The action on an acoustic guitar refers to the distance between the strings and the fretboard. If the action is too high, it can make the guitar difficult to play, especially for beginners. Fortunately, there are a few simple adjustments you can make to lower the action on your acoustic guitar. In this article, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions on how to do it yourself. Before you begin, it’s important to note that lowering the action can affect the intonation of your guitar. Therefore, it’s important to make small adjustments and re-tune your guitar after each adjustment.
The first step is to loosen the strings. This will make it easier to adjust the truss rod, which is located inside the soundhole. The truss rod is a metal rod that runs the length of the neck and helps to control the curvature of the neck. To adjust the truss rod, you’ll need a truss rod wrench. Once you have loosened the strings, insert the truss rod wrench into the hole in the soundhole and turn it counterclockwise. This will loosen the truss rod and allow the neck to bow forward. As you loosen the truss rod, check the action at the 12th fret. The ideal action is about 1/16 of an inch. If the action is still too high, continue to loosen the truss rod in small increments until the desired action is achieved.
Once you have adjusted the truss rod, you can adjust the saddle. The saddle is a small piece of bone or plastic that sits under the strings at the bridge. To adjust the saddle, you’ll need a saddle file. Start by filing the bottom of the saddle in small increments. As you file the saddle, check the action at the 12th fret. Continue to file the saddle until the desired action is achieved. Once you have adjusted the saddle, re-tune your guitar and check the intonation. If the intonation is off, you’ll need to adjust the saddle again until the intonation is correct.
Identify the Problem
1. High Action at the Nut
The nut is a small piece of material located at the top of the guitar neck, where the strings are anchored before they reach the tuners. If the nut is too high, it can cause the strings to sit too far above the fretboard, making it difficult to fret notes cleanly. This can lead to buzzing, intonation problems, and discomfort while playing.
To determine if the nut is the source of the problem, check the distance between the first fret and the bottom of the strings while holding down the string at the third fret. If the gap is more than about 0.01 inches (0.25 mm), the nut may be too high and needs to be adjusted or replaced.
| Fret | Gap Between String and Fretboard |
|---|---|
| 1st | 0.01 inches (0.25 mm) |
| 3rd | 0.035 inches (0.9 mm) |
Gather the Necessary Tools
Wrenches
An essential tool for adjusting the truss rod is a set of wrenches. You will need a wrench that fits the nut on the truss rod. The size of the nut will vary depending on the guitar, so it is important to have a set of wrenches that includes a range of sizes. In most cases, you will need a wrench that is between 1/4 inch and 5/16 inch.
Feeler Gauges
Feeler gauges are used to measure the distance between the strings and the frets. This is an important measurement, as it will determine how high the action is. Feeler gauges are available in a variety of thicknesses, so you will need to choose a gauge that is appropriate for your guitar. In most cases, you will need a feeler gauge that is between 0.010 inches and 0.015 inches.
Screwdrivers
Screwdrivers sometimes are needed to loosen or tighten the screws that hold the bridge in place. You will need a screwdriver that is the right size for the screws on your guitar. In most cases, you will need a screwdriver that is between 1/4 inch and 5/16 inch.
Here is a table summarizing the necessary tools for lowering the action on an acoustic guitar:
| Tool | Size |
|---|---|
| Wrench | 1/4 inch to 5/16 inch |
| Feeler gauge | 0.010 inches to 0.015 inches |
| Screwdriver | 1/4 inch to 5/16 inch |
Loosen the Truss Rod
The truss rod is a metal rod that runs through the neck of your guitar, and it is used to adjust the amount of relief in the neck. Relief is the amount of curvature in the neck, and it is important to have the correct amount of relief in order for your guitar to play properly. If the truss rod is too tight, the neck will be back-bowed, which will make the strings harder to press down and will cause them to buzz. If the truss rod is too loose, the neck will be bowed forward, which will make the strings too high off the fretboard and will cause them to rattle.
To adjust the truss rod, you will need a truss rod wrench. The truss rod is located at the headstock of the guitar, and it is usually covered by a small plastic cover. Once you have removed the cover, you will see the truss rod nut. The truss rod nut is usually made of brass or steel, and it has a slot in it for the truss rod wrench.
