The action on your acoustic guitar—the height of the strings above the fretboard—can drastically affect how it feels to play and how it sounds.
While many players prefer lower action for ease of playability, others may need higher action for specific styles like slide guitar, aggressive strumming, or avoiding fret buzz.
This guide will take you through the process of raising the action on an acoustic guitar step by step, along with tips to help you achieve the perfect setup.
What is Guitar Action?
Guitar action refers to the distance between the strings and the fretboard. It’s typically measured at the 12th fret and can affect both playability and sound quality.
- Low Action: Strings are closer to the fretboard, easier to play, but prone to fret buzz.
- High Action: Strings are farther from the fretboard, which may reduce buzz but can make playing more challenging.
When raising the action, the goal is to balance comfort with the needs of your playing style.
Why Would You Raise the Action on an Acoustic Guitar?
Raising the action on an acoustic guitar might be necessary for several reasons:
- Avoiding Fret Buzz: If your strings buzz against the frets, higher action can solve the issue.
- Playing Slide Guitar: Slide playing requires higher action to allow the slide to glide over the strings without hitting the frets.
- Aggressive Strumming: If you play with a heavy hand, higher action prevents unwanted buzzing and improves tone clarity.
- Changing Playing Style: Adjustments may be needed to accommodate different genres or techniques.
Tools You’ll Need
To raise the action on your acoustic guitar, gather the following tools:
- Allen Wrench/Hex Key: For truss rod adjustments.
- Shims (Plastic or Wood): To raise the saddle.
- Feeler Gauge or Steel Ruler: To measure action height.
- Capo: To check neck relief.
- String Winder: To loosen and tighten strings quickly.
- Soft Cloth or Neck Support: To stabilize the guitar during adjustments.
How to Measure Your Guitar’s Action
Before making changes, measure your guitar’s current action to determine how much adjustment is needed.
- Tune the guitar to standard pitch.
- Use a steel ruler or feeler gauge to measure the gap between the bottom of the string and the top of the 12th fret.
- Standard action heights for acoustic guitars:
- Low E string: 2.5mm to 3.0mm
- High E string: 1.5mm to 2.0mm
If the action is too low for your needs, proceed with raising it.
Step-by-Step Guide to Raising the Action
Step 1: Adjust the Truss Rod
The truss rod adjusts the neck’s curvature (neck relief), which can influence action height.
- Place a capo on the first fret and press the low E string at the 14th fret.
- Check the gap at the 7th fret. A small gap (around 0.2mm to 0.3mm) is ideal.
- If the neck is too straight or back-bowed:
- Loosen the truss rod by turning it counterclockwise to increase neck relief.
- Make small adjustments (1/4 turn at a time) and let the neck settle before rechecking.
Note: The truss rod is not the primary method to raise action but can correct minor issues.
Step 2: Raise the Saddle
If a higher action is still required after truss rod adjustments, the saddle is the next component to modify.
- Loosen the strings and remove the saddle from the bridge.
- Insert a shim beneath the saddle.
- Shim Materials: Thin plastic, wood veneer, or cardboard work well.
- Cut the shim to match the saddle’s size and shape for even support.
- Reinsert the saddle with the shim underneath and restring the guitar.
- Retune and measure the action to ensure it’s at the desired height.
Step 3: Check the Nut
If the action at the first few frets is still too low after adjusting the saddle, consider raising the nut.
- Loosen the strings and remove the nut (if necessary).
- Insert a shim under the nut to raise it slightly.
- Reinstall the nut, retune, and check the action.
Tips for Raising Action Without Compromising Playability
- Use Thin Shims: Incremental changes are better than drastic adjustments. Test frequently to avoid overcompensation.
- Maintain Comfort: Ensure the action isn’t raised excessively, as this can make the guitar harder to play.
- Recheck Intonation: Raising the action can affect intonation, so check and adjust as needed.
- Replace Worn Components: A worn saddle or nut may need replacement for optimal results.
When to Seek Professional Help
If the adjustments feel overwhelming or if your guitar requires extensive modifications, consult a professional luthier. They can:
- Customize the setup to your playing style.
- Ensure adjustments don’t damage your instrument.
- Address structural issues like warped necks or uneven frets.
FAQs About Raising Action on an Acoustic Guitar
Can I raise the action without using shims?
Yes, you can raise the action by replacing the saddle or nut with a taller one, but shims are a more cost-effective solution.
How much does it cost to raise the action professionally?
A professional setup typically costs between $50 and $100, depending on the extent of adjustments.
Will raising the action affect tone?
Yes, higher action generally enhances sustain and clarity but may reduce ease of play.
How often should I adjust the action on my guitar?
Check your action every few months or when switching to a new playing style, string gauge, or tuning.
Final Thoughts
Raising the action on your acoustic guitar can improve its sound quality and playability for specific styles. By making careful adjustments to the truss rod, saddle, and nut, you can achieve a setup that suits your preferences.
Always proceed cautiously and test frequently to avoid over-adjusting. If in doubt, seek professional help to ensure your guitar remains in excellent condition.
Now, with your action perfectly raised, enjoy the enhanced sound and playability of your acoustic guitar!