Action height, which refers to the gap between the bottom of the guitar strings and the fretboard, is crucial for playing comfort and sound quality. An overly high action makes fretting and bending strings more challenging, while an overly low action can result in buzzing and intonation issues. Finding the sweet spot for action height is essential for an enjoyable playing experience and optimal sound.
The key to adjusting action height is to strike a balance between playability and sound. A good starting point is to set the action so that there is just enough clearance for the strings to clear the frets when fretted at the 12th fret. This can be achieved by adjusting the truss rod, which is located inside the guitar’s neck. Tightening the truss rod will bow the neck forward, raising the action, while loosening it will flatten the neck, lowering the action. It’s important to make small adjustments at a time and allow the guitar to settle before making further changes.
Once the action height is set, it’s essential to check the intonation, which refers to the accuracy of the guitar’s pitch at different frets. If the intonation is off, the guitar will sound out of tune when played at certain frets. Adjusting the intonation involves moving the saddles on the bridge to ensure that the open strings and fretted notes are in tune with each other. This process requires a bit of patience and a keen ear, but it’s crucial for achieving a well-tuned and playable guitar.
Practice Efficient Finger Placement
Mastering efficient finger placement is crucial for reducing action on guitar. Here’s a detailed guide to improve your technique:
Align Your Fingers Properly
Ensure your fretting fingers are perpendicular to the fretboard, with the fleshy portion of the finger contacting the string. Avoid touching the strings with your fingertips, as this raises string height and increases action.
Use Minimal Pressure
Apply only enough pressure to produce a clear note without buzzing. The less force you exert, the lower your action will be. If you’re struggling to produce a clean sound with minimal pressure, consider practicing finger strengthening exercises.
Consider Finger Strength and Flexibility
Strong and flexible fingers allow you to play with less effort, reducing action. Incorporate exercises into your practice routine to improve finger strength and dexterity, such as finger presses, pull-offs, and hammer-ons.
Use a Fingerboard Radius
Guitars with a fingerboard radius have a curved profile, which allows your fingers to naturally align with the frets. A flatter fingerboard requires more precise finger placement, resulting in potentially higher action.
Table: Finger Placement Tips
| Tip | Result |
|---|---|
| Perpendicular finger placement | Reduces contact with strings and lowers action |
| Minimal pressure | Minimizes string height and lowers action |
| Finger strength | Enables effortless fretting and reduces action |
| Fingerboard radius | Natural finger alignment and lower action |
Utilize Alternate Picking Techniques
Mastering alternate picking is crucial for reducing guitar action. This technique involves consistently picking the strings in an alternating downward and upward motion, ensuring that each note is articulated clearly. The benefits of alternate picking extend beyond speed and precision, as it also improves overall dexterity and control over the instrument.
To develop proficient alternate picking, practice regularly using a metronome. Start with slow tempos and gradually increase the speed as you gain confidence. Focus on maintaining a consistent picking motion, avoiding any tension or strain in your hand or wrist. Additionally, it’s essential to use a properly sized and shaped pick that provides you with optimal control and comfort.
Alternate Picking Exercises
Incorporating specific exercises into your practice routine can significantly improve your alternate picking technique. Consider the following exercises:
| Exercise | Focus |
|---|---|
| Single-String Alternate Picking | Develop basic alternating motion on a single string |
| Crosspicking | Alternate pick across multiple strings in both directions |
| String Skipping | Practice skipping strings in an alternating picking pattern |
| Sweep Picking | Perform fluid, continuous picking strokes across multiple strings |
Optimize String Tension and Action Height
String Tension
String tension is a crucial factor in determining action height. Higher string tension will result in higher action, as the strings vibrate more widely. Conversely, lower string tension will result in lower action. The ideal string tension depends on the guitar’s scale length, neck radius, and playing style. Heavier strings generally require higher tension for optimal performance.
