Why Are My Guitar Strings Too Elevated From the Fret Board? How Do I Fix Them?

If your guitar strings are too elevated from the fretboard, this issue is often referred to as high action. High action can make playing the guitar uncomfortable and reduce the overall tuning stability. In this guide, we’ll explore common causes of high action and provide steps to fix it.

Common Causes of High Action

Understanding the causes of high action is essential to repairing it correctly. Here are some of the most prevalent issues:

Neck Relief

The curvature of the neck, known as neck relief, can significantly affect string action. Too much relief can cause the strings to elevate off the fretboard. To diagnose neck relief, visually inspect the neck. If you see a pronounced bow in the neck, it’s a sign of excessive relief.

Nut Height

The nut, the small piece where the strings enter the fretboard, can also contribute to high action. If the nut is too high, it raises the strings at the point where they make contact. You can measure the string height at the nut using a string action gauge or by simply playing the strings at the 1st fret.

Bridge Height

The bridge or saddle setting plays a crucial role in string action. If the bridge is set too high, it elevates the strings. For adjustable saddles, you can lower them using the appropriate tools. Fixed bridges may require sanding down the saddle or replacing it with a lower one.

Fret Wear

Over time, frets can wear down, leading to an uneven action. If some frets are lower than others, the action can be affected. Fret leveling may be necessary, but this process usually requires professional help unless you have experience with fretwork.

Humidity and Temperature Changes

Drastic changes in humidity and temperature can cause the wood to expand or contract, affecting action. Keeping your guitar in a stable environment is crucial to maintaining optimal action.

How to Fix High Action

Fixing high action involves several steps. Here’s a detailed guide on how to adjust each component:

Adjust Neck Relief

Neck relief issues can be adjusted using the truss rod:

Locate the truss rod: The truss rod is typically accessible through a hole under the fretboard. If you’re unsure, consult your guitar’s manual or a professional technician.

Use the appropriate tool: Usually, an Allen wrench is needed. Turn the truss rod clockwise to reduce neck relief and make the neck straighter. Turn counterclockwise to increase relief.

Check the relief: Press down on the first and last frets of the low E string and measure the gap at the 8th fret. A gap of around 0.25mm (0.01 inches) is generally ideal.

Check Nut Height

Ensuring the nut height is optimal involves the following steps:

Measure string height: Use a string action gauge or play the strings at the 1st fret to determine the height.

Adjust or replace: If the nut is too high, you can file down the slots or replace the nut if necessary.

Adjust Bridge/Saddle Height

For guitars with adjustable saddles, you can lower them:

Use the appropriate tool: Turn the saddles down to lower the strings.

For fixed bridges, you may need to:

Sand down the saddle: Use fine sandpaper to reduce the height of the saddle.

Replace the saddle: Install a lower saddle if needed.

Fret Leveling

Uneven frets require professional attention. This process involves:

Determining the problem: Use a fret depth gauge to measure the height of the frets.

Leveling: A professional technician can level the frets using specialized tools and techniques.

Humidity Control

To maintain stable action, keep your guitar in a controlled environment:

Use a humidifier: If the environment is too dry, use a guitar humidifier.

Avoid drastic changes: Try to keep the temperature and humidity consistent to prevent wood expansion or contraction.

Final Steps

After making adjustments, it’s important to retune your guitar and check the action again. You might need to iterate a few times to get it just right:

Retune and recheck: Ensure the guitar is in tune and re-measure the string height at the 8th fret.

Consider a professional setup: If you’re unsure about making these adjustments yourself, take your guitar to a professional technician for a setup.