Understanding Acoustic Guitar Action: Definition, Importance, and Tips for Adjustment

The term ldquo;actionrdquo; describes the height of the strings above the frets on an acoustic guitar. This seemingly simple measurement has a significant impact on your playing experience. A properly adjusted action can enhance your performance, prevent buzzing, and ensure a more comfortable playing experience. This detailed guide explores the definition, importance, and common adjustments related to guitar action.

What is Action?

Essentially, action refers to the distance between the strings and the fretboard in millimeters (mm). The lower the action, the faster the string response, and the easier it is to press down. Conversely, higher action can produce a rounder tone, but it may be more prone to buzzing due to the increased distance from the frets.

The Importance of Proper Action

Improper action can severely affect your playing. A guitar with too high action will feel awkward to play, hindering your ability to press the strings efficiently. This can lead to excessive vertical finger movement, making it difficult to achieve precise notes. On the other hand, too low action can cause issues like anemic sound and string buzzing, particularly when playing with vigor. Single notes may also decay rapidly, detracting from your performance.

Adjusting the Action

Fortunately, action can be adjusted on most acoustic guitars. A competent guitar technician can perform this task, ensuring a comfortable playing experience. For guitars that are constructed poorly, such as those with a neck angle that is off or a bridge that is too thick, the action may be more challenging to adjust. However, many well-built guitars allow for a comfortable and playable action with minor adjustments.

Why Good Action Matters at the Store?

It's not uncommon for guitars to be sold with a slightly higher action. This is often done to prevent string buzzes caused by heavy-handed players in the store. However, it's important to remember that this is a temporary measure. A well-set action will provide a better playing experience right out of the gate. If a guitar in the store has a good action, it demonstrates that a proper setup is achievable, but it's not a primary consideration for buying a guitar.

Setting Up Your Acoustic Guitar

Choosing an acoustic guitar should be based on its sound, feel, and overall comfort. While you can adjust the action, you cannot change the fundamental sound of a poorly crafted guitar. Swapping parts like tuners, bridge pins, nuts, or saddles won't transform an unappealing sound into that of a top-end dream guitar. It's crucial to find a guitar that sounds good and feels comfortable in your hands.

Neck and Bow Relief

The neck's dimensions and the bow (curvature) can greatly influence the playing experience. A well-designed guitar should have the right neck angle and bow relief. The neck should not be too flat or too curved. A slight bow in the middle section of the neck can help with playability. Additionally, the height of the strings at the nut is often too high right out of the factory on mass-produced instruments, so it's important to consider this during setup.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding and proper adjustment of guitar action is crucial for achieving a comfortable and enjoyable playing experience. By paying attention to the height of the strings, neck angle, and bow relief, you can significantly enhance your acoustic guitar's performance. Don't hesitate to seek the help of a professional guitar technician to optimize your instrument for your specific needs.