How to Adjust String Height on a Strat

Adjust the string height, or action, of your Strat.

The Strat, or Stratocaster, is a popular guitar made by Fender. The string height on a Strat, also called the action, affects the way that it plays. The string height that is most appropriate for your Strat will depend on the gauge of strings you are using and your playing technique. A higher string height will require more force to form chords, while a lower string height will require less. However, too low of a string height can cause the strings to rattle against the frets of the guitar.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Look for the string height screws on the bridge of your Strat. Strats with a locking tremolo system will have only two screws that adjust the string height of all of the strings. All other Strats will have two screws that surround each string, and affect each string individually.

2. Take a screwdriver and tighten these screws evenly to lower the string height on your Strat. Loosen these screws evenly to raise the string height on your Strat.

3. Test this new string height by playing your Strat. Continue to adjust the string height until it is to your liking.

References

• Fender: Stratocaster Setup Guide
• Project Guitar: String Height and Bridge Adjustment