How to Set Up a Guitar for Shredding

If you’ve ever tried to shred on a guitar set up for blues or jazz, you know it can feel like trying to drive a sports car through a muddy field. Shredding, especially in metal genres, demands precision, speed, and a guitar setup that can handle the intensity. Let’s go through what it takes to set up your guitar for optimal shredding performance.

Choosing the Right Strings

Strings are the unsung heroes of your setup. The right gauge can make or break your shredding experience. For shredders, heavier gauge strings can provide more tension, which helps with tuning stability during aggressive playing. However, they also require more finger strength. If you’re just starting, you might want to go for a medium-heavy gauge like 10-52. This gives you the tension without feeling like you’re wrestling a bear.

Also, consider the material. Nickel-wound strings are popular for their balanced tone and durability. Stainless steel strings offer a brighter tone and are more resistant to corrosion, which is a plus if you’re sweating it out on stage. Experiment with different brands and materials until you find what feels right under your fingers.

When restringing, make sure to stretch your strings properly. This step is crucial for maintaining tuning stability. After installing the new strings, pull each one gently but firmly, then retune. Repeat this a few times until the strings settle.

Action Adjustment: Finding the Sweet Spot

Action refers to the distance between your strings and the fretboard. For shredding, you’ll generally want a lower action. This allows for faster playability and less effort when pressing down the strings. However, go too low, and you’ll encounter fret buzz, which can kill your sound.

To adjust the action, you’ll typically need to tweak the truss rod and the bridge saddles. The truss rod adjusts the neck’s curvature, while the bridge saddles determine the string height. Adjusting these can be a bit of a balancing act. A good rule of thumb is to start with the neck relief. Use a capo on the first fret and press down on the last fret. The string should barely clear the frets around the 7th fret. If there’s too much gap, tighten the truss rod slightly. If there’s no gap, loosen it.

Next, adjust the bridge saddles. Lower them until you start getting fret buzz, then raise them just enough to eliminate it. This will give you the lowest action possible without compromising sound quality. Remember, each guitar is different, so take your time finding that sweet spot.

Intonation: Keeping It In Tune Everywhere

Intonation ensures that your guitar is in tune across the entire fretboard. Without proper intonation, your shredding riffs might sound off, even if your open strings are in tune. To check intonation, use a tuner to compare the pitch of an open string to its octave (12th fret). If they’re off, your intonation needs adjusting.

Adjusting intonation involves moving the bridge saddles forward or backward. If the fretted note is sharp compared to the open string, move the saddle back. If it’s flat, move it forward. This can be a fiddly process, requiring small adjustments and retuning. Patience is key here, but once set, your playing will ring true across the neck.

Pickup Height: Balancing Power and Clarity

Your pickup height affects tone and output. Getting this right can make your solos soar and your rhythms punchy. Too close to the strings, and the pickups can cause magnetic interference, leading to a muddled sound. Too far, and you lose output and sustain.

Start by pressing down on the highest fret of your low E string. Measure the distance from the bottom of the string to the top of the pickup pole piece. A general starting point is about 2mm on the bass side and 1.5mm on the treble side. Adjust from there based on your tone preference. Want more attack? Bring the pickups closer. Need more clarity? Lower them slightly.

Remember, each pickup type and brand reacts differently, so tweak until you’re satisfied. And if you’ve got multiple pickups, balance them relative to each other to ensure a consistent volume when switching between them.

Bridge Setup: Stability for All the Dive Bombs

If you’re into shredding, chances are you love a good whammy bar. A well-set floating bridge can add flair to your playing, but a poorly set one can be a nightmare. Start by ensuring the bridge is parallel to the body. If it’s tilted forward or backward, you’ll have tuning issues.

The bridge is balanced by tension from the strings and the springs in the tremolo cavity. If the bridge leans forward, tighten the tremolo springs or add another one. If it leans back, loosen the springs. Some players prefer a blocked tremolo for stability, sacrificing upward pull for better tuning stability. This can be a good choice if you’re heavy-handed or play a lot of rhythm parts.

Consider the type of bridge too. A Floyd Rose offers excellent stability and range for dive bombs, but it can be complex to set up. If you’re new to floating bridges, a simpler system like a Wilkinson might be a better starting point.

Tuning Stability: Keeping Your Axe in Check

Nothing kills a shredding session like tuning issues. Ensuring stability involves several factors. First, invest in locking tuners if your guitar doesn’t have them. They prevent string slippage and make restringing a breeze.

Next, consider a good nut. A poorly cut nut can cause strings to bind, leading to tuning problems. A well-cut nut allows strings to move smoothly. Lubricate the nut slots with graphite or a specialized lubricant to reduce friction.

Finally, when you restring, use the “lock and wrap” method. After threading the string through the tuning peg, bend it back over itself and then wrap. This helps lock the string in place, preventing slippage.

Neck Profile: Comfort for Your Hands

The neck profile can significantly impact your shredding comfort. Thinner necks are often favored for shredding due to their speed and ease of reaching around. The classic “C” shape is popular, but if you’re after something sleeker, consider a “D” or “flat C” profile.

Also, pay attention to the neck finish. A glossy finish can feel sticky during fast passages. Many players prefer satin or even unfinished necks for a smoother, faster feel. If your guitar has a glossy neck, you can gently sand it with fine-grit sandpaper to achieve a satin feel.

Remember, comfort is subjective. What feels great to one player might not to another. If possible, try out different neck profiles and finishes before committing. Your hands will thank you during those long practice sessions.

And speaking of practice, our instructors at Riffhard can show you techniques to maximize your speed and comfort on any neck profile.

Pick Selection: Finding Your Grip

Your choice of pick affects your tone and playability. For shredding, many prefer a thicker pick, around 1.5mm or more. This thickness provides better attack and control, especially during fast alternate picking.

Material matters too. Nylon picks offer a warmer tone and slight flex, while Tortex gives a brighter, more aggressive attack. Textured picks can provide extra grip, reducing slippage during intense playing.

Pick shape is another consideration. A sharper tip offers precision, ideal for complex runs and arpeggios. Experiment with different shapes and materials to find what feels best. And don’t forget to replace your picks regularly. A worn-down pick tip can dull your sound.

Our lessons at Riffhard often include tips on pick technique to help you get the most out of your selection.

Final Thoughts

Setting up your guitar for shredding involves a lot of tweaking and personal preference, but once you’ve dialed it in, the results can be transformative. From string choices to neck profiles, each element plays a part in crafting your sound and playability. And if you want to dive deeper into refining your technique, check out the lessons from our expert instructors on Riffhard. We’ve got the resources to help you shred with precision and confidence.