Action Height
Action height refers to the distance between the strings and the frets at the 12th fret. The optimal action height is subjective and varies depending on the guitarist’s playing style. Generally, lower action allows for easier fretting and faster playing, while higher action provides better sustain and clarity.
Adjusting Action Height
Adjusting action height involves modifying the bridge height or the truss rod.
* Bridge Height Adjusters: Most bridges have adjustable saddles that allow you to raise or lower individual strings. To raise the action, turn the adjuster screws clockwise. To lower the action, turn them counterclockwise.
* Truss Rod Adjustment: The truss rod is a metal rod that runs through the guitar’s neck. Tightening the truss rod will bow the neck backward, raising the action. Loosening the truss rod will bow the neck forward, lowering the action.
| Action Height Adjustments | Effects |
|---|---|
| Lower Action | Easier fretting, faster playing, less sustain |
| Higher Action | Clearer notes, more sustain, more difficult fretting |
Employ Proper Hand Position and Posture
The hand position and posture significantly impact action height. Here’s a detailed guide:
Positioning the Left Hand
*
Relax your wrist and keep your forearm nearly parallel to the neck.
*
Place your thumb behind the neck, slightly arched for support.
*
Curl your fingers over the fretboard, with fingertips directly behind the frets.
Positioning the Right Hand
*
Support the guitar’s body with your picking hand’s palm.
*
Rest your thumb on the low E string or on the pickup for stability.
*
Use a light touch when strumming or picking, avoiding excessive pressure.
Bridge Height Adjustment
*
Using a hex wrench, adjust the bridge screws on either side of the body.
*
Tightening the screws raises the bridge, while loosening them lowers it.
| Action Height | Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Too low (buzzing) | Raise the bridge by tightening the screws |
| Too high (difficulty fretting) | Lower the bridge by loosening the screws |
| Optimal range | Around 2-3 mm (measured between the 12th fret and the bottom of the low E string) |
Maintain Your Guitar Regularly
Performing regular maintenance on your guitar is crucial for keeping it in optimal playing condition and reducing action. Here are some key steps to follow:
1. Clean the fretboard: Use a soft cloth or specialized fretboard cleaner to remove dirt and grime from the fretboard. Avoid using abrasive cleaners that can damage the finish.
2. Lubricate the nut and bridge: Apply a small amount of graphite or nut sauce to the slots in the nut and bridge where the strings pass through. This helps reduce friction and improves tuning stability.
3. Tighten loose hardware: Check the tuning pegs, bridge screws, and strap buttons to ensure they are securely tightened. Loose hardware can contribute to string buzz and affect action.
4. Adjust the truss rod: The truss rod is a metal rod inside the neck that counteracts string tension. If the neck is bowed forward or backward, adjust the truss rod to straighten it. This can significantly affect action, especially at the higher frets.
5. Check and adjust the bridge: The bridge height and saddle position can impact action. Here’s a step-by-step guide to adjust the bridge:
| Adjusting the Bridge | |
|---|---|
| Step 1: | Loosen the strings to reduce tension on the bridge. |
| Step 2: | Use an Allen wrench or screwdriver to adjust the height of the bridge saddles. |
| Step 3: | Once the desired height is achieved, adjust the intonation by moving the saddles forward or backward. |
| Step 4: | Re-tighten the strings and check the action and intonation. |
6. Set the intonation: Proper intonation ensures that notes play correctly in tune at all frets. Use a tuner and adjust the saddle positions on the bridge until the open string and fretted notes match in pitch.
Choose Thinner Strings for Reduced Friction
String gauge, which refers to the thickness of the strings, plays a significant role in action height. Thicker strings require more tension to produce the same pitch, resulting in a higher action. Conversely, thinner strings create less tension, allowing for a lower action.
When selecting strings for lower action, consider the following:
Acoustic Guitar Strings
| String Gauge | Tension (lbs) |
|---|---|
| .010 | 15-20 |
| .011 | 16-22 |
| .012 | 17-24 |
For acoustic guitars, gauges ranging from .010 to .012 are recommended for lower action.
