How to Adjust the Action on a Guitar
So your guitar has strings an inch above the neck and your fingers are hurting? This like many other scenarios, is a definite indicator that its time to adjust the guitars action. Action is not only about how far the strings are off the neck, it also affects the overall feel and playability of your instrument.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Guitar
- Adjustment tools for your guitar's make and model, or a set of Allen wrenches.
Instructions
-
-
1
Loosen all the strings on your instrument where they can be easily re-tightened to test your action adjustment.
-
2
Now move your attention to the bridge. Notice how each string is on its own piece when connected at the bridge and this is where the adjustment takes place. Each piece for each string has two fully threaded pegs that adjust their height off the bridge -- ultimately affecting string height and playability of your guitar.
-
-
3
Now starting at the 1st string (the high e), begin loosening both pegs on the piece at the bridge if you you would like your string moved closer to the fretboard (which consists of 99.9% of the reasons needed for an action adjustment). If you are adjusting the strings up off the guitar, simply turn the opposite way on each peg.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Be careful not to adjust the strings so much that they are not in sync with the OTHER strings -- the strings need to collectively follow the natural curve of the fretboard, with the first and last strings closer to the fretboard than the middle strings. The strings will together form a slight "C" shape -- you will notice if the strings are off sync, as it will be more difficult to transfer your fingers when playing from string to string.
By leaving all of the strings attached but stil available for tightning, you will be able to easily test the adjustments you have made and make it so you have exactly what you hoped for in the end.
If you adjust the action to the setting you like but hear a buzzing noise near the nut (the part where the strings connect before the headstock) of your guitar, it may mean they are too low. If you do not wish to adjust the action any further but still would like to get rid of the bussing noise, try putting graphite (pencil lead) under the strings in the grooves of the nut.
A General rule is to never use a truss rod adjustment for the purpose of adjusting the guitar's action -- use it only when required with proper tools.
