The action of an acoustic guitar, which refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard, greatly affects playability and comfort. If you find that the action on your acoustic guitar is too high and requires adjustment, there are several steps you can take to lower it. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to lower the action on your acoustic guitar, helping you achieve a more comfortable playing experience.
Important Note: If you’re uncertain or uncomfortable with making adjustments to your guitar, it’s recommended to consult a professional guitar technician.
- Assessing the Current Action: Before making any adjustments, assess the current action of your acoustic guitar to determine if it needs modification. Here’s what to consider:
a. High Action: If the strings are too far away from the fretboard, making it difficult to press them down and resulting in excessive effort and discomfort, your action may be too high.
b. Neck Relief: Check the curvature of the guitar neck by sighting down the length of the fingerboard. A slight concave curve, known as relief, is desirable. If the neck appears excessively bowed or has a back bow, it may affect the action and need adjustment.
- Adjusting the Truss Rod: The truss rod, located inside the neck of the acoustic guitar, allows you to control the amount of relief in the neck. Adjusting the truss rod can affect the action. Here’s how to proceed:
a. Locate the truss rod adjustment point, which is typically accessible through the soundhole or at the headstock end of the neck.
b. Use an appropriate truss rod wrench or key to make slight adjustments. Turning the truss rod clockwise generally increases neck relief (raising the action), while turning counterclockwise decreases neck relief (lowering the action). Make small adjustments, typically in quarter-turn increments.
c. Allow time for the neck to adjust: After making truss rod adjustments, it’s important to give the neck time to settle. This can take several hours or even overnight. String tension will influence the neck relief.
- Lowering the Saddle: The saddle, located in the bridge of the acoustic guitar, also affects the action. Lowering the saddle can help further lower the action. Here’s how to proceed:
a. Carefully remove the strings from the guitar to access the saddle.
b. Use sandpaper or a small file to gently sand down the bottom of the saddle. Start with small amounts and check the action frequently. It’s crucial to maintain a flat and even surface on the saddle.
c. Reinstall the saddle back into the bridge and restring the guitar.
- Nut Slot Adjustment: In some cases, the nut slots may need adjustment to lower the action at the nut end of the guitar. However, it’s recommended to seek professional assistance for this task, as improper adjustments can lead to permanent damage.
- Checking and Fine-Tuning: After making adjustments to the truss rod and saddle, it’s important to check the action and make fine-tuning adjustments as necessary:
a. Reinstall the strings and tune the guitar to the desired pitch.
b. Play each string at different positions on the neck, assessing the action, playability, and any signs of buzzing or fretting out.
c. Make additional adjustments as needed, keeping in mind that small adjustments can have a significant impact on the action.
Conclusion:
Lowering the action on your acoustic guitar can greatly improve playability and comfort. By assessing the current action, adjusting the truss rod, lowering the saddle, and making fine-tuning adjustments, you can achieve a more comfortable playing experience. Remember, if you’re unsure or uncomfortable with making adjustments, it’s best to consult a professional guitar technician who can ensure the proper setup of your instrument. With careful adjustments and regular maintenance, you can enjoy playing your acoustic guitar with optimal playability and comfort.
