7 Effective Steps to Adjust Action on Your Electric Guitar for a Smooth Performance
Having trouble getting your electric guitar to play as smoothly as you’d like? It could be your action – the distance between the strings and the fretboard. It affects the guitar’s playability and tuning stability. Adjusting the action on an electric guitar isn’t as daunting as it sounds. With few simple steps, tools and a little patience, anyone can do it. Come along as we delve into the ins and outs of making your guitar play like a dream by adjusting its action.
Understanding Action and its Importance
Action refers to the distance between the guitar strings and the fretboard. Ideally, the strings should be close to the fretboard but not touching it. High action might result in difficulty to press the strings down and go out tune, while low action might cause buzzing sound. Hence, finding the right balance is crucial for a comfortable playability and good sound.
Tools Needed for the Task
Before diving into adjustments, gather the necessary tools for the task. Typically, you’ll need a capo, feeler gauges, a 6-inch ruler that shows 64ths, and the appropriate adjustment wrenches. It’s advisable to have a clean and well-lit space to carry out the procedure.
Step 1: Examine the Neck
Before adjusting the action, first check the neck of the guitar for any forward or backward curvature using the ‘sight down the neck technique’. If the neck is not straight, you’ll need to adjust the truss rod first before continuing to the action. Remember, attempting to straighten a neck that’s under high string tension can cause damage, so loosen the strings before making this adjustment. Find detailed instructions on how to do this form reputable guitar manuals or articles.
Step 2: Measure the Current Action
Place a capo on the first fret and measure the distance between the bottom of each string and the top of the 17th fret with a 6-inch ruler. Record the measurements. These figures are your baseline data.
Step 3: Adjusting the Bridge and Saddle Height
Based on the measurements and playability, decide whether to raise or lower the action. To raise the action, turn the adjustment screws on the bridge and saddle clockwise. To lower the action, turn them counterclockwise. Remember to make these adjustments incrementally as radical changes might disrupt the balance and cause buzzing or other issues.
Step 4: Check String Radius
After adjusting bridge height, ensure the strings follow the radius of the fretboard. This can be done using radius gauges or by visual inspection. This is important to ensure the action feels consistent along all the strings.
Step 5: Retune the Guitar
After you’ve made the necessary adjustments, retune the guitar. Play close attention to the overall guitar feel and any fret buzz. Feel free to go back a few steps and make minor adjustments if required. The process needs patience to get the desired results.
FAQs
1. What is an ideal action on an electric guitar?
The ideal action can vary based on personal preference and playing style. This could range from a low action of 2/64th of an inch on the high E string and 4/64th of an inch on the low E string, to a higher action for slide or heavy string bending styles.
2. Does adjusting action affect intonation?
Yes, action adjustments can affect intonation. After adjusting your action, check your intonation and adjust that if necessary.
3. How often should I adjust the action?
The adjustment of action depends on personal preference and changes in environmental factors. It’s generally suggested to check the action and overall setup every six months or so, but this could vary.
4. Is it better to have high or low action on an electric guitar?
This depends on your playing style. Blues or jazz guitarist might prefer a higher action for clear, big notes, while metal and rock players prefer a lower action for fast, easy playability.
5. Can I lower action by sanding the nut?
Sanding the nut is NOT advisable unless you have professional luthier skills. Incorrect methods might damage the nut and cause irreversible problems to the guitar. It’s advised to get professional help for nut-related issues.
Conclusion
Adjusting the action on your electric guitar is a crucial part of its maintenance and directly influences its tone and playability. While it might seem a daunting task at first, with proper tools, patience and practice, you can certainly master it. Remember that it’s an iterative process, so don’t be disheartened if you don’t get the desired action in the first go. Play around to find the action that best resonates with your playing style.