The bridge and saddle are two of the most customizable components on your guitar, therefore, it's wekk worth learning how to adjust them properly. This will make your instrument considerably more playable and eliminate a few major pain points like fret buzz and "bad" action.
The exact steps vary based on the type of bridge attached to your guitar. For example, you’ll need to move the slots on Stratocaster-style bridges using an Allen key; unscrew and tune the two slots on Tune-o-Matic bridges, or manually adjust each screw on tremolo saddles.
Let's take a closer look at the bridge adjustment process for each type of bridge, starting with the simplest to the most challenging ones.
Adjusting Tune-o-Matic Bridges
Tune-O-Matics are the easiest to adjust because they come with adjustment wheels.
Gently twist both wheels counter-clockwise to increase the action of your guitar, or clockwise to lower it. If the wheels are difficult to move, release the tension on the strings, make the necessary adjustments, and then tune the strings back up again.
Adjusting Stratocaster Bridges
Stratocaster-style bridges typically feature 12 saddle adjustment screws - 2 per string. The easiest, albeit time-consuming, method to adjust this type of guitar bridge is to turn each of them by the same amount with an Allen wrench.
To lower your guitar’s action, gently twist the screws counter-clockwise; to raise it, turn the wrench clockwise.
Since you’re manually adjusting multiple screws, you'll need to ensure that they’re as lined up as possible, so keep checking the action on your guitar as you make the adjustments.
Adjusting Tremolo Bridges
Before starting, ensure that the tremolo is in the correct position. To do this, gently place your hand on the tremolo bar and perform slight push/pull actions to make sure that it’s correctly falling into the designated socket. Ideally, the saddles should run parallel to your strings.
If not, flip the guitar over so that its back is facing you, unscrew the plate, and gently adjust the larger screws holding the tremolo springs. They must be equally tight so that the tremolo doesn’t wiggle too much. If the tremolo is leaning backward, tighten the screws, and vice versa.
Next, change the action of your tremolo bridge, insert an Allen Wrench into the sockets on each side, gradually turning counterclockwise on both ends to raise, or clockwise to lower the action.
