How Wide Should Nut Slots Be?

Nut slots are one of the most important aspects of setting up a guitar, yet they are often overlooked. The width of the nut slot has a direct effect on the playability of the guitar. If the nut slot is too narrow, the string will sit too high above the first fret and be difficult to play.

If the nut slot is too wide, the string will sit too low and buzz against the first fret. The ideal width of a nut slot is just wide enough so that the string can sit in the slot without buzzing, but not so wide that the string sits too low.

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There are a few different ways to measure the width of a nut slot. The most accurate way is to use a feeler gauge, but you can also use a ruler or a caliper. Place the feeler gauge in the nut slot and measure from the bottom of the slot to the top of the gauge. The width of the nut slot should be just slightly wider than the thickness of the gauge.

For example, if you are using a 0.010” gauge, you want the nut slot to be about 0.012”-0.013” wide.

When measuring with a ruler or caliper, it can be difficult to get an accurate measurement because of the curvature of the slots. A good rule of thumb is that the width of the nut slot should be 1/16” wider than the string that will be used in that slot. For example, if you are using a 0.012” string in a particular nut slot, you want that nut slot to be about 0.

016”-0.017” wide.

The best way to ensure that your nut slots are properly sized is to take your guitar to a qualified luthier or guitar technician and have them measure and cut new slots for you. This is especially important if you are changing string gauges or switching to a different type of strings altogether (e.g.

, from nylon to steel).

In conclusion, propernutslotwidthis essentialforplayabilityand tone quality on yourguitar; make sure yourslotsare cutto themeasurementslisted aboveto getthe best results!.