Adjusting the action on your guitar is a crucial step in ensuring optimal playability and tone. High action, where the strings are set too high above the fretboard, can result in fret buzz, difficulty fretting, and reduced sustain. Conversely, low action, where the strings are set too close to the fretboard, can cause fretting out, intonation issues, and decreased volume. Finding the sweet spot between these extremes is essential for a comfortable playing experience and the best possible sound from your instrument.
For most guitars, the recommended string height at the 12th fret is around 2.0-2.5 mm for the high E string and 2.5-3.0 mm for the low E string. However, personal preferences and playing style can influence these measurements. If you are experiencing any of the issues mentioned earlier, it may be time to consider lowering the action on your guitar.
Before making any adjustments, it is important to check the neck relief. The neck relief is the amount of curvature in the neck, measured from the bottom of the strings to the top of the frets. Too little relief can cause fret buzz, while too much relief can result in a loss of sustain and difficulty fretting. Adjusting the truss rod, which is located at the headstock or inside the soundhole, can correct the neck relief and indirectly affect the action.
Using Shim
1. What is a Shim?
A shim is a thin, non-metallic material inserted under the saddle of your guitar to raise its height and lower the action. It is a simple and inexpensive solution to combat high action.
2. Materials for Shims
Shims can be made from various materials, including cardstock, plastic, or aluminum foil. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages:
| Material | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Cardstock | Cheap, easy to cut | Not very durable, can tear |
| Plastic | Durable, precise cuts | Can be difficult to find thin plastic |
| Aluminum Foil | Well-suited for minor adjustments | Can be difficult to handle, can cause buzz |
3. Preparing the Shim
Before inserting the shim, create a strip of your chosen material roughly the same width as the bridge saddle. The length should be long enough to extend slightly over the edges.
4. Inserting the Shim
Locate the saddle on the bridge and slide the shim underneath it. Use a thin object, such as a toothpick or narrow blade, to carefully manipulate the shim into place. Ensure the shim is centered and parallel to the saddle.
5. Adjust the Height
Once the shim is in place, use an Allen key or small screwdriver to adjust the saddle height. Raise the saddle gradually until the desired action is achieved.
6. Checking the Action
Fret strings at the first and twelfth frets and measure the gap between the string and the top of the fret. The ideal string height is around 1/16 inch (1.5mm) for electric guitars and slightly higher for acoustics.
7. Refinements
Depending on your guitar and playing style, you may need to make additional adjustments:
- Multiple Shims: Use multiple thin shims instead of one thick shim to allow for more precise adjustments.
- Sanding the Shim: Sand the top or bottom of the shim if it raises the action too much or too little.
- Saddle Radius: If the shim creates a noticeable curvature in the strings, sand the bottom of the saddle to match the radius of the fretboard.
- Compensating for Radius: Use a combination of shims and a compensated saddle to account for the varying string heights across the fretboard.
Lubricating the Nut
Applying a lubricant to the nut slots can significantly improve the smoothness of the string’s travel, reducing friction and allowing for a lower action.
Several types of lubricants are suitable for this purpose, including graphite powder, pencil lead shavings, or specialized guitar nut lubricants. These lubricants fill in microscopic imperfections in the nut, reducing string binding.
Steps to Lubricate the Nut:
Materials:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Graphite powder or pencil shavings | Lubricant to reduce friction |
| Soft brush or toothpick | Applicator for the lubricant |
Instructions:
1. Lightly apply the lubricant to the nut slots using the brush or toothpick.
2. Avoid over-lubricating, as this can attract dirt and impede the string’s travel.
3. Wipe away any excess lubricant with a clean cloth.
4. Tune the guitar to the desired pitch and check if the action has improved.
5. Repeat the process if necessary until you achieve the desired smoothness and action height.
Tips:
* Use a soft brush or toothpick to avoid scratching the nut or damaging the strings.
* If using graphite powder, avoid inhaling it and wear a mask if necessary.
* Regular lubrication of the nut can help prevent string binding and extend the life of the guitar strings.
How to Lower Action on Guitar
Adjusting the action on your guitar is one of the most important things you can do to improve its playability. The action refers to the distance between the strings and the fretboard, and it can have a big impact on how easy or difficult it is to play. If the action is too high, it will make it difficult to fret notes cleanly, and it can also cause fret buzz. If the action is too low, it will make it more difficult to play chords without muting the strings.
There are two main ways to adjust the action on your guitar: by adjusting the truss rod or by adjusting the bridge. The truss rod is a metal rod that runs inside the neck of the guitar, and it can be used to adjust the curvature of the neck. If the neck is too bowed, it will raise the action, and if the neck is too flat, it will lower the action. The bridge is located at the bottom of the guitar, and it can be used to adjust the height of the strings at the bridge. Raising the bridge will lower the action, and lowering the bridge will raise the action.
People Also Ask
How do I know if my guitar’s action is too high?
There are a few signs that your guitar’s action is too high. One is that you will have difficulty fretting notes cleanly. Another is that you will experience fret buzz, which is a rattling sound that occurs when the strings touch the frets. Finally, your guitar may feel uncomfortable to play.
How do I adjust the truss rod on my guitar?
To adjust the truss rod on your guitar, you will need a truss rod wrench. The truss rod wrench is typically included with the guitar, but if you don’t have one, you can purchase one at a music store. To adjust the truss rod, insert the wrench into the truss rod nut, which is located at the headstock of the guitar. Turn the wrench clockwise to tighten the truss rod, and counterclockwise to loosen it.
How do I adjust the bridge on my guitar?
To adjust the bridge on your guitar, you will need a screwdriver. The type of screwdriver you need will depend on the type of bridge your guitar has. Some bridges have screws that can be adjusted with a Phillips screwdriver, while others have screws that can be adjusted with a flathead screwdriver. To adjust the bridge, insert the screwdriver into the screw and turn it clockwise to raise the bridge, and counterclockwise to lower it.
