How to adjust action on guitar

How to adjust action on guitar

Action is the distance between the strings and the fretboard of a guitar. A guitar with low action will have strings that are closer to the fretboard, while a guitar with high action will have strings that are further away from the fretboard. The action of a guitar can affect the playability of the guitar and the sound of the guitar.

How to adjust action on guitar

There are two main ways to adjust action on guitar:

  • Adjusting the truss rod: The truss rod is a metal rod that runs along the neck of the guitar. It helps to keep the neck of the guitar straight. If the neck of the guitar is bowed, it can cause the action to be too high. To adjust the truss rod, you will need a truss rod wrench.
  • Adjusting the saddle: The saddle is the part of the bridge that the strings rest on. It can be adjusted to raise or lower the action. To adjust the saddle, you will need a saddle height adjustment tool.

Steps on how to adjust action on guitar

Here are the steps on how to adjust action on guitar:

  1. Check the action: The first step is to check the action of your guitar. To do this, you can use a feeler gauge. A feeler gauge is a thin metal strip that is used to measure small distances.
  2. Adjust the truss rod: If the action is too high, you will need to adjust the truss rod. To do this, loosen the truss rod nut with a truss rod wrench. Then, turn the truss rod clockwise to straighten the neck.
  3. Adjust the saddle: If the action is still too high after adjusting the truss rod, you will need to adjust the saddle. To do this, loosen the saddle screws with a saddle height adjustment tool. Then, move the saddle up or down to raise or lower the action.
  4. Re-check the action: Once you have adjusted the truss rod and the saddle, re-check the action. If the action is still not correct, you may need to repeat the steps above.

Adjusting action on guitar is a relatively simple process. However, it is important to be careful not to over-adjust the truss rod or the saddle. Over-adjusting the truss rod can cause the neck of the guitar to warp. Over-adjusting the saddle can cause the strings to buzz.

If you are not comfortable adjusting the action on your guitar, you can take it to a professional guitar technician. They will be able to adjust the action for you and make sure that your guitar is playing properly.

Here are some additional information about adjusting action on guitar:

  • The action of a guitar can vary depending on the type of guitar and the style of music that you play.
  • It is a good idea to adjust the action on your guitar periodically, as the strings will stretch and the neck of the guitar may warp over time.
  • If you are not sure how to adjust the action on your guitar, you can consult with a professional guitar technician.

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