The quality of sound and ease of playability of your acoustic guitar largely depend on the action – the height of the strings above the fretboard. Too high and the guitar becomes difficult to play; too low and you’re faced with the unpleasant sound of string buzz. Learn these nine steps on how to adjust the action on an acoustic guitar and enhance your playing and listening experience.
1. Understand the Importance of Action
Before starting your acoustic guitar modification, it’s crucial to understand the importance that action plays on your guitar’s sound and playability. The term ‘action’ refers to the distance between the guitar’s fretboard and the underside of each string, usually measured at the 12th fret. Lower action makes a guitar easier to play, but if it’s too low, fret buzz can occur. On the other hand, higher action may eliminate buzzing but make the instrument harder to play.
2. Check Your Guitar’s Current Action
Before you begin the adjustment process, it’s essential to measure the current action on your guitar. Use a ruler or a specialized string action gauge to measure the distance between the top of the fret and the bottom of each string. Note these measurements so you can have a reference point in case you want to revert your changes.
3. Get the Right Tools
Adjusting the action on an acoustic guitar requires a few specific tools: a capo, a set of feeler gauges, a saddle sander, a trust rod wrench (often provided with the guitar), and a fresh set of strings. Ensure you have these tools on hand before starting the process to ensure a smooth adjustment process.
4. Adjust the Truss Rod
The truss rod is a metal rod inside the neck of the guitar that counteracts the tension put on by the strings. Tightening the truss rod (making a clockwise adjustment) can lower the action of your strings, while loosening it (counterclockwise adjustment) can raise it. A small adjustment can have a significant impact, so be sure to make minor changes and recheck the action before deciding on a further adjustment.
5. Sand the Saddle
If adjusting the truss rod doesn’t lower the action enough, you may also need to sand down the saddle. Remember to go slow, removing small amounts at a time and checking the action regularly to avoid lowering it too much.
6. Check for Fret Buzz
Once you have adjusted your guitar’s action, you must play the instrument and listen carefully for any fret buzz. Fret buzz is a buzzing sound that comes from a guitar string rattling/buzzing against a fret wire when playing a note due to low action. If you notice any buzzing or the strings vibrating against the fretboards, you may need to adjust your action further.
7. Restring the Guitar
After adjusting the action and ensuring no fret buzz, you must put new strings on your guitar. As strings age, they lose their tone, and old strings may also affect your action measurements. Always use a new set after adjusting your guitar’s action.
8. Play and Test Your Guitar
The final step is to play your guitar and test the action. Try playing different types of music, various chords, and individual notes to see how comfortable the guitar is and to check if there’s any unwanted string buzz.
FAQs
1. What is a good action for an acoustic guitar?
Typically, a good starting point is around 6/64th of an inch for the low E string and 4/64ths of an inch for the high E string. However, preferences can vary depending on the style of playing and personal comfort.
2. Can adjusting the truss rod damage my guitar?
Yes, if done incorrectly or too drastically. A quarter-turn is usually significant, so, always make small adjustments and let the guitar settle before making further changes.
3. Why is high action bad on a guitar?
High action makes it more difficult to press down on the strings, leading to an uncomfortable playing experience. It can also lead to intonation issues, making the guitar sound out of tune.
4. How often do I need to adjust the action on my acoustic guitar?
This depends on how often you play and how much the guitar is exposed to variations in temperature and humidity. Regular players usually check their action every few months.
Concluding Thoughts
Whether you’re a seasoned guitarist or just starting your musical journey, understanding how to adjust the action on your acoustic guitar can be a significant step towards a better playing experience. Remember that patience is key and small adjustments can make a big difference. Happy playing!