that the internet has provided). Thanks for sharing them in an easy to digest format - lots of good reminders and some "new" info for an old dog.

  • @vayabroder729
    @vayabroder729 Рік тому +15

    What a great video; love seeing Dan in his element along with a great player and educator and a great host. Thank you!

    • @stewmac
      @stewmac  Рік тому +3

      It was a fun shoot with these fellas. Thanks for the comment!

    • @sirvicemanone
      @sirvicemanone Рік тому +1

      @@stewmac you should do more videos like this about other topics .your collective knowledge and love of music and guitar is what made this video great 👍♥️

    • @allabouttheU1662
      @allabouttheU1662 Рік тому

      I like 8s

  • @martinlee6694
    @martinlee6694 Рік тому +1

    One of the best video I have seen very informativ.😁😁😁

  • @steveY2K1
    @steveY2K1 Рік тому +1

    Thank you all for the info, I learned a lot and have some things to check on my guitar !

    • @stewmac
      @stewmac  Рік тому

      Great to hear it was helpful!

  • @rodneyfrothingham2579
    @rodneyfrothingham2579 Рік тому

    This overview is so helpful for understanding these basic features and areas of maintenance and or adjustment for the guitar player. I will be sharing this with others often.

    • @stewmac
      @stewmac  Рік тому

      So glad it was helpful - thanks so much for sharing!

  • @dannfeltrin
    @dannfeltrin Рік тому +22

    I've been keeping my guitars clean and checked for about 15 years (would always spend money with pros before that afraid of screwing up my guitars), and the tips here were great! Glad I'm already doing most of it, so I had that moment to be proud of myself hehe
    Also, Dan and Tomo are legends! So great to hear from them directly. Great video!

    • @stewmac
      @stewmac  Рік тому +5

      Awesome, keep it up! And thanks for the comment 🙂

    • @mikeposka5751
      @mikeposka5751 Рік тому

      For my Gibson guitars I put the strings over the top of the tailstop and wind the strings up the tuner post so the angle isn't as extreme as the headstock angle. For Fenders I wind them normally because of no headstock angle. For both styles I take a pencil and shave off a little bit of graphite to lubricate the string slots on the nut.

    • @darko714
      @darko714 Рік тому

      I’m the opposite. I dust under the strings but that’s about it. Oh, and tighten that nut that holds the output jack in place when the connection starts to skip. I’m the guy who needs to watch the video.

  • @realce666
    @realce666 3 місяці тому

    Excellent vid. Thanks.

    • @stewmac
      @stewmac  3 місяці тому

      Glad you liked it! Thank you!

  • @rongroves9620
    @rongroves9620 Рік тому

    That was such a fantastic video that I will be watching it again soon.

  • @nuclearhotel2172
    @nuclearhotel2172 6 місяців тому

    Wonderful video. Great tips from seasoned techs. I learned a lot of things I wish I knew decades ago.

  • @billhenderson511
    @billhenderson511 Рік тому +3

    I learn so much from you cats!
    Happy to know I've been doing it right
    but you always throw in the extra perfect advice! Cheers!

  • @sirvicemanone
    @sirvicemanone Рік тому +2

    Great video!

  • @HughesandKettneramps
    @HughesandKettneramps Рік тому +1

    excellent video - every guitarpalyer should have a look - thanks guys!

  • @ronstewart2871
    @ronstewart2871 Рік тому

    Thanks guys, this video was a BIG help to me and my Strat and Taylor!

  • @dankyboi6483
    @dankyboi6483 Рік тому +3

    What I really liked about this is that you have 3 pros with different backgrounds in guitar basically saying "here's how this works, here's a rule of thumb but in the end you do you, have fun". Great video, there is always a little something to learn, especially from the little anecdotes

    • @stewmac
      @stewmac  Рік тому +1

      Cool, thank you for the comment! It was special to have those three guys in one room talking shop.

