Guitar Setup: What is neck relief?
Neck relief refers to a small amount of concave bow intentionally created in the neck of a guitar or bass by adjusting the truss rod. Adding relief (increasing the amount of bow) to the neck, increases the space between the strings and the frets, allowing them to vibrate freely without buzzing. If there is too much relief, the strings will be too far from the neck, the instrument will be uncomfortable to play, and intonation could be compromised.
-
- Not enough relief or Back-bow
-
- Too much relief or Up-bow
Helpful Links
Guitar Setup Part 1: Adjusting the Truss Rod
Guitar Setup Part 2: Setting Action
Guitar Setup Part 3: Intonation
Guitar Setup: The Right Tool for the Job
When you need help, Sweetwater has the answers!
Our knowledge base contains over 28,000 expertly written tech articles that will give you answers and help you get the most out of your gear. Our pro musicians and gear experts update content daily to keep you informed and on your way. Best of all, it’s totally FREE, and it’s just another reason that you get more at Sweetwater.com.