Electric Guitar Strings
| String Gauge | Tension (lbs) |
|---|---|
| .009 | 10-14 |
| .010 | 11-16 |
| .011 | 12-18 |
For electric guitars, gauges between .009 and .011 are suitable for achieving a lower action. Remember that the string tension table provides approximate values and may vary depending on the brand and specific string set.
By experimenting with thinner strings, you can reduce friction and decrease the distance between the strings and the fretboard, resulting in a lower and more comfortable action.
Adjust the Bridge Saddle to Lower Action
The bridge saddle is a small, movable piece of material that sits under each of the guitar’s strings. It is responsible for setting the height of the strings above the fretboard, which is known as the action. If the action is too high, the strings will be difficult to press down, making it difficult to play chords and riffs. Conversely, if the action is too low, the strings may buzz against the frets, causing an unpleasant buzzing sound.
To adjust the action on a guitar, you will need a set of hex keys or Allen wrenches. The specific size of the hex key will vary depending on the make and model of your guitar. Once you have the correct hex key, follow these steps:
- Locate the bridge saddle for the string you want to adjust.
- Using the hex key, turn the adjustment screw on the saddle clockwise to raise the action or counterclockwise to lower the action.
- Turn the screw in small increments until the action is at the desired height.
- Repeat steps 1-3 for each of the other strings.
- Once you have adjusted the action on all of the strings, check the intonation of the guitar to make sure it is still in tune. If the intonation is off, you will need to adjust the length of the strings.
- If you are not comfortable adjusting the action on your guitar yourself, you can take it to a qualified guitar technician to have it done professionally.
- The following table provides a general guideline for setting the action on a guitar:
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Gather materials: You’ll need a lubricant specifically designed for guitar tremolos, such as graphite or petroleum-based lubricants. A soft cloth is also recommended for application.
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Remove the tremolo arm: Unscrew and remove the tremolo arm from the guitar body. This will provide access to the tremolo’s baseplate and other moving components.
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Clean the baseplate: Wipe down the baseplate using a soft cloth to remove any dirt or debris. This will ensure the lubricant adheres properly to the metal surface.
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Lubricate the knife edges: Apply a small amount of lubricant to the knife edges of the tremolo system. These are typically located on the sides of the baseplate, where the tremolo arm pivots.
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Lubricate the pivot point: Identify the pivot point of the tremolo system, which is usually a small screw or bolt. Apply a drop of lubricant to this point, ensuring it penetrates into the threads.
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Lubricate the springs: If your tremolo system uses springs, lubricate the coils lightly to reduce friction between them. Avoid over-lubricating, as excess grease can attract dirt and debris.
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Lubricate the nut: Apply a small amount of lubricant to the nut where the strings pass through. This will help the strings move smoothly and reduce binding.
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Reinstall the tremolo arm: Once all components are lubricated, reinstall the tremolo arm and tighten it securely.
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Test the tremolo: Use the tremolo bar to check if it operates smoothly and without any excessive resistance. Adjust the tension on the tremolo springs if necessary to achieve the desired feel and response.
- Persistent fret buzz or string rattle
- High string height making it difficult to play
- Uneven fret wear or damage
- Neck warping or bowing
- Expert Diagnosis: Luthiers can diagnose the underlying cause of action problems, ensuring precise adjustments.
- Precision Tools and Experience: They possess specialized tools and years of experience to perform intricate adjustments accurately.
- Instrument Preservation: Luthiers prioritize preserving the integrity and longevity of your guitar.
- Loosen the strings: Use a guitar tuner to loosen all the strings enough to allow the bridge to be removed.
- Remove the bridge: Carefully remove the bridge, typically held in place by screws or pins. If the bridge is glued, use a sharp knife or razor blade to break the glue bond.
