This focuses to basic pitch tuning - not intonation setup.
Tuning of Floyd Rose Tremolo guitar with locking nut is slightly more complex than normal guitar tuning. However, it is not difficult – just remember accurately to follow the guidelines. Pitch tuning of the Floyd Rose guitar can be split in the three alternative main procedures
A) Normal quick string pitch tuning for Floyd rose guitar
B) Tuning with nut release and fine tuning after locking the strings
C) Tuning and setting tremolo tension so that Floyd Rose bridge is balanced.
Procedure A is normal and simple pitch tuning method when guitar has been in stable environmental conditions and guitar strings condition is good.
Procedure B is done typically in the situation that the Floyd Rose fine tuner screw range is not enough for setting the correct pitch for the string. This method is also needed when the strings are changed to new set. In both of the cases detailed B procedure guidelines are used (check later)
Procedure C is needed when Floyd Rose bridge is not anymore vertically balanced. This can happen e.g. after string gauge change or wrong adjustment of tremolo springs.
In the picture below you can see Floyd Rose tremolo - Note: hex key is not normally needed as in the picture shown - here it is used in intonation setup of bridge. Typically finger-operated fine-tuning screws are only needed when doing basic tuning of guitar
Steps for quick tuning (A) - Procedure (A) for normal and simple pitch tuning below:
1. Tune each string pitch with Floyd Rose Tremolo fine tuner screws
2. Check after one round that all strings are in correct pitch – repeat 1 if needed
3. If fine tuner screw range is not enough – jump to B procedure
Steps for nut release and lock based tuning (B) - Procedure (B) for nut release and lock based pitch tuning below:
1. Loosen three clamp screws at the nut (hex key needed)
2. Set Floyd Rose fine tuner screws in the middle position
3. Tune strings to pitch with machine heads and with help of digital tuner (can be slightly flat)
4. Lock nut screws (hex key needed – locking will slightly make pitch sharper)
5. Fine tune with Floyd Rose fine tuner screws – like in (A) procedure
Steps for setting tremolo balance and tuning (C) - Procedure C is needed when Floyd Rose bridge is not vertically balanced. This can happen e.g. after string gauge change or wrong adjustment of tremolo springs.When the strings are at the desired pitch, check if the bridge base plate is parallel with the top of the guitar. In case base plate is tilted forward away from the body, you must tighten the tremolo springs tension by turning the spring adjust via using a hex key. In case the base plate is tilted back, you must loosen the tremolo springs tension by turning the spring adjust with hex key.
Procedure (C) for setting tremolo balance and tuning below:
1. Loosen three clamp screws at the nut (hex key needed)
2. Set Floyd Rose fine tuner screws in the middle position
3. Check if Floyd Rose tremolo base plate is tilted forward – if so, tighten tremolo springs
4. Check if Floyd Rose tremolo base plate is tilted backward – if so, loosen tremolo springs
5. Tune strings to pitch with machine heads and with help of digital tuner (can be slightly flat)
6. Check if tremolo base plate is still parallel with the guitar body top – if not repeat steps 3-5
7. Lock nut screws (hex key needed – locking will slightly make pitch sharper)
8. Fine tune with Floyd Rose fine tuner screws – like in A-procedure