To loosen the truss rod, you will need to turn the truss rod nut counterclockwise. You should only turn the nut a quarter turn at a time, and you should wait a few minutes between each turn to allow the neck to adjust. Once you have loosened the truss rod, you should check the relief in the neck to make sure that it is correct.
| Relief | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Too little | The strings are too high off the fretboard and rattle. |
| Correct | The strings are low enough to press down easily, but they are not so low that they buzz. |
| Too much | The strings are too low and buzz. |
Sand the Saddle
This is the most common way to lower the action on an acoustic guitar. The saddle is a small piece of bone, plastic, or other material that sits in the bridge of the guitar and adjusts the height of the strings. To sand the saddle, you will need a fine-grit sandpaper (1000-grit or higher) and a sanding block or a flat piece of hardwood.
Start by placing the sandpaper on the sanding block or hardwood and sanding the bottom of the saddle. Be sure to sand evenly, and check the progress of the saddle regularly. You want to remove just enough material to lower the action to the desired height.
Once you have sanded the bottom of the saddle, you can also sand the top of the saddle to further lower the action. However, be careful not to sand too much off the top of the saddle, as this can cause the strings to buzz against the frets.
Using a Saddle Height Ruler
To ensure the saddle is level and the strings are at the same height, consider using a saddle height ruler. This tool measures the height of the strings at the 12th fret and indicates when adjustments are needed.
Shaping the Saddle
If necessary, you can also shape the saddle to improve the intonation of the guitar. This requires more advanced skills and specialized tools. A properly shaped saddle ensures that each string intonates correctly, producing accurate notes at different frets.
Table: Saddle Materials and Characteristics
| Material | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Bone | Warm, resonant tone; durable |
| Plastic | Bright, clear tone; less expensive |
| Ebony | Dark, warm tone; hard and dense |
| Graph Tech TUSQ | Synthetic material with similar characteristics to bone; low friction |
Adjust the Nut Slot
The nut slot is a small groove cut into the nut where the strings rest. If the slot is too high, the strings will be too high off the fretboard and will be difficult to play. To lower the nut slot, you will need a nut file. These are available at most music stores.
Start by loosening the string that you want to lower. Then, use the nut file to carefully file the slot deeper. Be sure to file slowly and carefully, as you don’t want to file too much and create a buzz. Once you have filed the slot to the desired depth, re-tighten the string and check the action.
How to use a nut file
Nut files are small, precision files that are used to adjust the height of the slots in the nut. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes, depending on the specific needs of the guitar.
To use a nut file, first select the correct file size for the slot you want to adjust. Then, hold the file perpendicular to the nut and gently file away at the slot. Be sure to apply even pressure and to file slowly and carefully. Avoid filing too much, as this can damage the nut and affect the guitar’s intonation.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can be used to adjust the height of the slots in the nut | Can be difficult to use |
| Comes in a variety of sizes and shapes | Can damage the nut if used incorrectly |
| Can affect the guitar’s intonation if used incorrectly |
Check the Result
Once you’ve adjusted the truss rod, retune your guitar and check the action. If the strings are still too high, you can repeat the process until you’re happy with the result. If the strings are too low, you’ll need to turn the truss rod clockwise to add tension to the neck.
| String | 12th Fret Height (Inches) |
|---|---|
| High E | 0.080 |
| B | 0.090 |
| G | 0.100 |
| D | 0.110 |
| A | 0.120 |
| Low E | 0.130 |
These are just general guidelines. The optimal action height for your guitar may vary depending on your playing style and personal preferences.
Fine-Tune the Action
Once you have set the truss rod and saddle height, you can further fine-tune the action by adjusting the bridge pins. These pins hold the strings in place on the bridge. By slightly loosening or tightening the pins, you can raise or lower the string height at the bridge.
Steps for Fine-Tuning the Action with Bridge Pins:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Use a specialized bridge pin puller or a pair of pliers to grasp the pin. |
| 2 | Gently turn the pin clockwise to lower the string height (loosen) or counterclockwise to raise the string height (tighten). |
| 3 | Rotate the pin only a quarter turn at a time and check the string height before making further adjustments. |
| 4 | Repeat for each pin to ensure consistent string height across the fretboard. |
| 5 | Re-tune the guitar after making any adjustments to the bridge pins. |
Remember to make small, incremental adjustments to avoid overtightening or loosening the pins. Fine-tuning the action with bridge pins allows you to dial in the perfect string height for your playing style and preferences.
