Relief (music)
Encyclopedia
Relief, or profile, refers to the amount of curvature in the neck of a guitar or other similar stringed instrument. When the strings of a guitar vibrate, they vibrate in an elliptical shape. Thus, providing the best possible action
, requires that the guitar neck have a slight curve to allow the strings to vibrate freely. If the relief is not set correctly, fret buzz may occur.
To provide adjustable relief, most guitars have an adjustable truss rod
. Turning the truss rod screw changes the tension of the truss rod, and thus the relief of the neck. Novice players should not attempt this, as the guitar neck can easily be damaged or broken. Some guitars, such as certain older Guild 12-strings, have two parallel truss rods.
Action (music)
The term action, used in connection with stringed instruments, has two meanings, depending on whether the instrument is played with a keyboard or plucked by hand.-In keyboard instruments:...
, requires that the guitar neck have a slight curve to allow the strings to vibrate freely. If the relief is not set correctly, fret buzz may occur.
To provide adjustable relief, most guitars have an adjustable truss rod
Truss rod
The truss rod is part of a guitar or banjo used to stabilize and adjust the lengthwise forward curvature , of the neck. Usually it is a steel rod that runs inside the neck and has a bolt that can be used to adjust its tension...
. Turning the truss rod screw changes the tension of the truss rod, and thus the relief of the neck. Novice players should not attempt this, as the guitar neck can easily be damaged or broken. Some guitars, such as certain older Guild 12-strings, have two parallel truss rods.