Guitarists are often faced with a balancing act when it comes to setting up their instruments. One of the key considerations is the guitar’s action, or the height of the strings above the fretboard. However, adjusting the action can raise questions about intonation – the accuracy of the pitches produced by the guitar at different fret positions. In this article, we will explore the relationship between raising the guitar’s action and its potential impact on intonation.
Understanding Guitar Action:
Guitar action refers to the distance between the strings and the frets on the fretboard. A guitar’s action can be adjusted to achieve different playing characteristics. Low action (strings closer to the frets) typically allows for easier fretting and faster playing but may lead to fret buzz if set too low. High action (strings further from the frets) can provide greater sustain and less fret buzz but may require more finger strength to play comfortably.
Intonation and Its Importance:
Intonation on a guitar refers to the accuracy of the pitches produced by the instrument at different fret positions. Proper intonation ensures that the notes played on any fret are in tune with the corresponding notes on the chromatic scale. This is crucial for making chords and melodies sound harmonious and in tune across the entire fretboard.
The Impact of Raising Guitar Action on Intonation:
Raising the guitar’s action, or increasing the distance between the strings and the frets, can indeed have an impact on intonation. Here’s how:
- Saddle Position: Achieving proper intonation often involves adjusting the saddle’s position on the guitar’s bridge. Raising the action may require moving the saddle slightly closer to the neck to accommodate the increased string height. If this adjustment is not made, it can lead to intonation problems.
- String Length: Raising the action effectively increases the length of the vibrating portion of the strings. This means that the strings will need to be stretched more to reach the desired pitch when fretted. Failure to adjust the saddle position for this increased string length can result in notes being consistently sharp (higher in pitch) compared to the open strings.
Balancing Act:
Raising the guitar’s action can help reduce issues such as fret buzz and allow for clearer sustain. However, it’s important to strike a balance to maintain proper intonation. This involves making corresponding adjustments to the saddle position to ensure that the strings remain accurately intonated across the fretboard.
Professional Assistance:
If you are considering raising your guitar’s action significantly or if you encounter intonation issues after making this adjustment, it’s advisable to consult a professional luthier or guitar technician. They have the expertise and tools needed to ensure that the guitar’s action and intonation are correctly set up for optimal playability and sound quality.
Conclusion:
Raising the guitar’s action can impact intonation due to changes in string length and tension. While it can help address certain playing issues, such as fret buzz, it’s essential to make corresponding adjustments to the saddle position to maintain proper intonation. Finding the right balance between action height and intonation accuracy is key to achieving a harmonious and in-tune playing experience on your guitar.
