One of my students recently brought in a beautiful Fender Telecaster for his guitar lesson. He’d been struggling with wrist ache while playing, and it didn’t take long to see why — the low E string was sitting over 3mm above the 12th fret. That kind of action would make even the most seasoned player wince.
We paused the lesson and gave the guitar the attention it deserved. I carried out a full setup: lowered the action, adjusted the truss rod, and dialled in the intonation. The difference was night and day. The Telecaster now plays like a dream — smooth, responsive, and far easier on the hands.
After the setup, I couldn’t resist having a cheeky jam myself. A few blues licks later, I was reminded just how expressive these guitars can be when they’re properly dialled in.
If you’re experiencing discomfort while playing, or your guitar just doesn’t feel quite right, it might be time for a proper setup. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, a well-adjusted instrument makes all the difference.
I offer guitar lessons in Nottingham and also specialise in guitar setup in Nottingham — helping players get the most out of their instruments. If your guitar’s been gathering dust or giving you grief, I’d be happy to help.