  • @TheOlmecindian
    @TheOlmecindian Рік тому

    Coming home from a hard days work this makes my day a 35 min stew Mac video with tomo 😊

  • @gillesthibodeau7078
    @gillesthibodeau7078 11 місяців тому

    Very interesting! Been playing guitar for 50+ years. Still learning from this good blog! Thanks to you 3! :)

  • @douglaschristine8387
    @douglaschristine8387 Рік тому +2

    Thanks so much guys. Alot of excellent information. I've always had a problem with barring strings high up on the neck I can't get the b and high e strings to ring no matter how hard I push down because my neck is a little concave, not flat and I think I can fix it at the bridge now. It's bother me for four years. Most the time I'll only barre the first four high strings so I can still play the chords I need. Time to buy some tools. Great 👍 stuff. Cheers

  • @migueldahlstrom
    @migueldahlstrom Рік тому

    Best part was Tomo playing in the end. Great video.

  • @pfkmsandiego
    @pfkmsandiego Рік тому

    incredibly informative. 'gonna share with all my students and guitar friends :)

  • @sezleyt
    @sezleyt 4 місяці тому

    Thank you to the stewmac team I fixed my intonation while watching this video

  • @ArapuniWizard
    @ArapuniWizard Рік тому +1

    About pickup height adjustment, I usually set each pickup and listen to it individually until it sounds best, do that with all (or both) pickups, then listen to them in combination with the other(s). After that, I adjust for the best combined sound, also taking into account whether more bass or treble is required for a balanced sound. A good basic setup video.

  • @joevaldivia6733
    @joevaldivia6733 Рік тому

    I’ve been playing for 60 years and you guys are spot on👍

  • @greedypotatoes
    @greedypotatoes Рік тому

    Legends. 🔥

  • @martyjones2679
    @martyjones2679 10 місяців тому

    What a great video! I string my guitars the same way. Been playing a long time so I've mastered stringing and stretching my strings but I haven't really tried setups much. I leave that to my son. This video makes me more confident that I could do setups myself. Maybe I will buy my own gauges instead of bugging him. Dan and Tomo are legends! Thanks for always sharing great info with us! Well done guys!

  • @jd3410
    @jd3410 Рік тому +1

    Great video! Thank you. FYI: I have a target humidity of 40%. Once 50% is reached, mold can start to grow and cause all sorts of health problems. I find that keeping the humidity and temperature stable, I rarely have to adjust my trust rod and my guitars stay in tune for days up to 2 or 3 weeks. This allows for more playing a less fussing.

  • @tjsponik
    @tjsponik Рік тому

    Very good instruction for the players. It's amazing how many players are afraid to do simple adjustments.

  • @PeterKertesz2013
    @PeterKertesz2013 Рік тому

    Brilliant video, thank you for sharing your knowledge and Tomo his wisdom! Subscribed 🎸

    • @stewmac
      @stewmac  Рік тому +1

      Awesome, thank you!

  • @myflyisopen.8732
    @myflyisopen.8732 Рік тому +1

    After stringing (bass guitar), tuning, stretching a few times, and re-tuning, I place my palm over the bridge saddles and press down. It creates the "witness point" on the saddles and helps with intonation, tuning, stability, and string action. It gets it nicely leveled.

  • @funnelcakes
    @funnelcakes Рік тому +1

    Sweet!

  • @douglaschristine8387
    @douglaschristine8387 Рік тому +15

    I love how easy Tomo plays his guitar. A true master. Did you ever have John Mayer as a student?

    • @sirvicemanone
      @sirvicemanone Рік тому +13

      Yes Tomo taught John at Berkeley and other well known guitarists. Tomos own channel is a priceless resource on many levels of both playing guitar and even developing life skills in thinking and applying myself . Highly recommended!

    • @douglaschristine8387
      @douglaschristine8387 Рік тому +2

      @@sirvicemanone thankyou ,I will. In know all you guys from you tube. Your all good at what you do.

  • @TheJoecoool
    @TheJoecoool Рік тому

    Great video
    Thnaks all

  • @khalaziafaqih367
    @khalaziafaqih367 Рік тому +1

    Dan the legend

  • @KeritechElectronics
    @KeritechElectronics Рік тому +1

    Nice tips! I'm only taking my baby steps with a guitar, bought my first one (a secondhand Washburn X10 that I named "Rat-O-Caster") and the first thing I did was rusty machine head replacement, fretboard cleaning, fret polishing, restringing, electrical overhaul and a full setup. Learned tons of stuff!

    • @stewmac
      @stewmac  Рік тому +1

      That's awesome you are diving right in! Keep it up.

