When it comes to setting up an electric guitar, one of the most crucial aspects that players often consider is the guitar action. Action refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard, and it directly impacts the guitar’s playability, tone, and overall feel. If the action is too high or too low, it can cause significant issues in the way the guitar performs. So, how high should the action be on an electric guitar? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the factors that influence the ideal action, the impact it has on your playing experience, and how to adjust the action to fit your personal style.
Understanding Guitar Action
Before we get into the specifics, it’s important to fully understand what “action” means in the context of a guitar. The action of a guitar is the distance between the top of the fret and the underside of the string. This measurement is taken at various points along the neck, often at the 12th fret.
The higher the action, the more effort it will take to press the strings down, but a higher action can also produce a more pronounced, resonant tone. On the other hand, a lower action allows for easier playability, but it might lead to string buzzing if the action is too low.
In general, guitar action can be adjusted at multiple points:
Bridge: The bridge saddle is where the strings are mounted, and this plays a significant role in the overall action.
Nut: The nut holds the strings in place at the headstock. If the nut is too high, it will increase the overall action, making it harder to play.
Truss Rod: The truss rod adjusts the neck’s curvature and can impact the string height across the entire fretboard.
Adjusting action is an essential skill for any guitarist, as it allows you to tailor your instrument for comfort, tone, and precision.
The Ideal Action Height for Different Playing Styles
The “ideal” action height varies based on the type of music you play, your personal preferences, and your playing technique. Different genres and playing styles may require slight adjustments to achieve the perfect setup.
1. Blues and Classic Rock
Blues and classic rock players often prefer a slightly higher action to achieve a warmer, more rounded tone. A higher action allows for more string movement, resulting in a fuller sound with less buzz. However, these players also often incorporate bends and vibrato, so the action should be low enough to allow smooth execution of these techniques without too much effort.
For these genres, an action height of around 2.0 to 2.5mm (0.078 to 0.098 inches) at the 12th fret is common. The exact number will depend on personal preference and the desired tonal qualities.
2. Metal and Hard Rock
Metal players, especially those who focus on fast picking and shredding, usually prefer a low action to enable quicker playability. A low action reduces the distance the strings have to travel to the fretboard, making it easier to perform rapid alternate picking, legato, and other fast techniques.
For a metal-style guitar setup, a typical action height is around 1.5 to 2.0mm (0.059 to 0.078 inches) at the 12th fret. Players might even go lower, but this depends on whether the guitar can handle the reduced height without causing excessive fret buzz.
3. Jazz and Fusion
Jazz players, who often rely on smooth fingerstyle playing, typically prefer a medium to high action. This allows for a more controlled tone, and it helps with articulation, especially in complex chord shapes and arpeggios.
A typical action for jazz might be 2.0 to 2.5mm (0.078 to 0.098 inches) at the 12th fret, which offers a balance of ease of playability and tone. Some fusion players, especially those incorporating a lot of technique, may prefer a slightly lower action.
4. Funk and Rhythm Guitar
Funk guitarists, who often emphasize rhythm and tight, percussive playing, might opt for a lower action to facilitate quick muting, precise strumming, and clean chord changes.
Action heights in the range of 1.5 to 2.0mm (0.059 to 0.078 inches) at the 12th fret are common among funk players. The key here is a responsive setup that allows for the precision of rhythmic techniques without compromising tone.
5. Country and Folk
Country and folk guitarists who often use fingerpicking techniques may prefer a slightly higher action to allow for the strings to ring out clearly without excessive buzz. These genres benefit from a more open and resonant sound.
A typical action height for country and folk music might be around 2.0 to 2.5mm (0.078 to 0.098 inches) at the 12th fret, similar to blues, with the setup helping to balance smooth fingerpicking with tonal clarity.
Factors That Influence Action Height
The ideal action height is not a one-size-fits-all measurement. Several factors influence the correct action height for each player:
1. Neck Relief and Truss Rod Adjustment
The truss rod, which runs through the neck, controls the amount of curvature or relief in the neck. This curvature plays a big role in determining the action height. If the neck has too much relief (a slight bow), the action will naturally be higher because the strings will be farther from the fretboard. On the other hand, a flat or back-bowed neck will result in lower action, but if the relief is too much, the strings may buzz.
To find the perfect action, the neck should be adjusted first to ensure the proper amount of relief. The truss rod should be slightly tightened or loosened to achieve a relatively straight neck (with a slight curve), which will make adjusting the action easier.
2. String Gauge
The thickness (or gauge) of the strings you use will affect the action. Heavier gauge strings (e.g., 11-49) require slightly higher action to avoid excessive tension on the fretboard and to prevent buzzing. Lighter gauge strings (e.g., 8-38) can handle lower action without causing issues.
Thus, the type of strings you use should be considered when setting the action. Heavier strings often demand slightly higher action for optimal performance.
3. Fret Condition
The condition of your guitar’s frets plays a significant role in how the action feels. If the frets are worn down or uneven, you may experience issues with string buzzing or high action even after adjusting the saddle and truss rod. Regular fret leveling and crowning are important for ensuring that the action is comfortable and free from buzz.
4. Guitar Scale Length
The scale length, or the distance between the nut and the bridge, can affect the action as well. Guitars with a longer scale length, like Fender Stratocasters, typically have a slightly higher action compared to shorter scale-length guitars, like Gibson Les Pauls. This is because the tension on the strings is higher in longer-scale guitars, which affects their ability to remain buzz-free at lower action heights.
5. Personal Preference
Ultimately, the ideal action height comes down to personal preference. Some players prefer a higher action for tone and resonance, while others favor lower action for speed and comfort. The key is to find a balance that works for you and allows you to play with the utmost ease.
How to Measure and Adjust Guitar Action
Once you’ve determined the ideal action height for your guitar, it’s important to measure and adjust the action to fit your preferences. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Step 1: Measure the Action
Use a ruler or specialized guitar action gauge to measure the string height at the 12th fret. Measure from the top of the fret to the bottom of the string.
Make sure you’re pressing down the string at the first and last frets when taking the measurement to ensure consistency.
Step 2: Adjust the Bridge Height
Fender-style guitars: Use the Allen wrench or screwdriver to adjust the saddles on the bridge. Turning the screws clockwise will raise the action, and counterclockwise will lower it.
Gibson-style guitars: Adjust the height of the bridge posts by turning them clockwise to raise the action or counterclockwise to lower it.
Step 3: Adjust the Truss Rod
To adjust the neck relief, use the truss rod nut (typically located near the headstock). A slight clockwise turn will tighten the truss rod and reduce the relief, flattening the neck. Conversely, a counterclockwise turn will loosen the truss rod and increase relief (creating a slight bow).
Step 4: Adjust the Nut Height (if necessary)
If the action feels high near the nut, the nut slots might need to be lowered. This requires careful filing to ensure that the nut slots are deep enough without going too far.
Conclusion
The perfect action height on an electric guitar depends on a variety of factors, including the style of music you play, the type of guitar, and your personal preferences. There is no universal “right” action height, but understanding how action affects your guitar’s playability and tone will help you make the right decision for your instrument. Regular adjustments and maintenance can ensure that your guitar remains comfortable to play, with a tone that fits your playing style perfectly.
Whether you’re aiming for fast, precise metal shredding or smooth, resonant jazz tones, adjusting the guitar action can unlock the full potential of your instrument. By considering all the factors discussed above and taking the time to find your ideal setup, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the ultimate playing experience.
Related Topics
