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Learn Pro Level Guitar Setups
The Precision Electric Guitar Setup Class
This rock-solid class has set the benchmark for all our guitar setup classes. Offered exclusively 1-2 times per year, with optional add-on classes available on select dates and locations (see below). Join this exclusive workshop to uncover the secrets of a great-playing guitar!
Similar to a car needing a tune-up, a series of precise adjustments can optimize your guitar’s performance. In this workshop, you’ll learn the right way to perform these adjustments on your own guitar – and it will work every time!
With your registration and participation, we’ll cover all aspects of guitar setups, including top manufacturers’ setup specifications and more. Bring your guitar and get ready to master the art of professional guitar setups!
Use the drop-down menus below to learn about the required supplies and tools needed. The book, “How to Setup Your Guitar Like a Pro“ is required for this class and is readily available at Long & McQuade (Canada), Chapters/Indigo, Amazon, or anywhere else that sells books.
Beginning 2024, Certificates of Achievement will be available for taking our classes.
- What influences the feel of the guitar
- Why, how & when to adjust the truss rod
- How to adjust your action on any style of guitar, spot-on every time
- How to dial in a low-action setup
- How to set intonation correctly
- How to set pickup height optimally
- How to set up pickup pole piece height
- Discussions on string gauge, playing style, guitar designs and how they effect your setup
- Top manufacturer’s setup specs & more (included in the book)
- All guitar setup questions answered!
- Any type of electric guitar covered (Floyd Rose bridges, tremolo, hard tail, etc)
- Sign up for the Acoustic Guitar Setup supplement and be unstoppable (***below***)!
*Class approx. 4 hours in length
- Your guitar (arrive with strings on your guitar)
- A new set of strings (to restring on to your guitar)
- Pen/pencil & calculator
- Guitar mat, towel, or rag to set your guitar on (we’ll be using tables)
- Neck rest
- Electronic chromatic tuner/ app
- A crescent wrench/ nut driver for tightening any loose hardware
- *String winder
- *Capo
- *Side cutter/wire cutter
- *Automotive feeler gauge set that measure in .001″ increments
- *6″ Steel ruler that measures in 64ths or a “String Action Gauge”
- *Multi-head screwdriver
- *Your guitars’ truss rod wrench & saddle height adjustment wrench(es)
Class textbook: “How to Setup Your Guitar Like a Pro“
*Tools marked with an asterisk can be purchased together in the “GrooveTech Tech Kit – Guitar Setup Tool Kit“. Find it at Long & McQuade or Amazon
*Note that supplies/tools may be available for purchase in class. Please contact for more information.
Recommended tools for the class (Amazon links):
GrooveTech Tech Kit Guitar Tools (Cru-GTGTR1) – https://amzn.to/3UxlHat
32 Blades Steel Feeler Gauge Set (imperial) – https://amzn.to/3zOki7j
Guitar Setup & Electronic Repair Fundamentals Class
This supplement class ties into the Precision Electric Guitar Setup Class to expand on and discuss setup topics, including acoustic guitar setups, nut filing, and other common maintenance issues. Students are welcome to bring an acoustic guitar that requires setup or attention.
In the Electronic Repair Modules We cover how to troubleshoot and repair electronics, with a lesson on electronic soldering technique. This will be a baseline to expand upon and help broaden skills beyond the class into any wiring upgrades the student may wish to do. This is a mixed format class which includes workshop presentation, discussions and hands-on excercises. Students are welcome to bring projects that require repair to use as demonstrations. No tools are required for this class. Approx. 3-4 hours.
Modules include:
- Acoustic guitar setups, nut filing technique, and other common maintenance issues (2 hr workshop w/demonstration and participation)
- Troubleshooting Electronics (30 min demonstration)
- Soldering Technique (30 min workshop w/hands-on)
- Repairing Electronics (1 hr hands-on)
Nut Filing Add-On Class
In this supplemental class, you’ ll learn how to fine-tune the string height at the nut for optimum performance, feel and tone. Learn methods to counteract poorly cut nut slots and restore the guitar to it’s former glory. *Electric Guitar Setup Class is a prerequisite.
Discussions on string gauge changes and other common troubleshooting. *Nut Files are required for this class.
Approx. 2 hours in length as a supplement class only, following the electric or acoustic setup class.
Acoustic Guitar Setups Add-On Class
In this supplemental class you will learn how to adjust the relief and string height on acoustic guitars. Discussions on what influences the feel and action on an acoustic guitar, as well as humidity, string gauge, guitar designs and on-board pickup systems.
Top manufacturer’s setup specs & more (included in the book).
Approx. 2 hours in length as a supplement to the electric guitar setup class.
Took this course earlier this year. Was exceptional and I highly recommend it if you’ve been afraid to mess with your truss rod and saddles. Biggest take away for me was removing the fear factor. It’s an art of ‘feel’ not a precision science. Thanks Johnny.
What a great class! Jon did a great job of explaining the process and was hands-on with the entire class. My 35 year old guitar has never sounded better. I have a few guitars and the cost of this class will have paid for itself after going through two of my guitars. Don’t even think about it – just sign-up for the next class!
Took The Precision Electric Guitar Setup Class here in Calgary on March 26. It was an amazing experience with Jon and the rest of the class – PRICELESS. I said to the class I’m tired of paying $100-$200 just to setup my electric guitar, that’s the main reason I took Jon’s course and it all pays off. Jon was so patient and walked me thru the whole process, since I’m a slow learner. All thanks to an awesome teacher Mr. Jon Blackwood.
Looking for an acoustic guitar setup course/class in Vancouver area. Thank you.
Wayne Silver
778-232-8600
I’m interested in your Zoom class(es) on acoustic and electric guitar set-up and would like to know upcoming dates and times (including time zone, as I’m in the Central zone and I might have to do the math to be on time). : )
I am located in Vancouver, WA/Portland, OR and would like to know of any classes available either in person or virtually. I am signed up for the electric guitar set-up class on Sunday 9/15 in Portland, and have been looking forward to this, for some time now. Would like to follow up with acoustic guitar set-up, or others, offered. Please advise?