Retighten the Truss Rod
The truss rod is a metal bar that runs through the neck of the guitar. It is used to adjust the curvature of the neck, which can affect the action. To retighten the truss rod, you will need a truss rod wrench.
1. **Locate the truss rod nut.** It is usually located at the headstock of the guitar, near the nut.
2. **Turn the truss rod nut clockwise** to tighten the truss rod. Do not overtighten the truss rod, as this can damage the neck.
3. **Check the relief of the neck.** The relief is the amount of curvature in the neck. To check the relief, place a capo on the first fret and press down on the string at the last fret. The string should be about 0.010 inches (0.25 mm) above the fret at the 7th fret.
4. **Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the neck has the desired relief.**
5. **Tune the guitar to pitch.**
6. **Check the action.** The action is the distance between the strings and the fretboard. The action should be about 0.125 inches (3 mm) at the 12th fret.
7. **Adjust the saddle height.** The saddle is the small piece of bone or plastic that sits under the strings at the bridge. To adjust the saddle height, use a small hex key or screwdriver.
8. **Repeat steps 7 and 8 until the action is at the desired height.**
9. **Lock the truss rod nut.** Once you have adjusted the truss rod and the action, it is important to lock the truss rod nut. To do this, turn the truss rod nut counterclockwise until it is snug. Do not overtighten the truss rod nut, as this can damage the neck.
| String | Height (inches) |
|---|---|
| 1st | 0.125 |
| 2nd | 0.135 |
| 3rd | 0.145 |
| 4th | 0.155 |
| 5th | 0.165 |
| 6th | 0.175 |
Protect Your Guitar
Before you begin adjusting the action on your acoustic guitar, it’s important to take some precautions to protect your instrument:
- Use a clean work surface. Make sure your work area is free of dirt, dust, and debris that could scratch your guitar.
- Place your guitar on a soft surface. A towel or blanket will help protect your guitar from damage.
- Use proper tools. The right tools will help you make precise adjustments without damaging your guitar.
- Avoid overtightening. Overtightening the truss rod or bridge screws can damage your guitar.
- Be patient. Adjusting the action can take some time, so be patient and take your time.
- If you’re not comfortable making these adjustments yourself, take your guitar to a qualified guitar tech. A professional will be able to adjust the action safely and correctly.
Additional Tips for Protecting Your Guitar
- Keep your guitar in a humidified environment.
- Avoid exposing your guitar to extreme temperatures.
- Wipe down your guitar with a soft cloth after playing.
- Store your guitar in a case when not in use.
How To Lower Action On Acoustic Guitar
The action on an acoustic guitar is the distance between the strings and the fretboard. The lower the action, the easier it is to play the guitar. However, if the action is too low, the strings will buzz against the frets. The ideal action height is around 2/32 of an inch at the 12th fret.
There are several ways to lower the action on an acoustic guitar. One way is to adjust the truss rod. The truss rod is a metal rod that runs lengthwise through the neck of the guitar. It is used to adjust the curvature of the neck. If the neck is bowed, the action will be high. By tightening the truss rod, you can flatten the neck and lower the action.
Another way to lower the action is to adjust the bridge. The bridge is the part of the guitar that holds the strings in place. It is usually made of wood or metal. By raising or lowering the bridge, you can adjust the action.
If you are not comfortable making these adjustments yourself, you can take your guitar to a qualified guitar technician. They will be able to lower the action for you and ensure that the guitar is properly set up.
People Also Ask About How To Lower Action On Acoustic Guitar
How do you know if your guitar action is too high?
If the strings are buzzing against the frets, the action is too high. You can also measure the action at the 12th fret. If it is more than 2/32 of an inch, the action is too high.
What are the benefits of lowering the action on your guitar?
Lowering the action can make it easier to play the guitar, especially for beginners. It can also improve the intonation of the guitar.
Can I lower the action on my guitar myself?
Yes, you can lower the action on your guitar yourself. However, if you are not comfortable making these adjustments, you should take your guitar to a qualified guitar technician.