- Sand the saddle: The saddle is a small piece of bone, plastic, or metal that raises the strings above the fretboard. Use fine-grit sandpaper to gradually sand down the bottom of the saddle. Keep checking the action height by placing the bridge back on the guitar and measuring the gap between the strings and the fretboard at the 12th fret.
- Reinstall the bridge: Once the desired action height is achieved, reinstall the bridge and tighten the screws or pins securely.
- Tune the strings: Bring the guitar back into tune and check the intonation. Minor adjustments to the saddle height may be necessary to ensure accurate intonation.
| String | Action at the 12th Fret |
|---|---|
| 1st (E) | 0.060 – 0.070 inches (1.5 – 1.8 mm) |
| 2nd (B) | 0.065 – 0.075 inches (1.6 – 1.9 mm) |
| 3rd (G) | 0.070 – 0.080 inches (1.7 – 2.0 mm) |
| 4th (D) | 0.075 – 0.085 inches (1.9 – 2.1 mm) |
| 5th (A) | 0.080 – 0.090 inches (2.0 – 2.2 mm) |
| 6th (E) | 0.085 – 0.095 inches (2.1 – 2.3 mm) |
File the Nut Slots to Reduce String Binding
If the nut slots are too narrow or rough, they can create friction and bind the strings, making it difficult to play and tune the guitar. This can be especially noticeable when bending or vibratoing the strings. To reduce string binding, you’ll need to file the nut slots to widen and smooth them out.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to file the nut slots:
1. Gather the Necessary Tools
* Nut files (for shaping and widening the slots)
* Ruler or caliper (for measuring the slot width)
* Masking tape (for protecting the fretboard)
* Pencil or toothpick (for marking the slot width)
2. Mask the Fretboard
* Apply masking tape to the fretboard on both sides of the nut to protect it from being scratched or damaged by the nut files.
3. Measure and Mark the Slot Width
* Use a ruler or caliper to measure and mark the desired width of the nut slot.
| String | Width |
|——–|——–|
|E | .022″ |
|A | .024″ |
|D | .026″ |
|G | .028″ |
|B | .030″ |
|E | .032″ |
4. File the Nut Slots
* Using a nut file, carefully file the slot wider to the desired width. File in small, even strokes, and be careful not to file too much material.
Test the String Fit
* After filing the slot, place the string in the slot and check if it fits snugly without binding. If the string still binds, file the slot slightly wider.
Lubricate the Tremolo System (if applicable)
If your guitar features a tremolo system, lubricating its moving parts is crucial for minimizing friction and ensuring smooth operation. Here’s a detailed guide to help you:
Consult a Professional Luthier for Expert Adjustments
If you’re experiencing serious issues with your guitar’s action, such as fret buzz or excessive string height, it’s highly recommended to seek the expertise of a professional luthier. Luthiers are skilled craftsmen who specialize in guitar repair and maintenance, and they can provide expert adjustments to optimize your instrument’s performance.
**When to Consider a Luthier:**
**Benefits of Consulting a Luthier:**
**Services Offered by Luthiers:**
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Fret Leveling | Filing down uneven frets to ensure uniform string height |
| Truss Rod Adjustment | Adjusting the neck’s curvature to alleviate string buzz or excessive string height |
| Nut Slot Cutting | Precisely cutting the slots in the nut to optimize string spacing and action |
| Bridge Adjustment | Raising or lowering the bridge saddle to achieve desired string height |
By consulting a professional luthier, you can rest assured that your guitar will receive the utmost care and precision, resulting in an instrument with optimized action for effortless playing and enhanced sound quality.
How to Reduce Action on Guitar
Reducing action on a guitar refers to adjusting the height of the strings above the fretboard to make them easier to play. Lower action generally results in a lighter touch and improved fretting accuracy, making it a popular modification for both electric and acoustic guitars. Here’s a step-by-step guide to reduce action on your guitar:
Caution: Reducing action too much can cause buzzing or fretting out (strings touching the frets when they’re not supposed to). It’s always advisable to make small, gradual adjustments and check the results before making more changes.
