In this in-depth guide titled “10 Simple Steps to Lower the Action on Your Acoustic Guitar”, we are going to discuss a crucial adjustment that can improve your guitar’s playability. The action of your acoustic guitar, which refers to the string height from the fretboard, plays a significant role in how comfortable your guitar is to play. Too high, and you’ll struggle with those tricky chords; too low, and you risk uncomfortable fret buzzing.
Understand Guitar Action
Before adjusting the action on your guitar, it’s important to understand what it is and how it impacts your playing. The action of a guitar is the distance between the strings and the fretboard. While a guitar with a high action may produce a louder sound, it can be somewhat difficult to play – especially for beginners. A low action, on the other hand, makes the guitar much easier to play but can result in fret buzz. Understanding these dynamics will assist you when you start your guitar adjustment.
Identify the Problem
Is your guitar hard to play? Do you experience discomfort or fatigue in your fingers after a short play session? It could be due to high action on your acoustic guitar. Identifying this issue is the first step towards fixing it. If the strings are too high off the fretboard, it requires more pressure to press them down, which can cause discomfort.
Gather the Necessary Tools
Lowering the action on your guitar requires a few basic tools, including a capo, a set of automotive feeler gauges, and a small screwdriver or hex key to adjust the truss rod (the metal bar inside the guitar neck). Also, you’ll need a new set of strings, as it’s recommended to replace the strings after such adjustments.
Examining the Neck
By using a capo on the first fret and pressing down on the string at the 14th fret, you effectively create a straight edge with the string itself. This way, you can examine the curvature of the neck by checking the gap between the bottom of the string and the tops of the frets. This is where the feeler gauge comes in handy to accurately measure this gap (also called relief). See Fender’s guide on measuring neck relief for more details.
Adjusting the Truss Rod
After examining the neck of your guitar, your next step may involve adjusting the truss rod to fix any curvature issues. Remember that turning the truss rod key clockwise tightens it, creating a convex bow and lifting the middle of the fretboard. In contrast, turning it counterclockwise loosens it and allows the tension of the strings to create a concave bow, lowering the action.
Saddle Adjustment
Once you’re satisfied with the neck adjustment, you can proceed to the saddle. If you need to lower the action further, this involves physically lowering the saddle. This step can be a bit delicate, it’s recommended to have this done by a craftsperson to avoid inadvertently damaging your instrument.
Re-String the Guitar
After adjusting, ensure you install a new set of strings on your guitar. Along with ensuring optimal sound quality, the new strings will also conform easily to the guitar’s new action setup.
Re-check and Fine Tune
After installing the new strings and tuning your guitar, repeat the measuring process, and test your guitar’s playability. Adjust again if necessary, but remember to go slowly, making only minor adjustments at a time.
FAQs
1. How low should the action be on my acoustic guitar?
The standard action on an acoustic guitar is between 5/64″ (bass side) and 4/64″ (treble side). However, the ideal action depends on your personal preference and playing style.
2. What causes high action on a guitar?
A high action can be due to an over-tightened truss rod, a too-high saddle, improperly adjusted nut, or simply the result of installing heavier strings.
3. Can low action on a guitar cause fret buzz?
Yes, a very low action can cause fret buzz when notes are played, as there is little space for the string to vibrate without coming into contact with other frets.
4. How often should action be adjusted?
Action should be adjusted ideally every six months; however, if the guitar is performing to your liking and comfort, it’s not necessary.
5. Will changing the action change the guitar’s tone?
Yes, the guitar’s action can affect its tone. A higher action can result in a louder, fuller sound, while a lower action may increase the risk of unwanted fret buzz.
6. Can high action damage the guitar or my hands?
While high action won’t cause physical damage to your guitar, it can make the instrument harder to play, leading to faster hand fatigue and potentially, over time, to repetitive strain injuries.
Conclusion
Adjusting the action on your acoustic guitar is an often overlooked yet essential aspect of general guitar maintenance. Taking the time to learn how to do this yourself can save you time and money and importantly, enhance your overall playing experience. Remember always to take it slowly, don’t risk damaging your instrument by making drastic changes all at once. Happy playing!