The distance between the strings and the fretboard on an electric guitar is referred to as the “action.” The action greatly affects playability and the overall feel of the instrument. Achieving the right action is essential for comfortable playing, proper intonation, and avoiding unwanted buzzing or fretting out. In this article, we’ll discuss how to measure and adjust the action on electric guitars and provide guidelines on finding the ideal string height to suit your playing style and preferences.
Measuring the Action:
To measure the action on an electric guitar, you’ll need a ruler or a specialized action gauge. Here’s how to do it:
- Set up your guitar in playing position, and tune it to pitch.
- Place the ruler perpendicular to the fretboard, resting on the top of the 12th fret (the middle fret).
- Measure the distance between the bottom of the ruler and the bottom of the strings at the 12th fret.
- For electric guitars, the standard action height at the 12th fret is typically between 1.5mm to 2.5mm on the high E string (1st string) and between 2mm to 2.5mm on the low E string (6th string).
Adjusting the Action:
The action on an electric guitar can be adjusted through the following methods:
- Truss Rod Adjustment: The truss rod, located inside the guitar’s neck, controls its relief (the slight curvature of the neck). If the action is too high, adjusting the truss rod can help correct it. For minor adjustments, turn the truss rod nut clockwise to add more relief or counterclockwise to reduce it. Major adjustments should be performed by a professional guitar technician.
- Bridge Height Adjustment: Most electric guitars have individual saddle height adjustments on the bridge. These allow you to adjust the height of each string to achieve the desired action. Use a screwdriver or an Allen wrench to raise or lower the saddles as needed. Be sure to maintain the radius of the fretboard when adjusting individual saddle heights.
- Nut Height Adjustment: The nut slots can affect the action, especially on the first few frets. If the action is too high at the nut, consider having a professional luthier or guitar technician file the nut slots to the correct height.
Finding the Ideal Action for You:
The ideal action on an electric guitar is subjective and varies based on personal preference, playing style, and the genre of music you play. Lower action typically allows for faster playing and lighter touch, while higher action may be preferred for slide guitar playing or heavy strumming.
Keep in mind that extremely low action may cause fret buzz, especially if you have a heavy playing style or if your guitar’s neck relief is not adjusted correctly. Conversely, high action may require more finger pressure, leading to finger fatigue during extended playing.
The action on an electric guitar significantly affects playability and comfort. Measuring the action using the 12th fret as a reference point and adjusting it through the truss rod, bridge height, and nut slots can help you find the ideal string height for your playing style. Remember that the perfect action is a balance between comfort, playability, and avoiding unwanted buzzing. If you’re unsure about making adjustments yourself, seeking assistance from a professional guitar technician can ensure your guitar is set up to your specific preferences and needs.
