A wave shim and a method of shimming two elements is provided. The method includes inserting between two elements, at least one wave shim, which is a wave-shaped compressible body with a slot subdividing a portion of the body at the end into a pair of wave-shaped extending arms, and a tab attached to the body at a side opposite the wave-shaped extending arms. The shim has an area of reduced body material at a junction point between the tab and the body so that the tab can be broken off, and at least one area of reduced body material exists at corresponding locations along each of the wave-shaped extending arms so that the length of the arms can be reduced. The tab and arms define through-holes and grooves, which can be used in conjunction with a guide-line to align several elements.