Nut slot depth

How far each slot in the nut has been cut down, which sets the open-string height and therefore the effort needed to fret at the first position.

Ideally the slot leaves the string just clear of the first fret, a few thousandths of an inch, so open strings do not buzz and first-position chords are not unnecessarily hard. Too high and every note near the nut is stiff and slightly sharp when fretted; too low and the open string rattles against the first fret. The depth is checked by pressing each string down at the third fret and looking at the clearance over the first.

Example: a guitar that plays easily higher up but feels hard in the first position usually needs its nut slots deepened.

Nut slot depth

See also