  • @kingfisher7960
    @kingfisher7960 Рік тому +1

    awesome!

  • @JHil35
    @JHil35 Рік тому

    This video should shown with beginner lessons for students. Excellent source ! Thanks Guys !

  • @guitarflyer172
    @guitarflyer172 Рік тому

    The best of the best!

  • @eclecticexplorer7828
    @eclecticexplorer7828 Рік тому +1

    I have played acoustic since I was a kid. I am now in my early 60s and just starting to get into electrics, so this was very helpful to me. Thanks.

    • @stewmac
      @stewmac  Рік тому

      Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @SIXX2772
    @SIXX2772 Рік тому

    I know all this stuff but it was just fun to watch yall...thx guys.

  • @ross302ci
    @ross302ci Рік тому +4

    Gene is guitar repair Tom Hanks. Thanks for the great video! Really helpful to see experts talk about the essentials.

    • @Lovell93
      @Lovell93 Рік тому +1

      Don't disrespect him like that. Tom is a creep.

  • @paulwalter7294
    @paulwalter7294 Рік тому +1

    Tomo is so cool 😍

  • @slakoff1362
    @slakoff1362 Рік тому

    im a beginner at guitar i changed my strings and cleaned and oiled the fretboard and it feel so good I recommend u do it as early as ur comfortable with it makes me feel as though I'm playing way better and also slides is easier too

  • @JALNIN66
    @JALNIN66 Рік тому

    Excellent video. That Jack the Gripper tool is something I never knew existed but it's so necessary for every strat player. Thanks. Nice to hear the toothpick trick is used by pros too.

  • @billysmether6237
    @billysmether6237 Рік тому +1

    Wow you guys have made an awesome video! Thank you so much!!!

    • @stewmac
      @stewmac  Рік тому

      Glad you enjoyed it, cheers!

  • @Hector-yl1kh
    @Hector-yl1kh Рік тому

    This video should be standardised as a summary education piece used everywhere that explains these fundamental elements of setting up a guitar. The point by Dan about a kink in the string in front of the bridge depending on setting the saddles back was a revelation. I will add this vid to another of his videos on the logic of using locking tuners to remove string winds which impact the tuning. It's also nice to know I was already doing plenty of things the right way but there is always something new to learn. Fantastic guys. Thank you so much.

    • @stewmac
      @stewmac  Рік тому

      Thanks so much for watching and sharing! Dan always sneaks in some amazing tips 😎

  • @lucasbazzano7290
    @lucasbazzano7290 3 місяці тому

    amazing! :)

  • @JeremiahL
    @JeremiahL 4 місяці тому

    Who ever edited this video did a huge disservice to the cohesiveness to the conversation. I can tell that there were some gems that got cut. I would have liked to hear the conversation in long form.

  • @tedposobiec
    @tedposobiec Рік тому

    very good video!

  • @jubyerhashin8214
    @jubyerhashin8214 6 місяців тому

    Dan = legend

  • @TheFRiNgEguitars
    @TheFRiNgEguitars Рік тому +3

    Great video.. but not mentioned is the string nut. The nut should be cleaned between string changes, and perhaps re-apply some nut sauce. The nut is essential to intonation, and tuning stability. The nut greatly affects the action.. String height too high at the first fret destroys intonation, and raises overall action with no benefit to clarity. String height too low at the first fret can cause buzzing open notes, and makes no allowance for gradual slot wear..
    Sometimes the nut can be poorly cut out of the box, and require touching up by a tech. The Low E and A (gauges from .032 to .052 may sometimes not seat at the toe of the nut, so if anyone has an unresolvable intonation problem, the trouble may be at the nut. Slot cutting should be done by a tech, and when possible cut to the gauge of strings you are using.... in some cases nut replacement may be necessary.

  • @fabienbourdier9847
    @fabienbourdier9847 Рік тому +2

    I'm a simple man, i see Dan the man, i like instantly

    • @stewmac
      @stewmac  Рік тому +1

      Thanks. We appreciate it!

    • @fabienbourdier9847
      @fabienbourdier9847 Рік тому

      @@stewmac no i mean it, he's literally a treasure, please make as much content as possible with him it's always a delight to listen to him sharing his knowledge