'Is My Guitar Action Too High?' - Q&A Friday
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- Опубликовано: 14 апр 2016
- Guitar action... what is it? Is it important? How high should it be? Find out in this week's Q&A session.
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Hi, I'm Mark and I've been teaching and playing guitar professionally for 26 years now, and I've picked up a lot of insights along the way; things I wish I had known when I started out. That's why I started this channel - to share this knowledge with you.
But this is more than just a place to learn guitar. It's also place where you can hang out, relax, be yourself, get support, make friends and get inspired to have more fun with your guitar. So go ahead. Pick up your axe. Hit play. And be a better guitarist.
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Thanks for watching!
Regards, Mark
Who notice his face at thumbnail and in the video totally different 😂
No Beard :P
Me
@@azammh9274 Oii 😂🤣
Faiz Fezz Fingerstyle wahahahahahaha gila
Bro this guy looks like my teacher 😂😂 I got confused
3:15 - you're welcome :)
1:58 LOL - It can be especially important when playing backwards??? OH! Bar Chords!!!
oooohhhh bar chords .thx mate. i tought he was talking about holding your guitar upsidedown. fo real xd
I thought he meant playing the way I play lol I play left-handed but with the strings right-handed, so it's "backwards" or "upside-down"
Szmelta Records Q
Rabea ?
@@kevin_lee_music how the hell do you even play like that lol for how long are you playing?
Big help. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. After a bit of tinkering I’ve got my old guitar sounding great and easier to play than ever.
The truss rod is not intended to adjust the action, but to compensate the pull of the strings to keep the neck straight. If the neck is curved upwards too strong, adjusting it down will lower the action as a side effect though. That means you should adjust the neck curvature first, then adjust the action starting from that point if necessary.
When your guitar has already been set up and over time gets harder to play because of string tension, adjusting it lowers your action. The truss rod isn't meant to make up for a nut or a saddle that isn't set up properly. But it totally affects the action. It's part of the "Trinity".
That's why he said they would check to see if the neck was straight...it doesn't need to be adjusted if the neck is straight unless your a player that prefers just a little neck relief.
May be this answers my question. Why would should I have to shave the bridge or but if it was fine before? Right? I mean, I live in south texas and humidity it’s crazy high.
But i just bought new guitar , the action really high , more pain to play and hard to bend .i hv been playin before and i know what low action looks like .i donnt know , fx370 yamaha really high action for me
Thanks! I've playing guitar over 50 years. You give good info. Play on Brother! Davey
I took my guitar to the luthier and politely requested "Sir, could you please sit my guitar up?"
He grabbed it and put it on the table straight up.
That wretched kiwi accent lol
@@MarkTheGuitarGuyChannel it sounds great! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
Great video. I feel like my guitar has changed over time and will definitely get it checked out. Subscribed.
It’s not that risky to shave your *saddle* (you accidentally referred to it as the bridge) assuming you have one that is slotted. for instance, my guitar has a slot in which a saddle is inserted, and these saddles can be interchanged. Therefor, it isn’t “ruining your guitar” by accidentally cutting too deep into a saddle. Just swap it out for another :)
S13 Chase Agree. Sand the bottom bit by bit on a flat surface until you find your desired action. One of the first things I did when I first started learning to play.
Put some shaving cream on it good for shaving bridge
Also, if you have a nice snug saddle (like my fender's which is so tight in I have to break out pliers to get it) if you go too far with the shaving you can shim it a bit to correct it. It's not a great option and I'd rather not have to, but it works in a pinch.
100 percent man. I use the belt sander, but i mark first where i want to take it. And careful guys. only sand the bottom of the bridge saddle. Not the top where the strings ride. lol. And just go slow. But like some one else said if ya go to far you can put a shim under. I did that one time and then cut a shim from a cereal box. Easy
Can you still play with it if the saddle leans forward? Will it effect anything?
Excellent video! Very informative. Thank you.
DUDE, thank you so much for being so generous with your knowledge! I have been a violinist all my life, but have come to play a little guitar. This helps tremendously.
Fiddle* 😉
@@louieo.blevinsmusic4197 What's the difference between a violin and a fiddle? It's a fiddle when you buy it, and a violin when you sell it. 🙂
I just bought a new guitar. Had a guitar before which felt really soft. And with this one in had no idea of what's causing the hardness and I didn't know how to tell that guy from whom i bought what my problem was. Now I've got some knowledge because of you. Thanks mate you helped a lot.
Thank you, nice explanation. Just what I needed.
In my experience its extremely important to adjust the truss rod to its correct position before any saddle work, assuming that is already taken care of.
THANK YOU!! I needed to hear this!!!!! Gonna take my guitar in asap!!
Very helpful. Thanks. Glad I found ur site.
Really helpful and patient explanation, thank you!
Ok, I will take my Maton to a guitar tech tomorrow. Thanks for the advice! Appreciate it!
Very nice video. You explained very well and you have a warm voice. Very professional.
Great video. Awesome information! Thanks
A tip or two (or more!)- Use a string height gauge to measure your action at the 12th fret. Two to three millimeters is where most people like it. Adjust your truss rod first, then recheck the action. You can use the strings as a straight edge. Press the strings down at the fret where the neck meets the body. Press the strings (individually, of course) Down on the first fret.Then make sure there is the slightest amount of bowing up in your neck, but not back bow, or hump, as some call it. To check nut height, press the strings down at the second fret. There should be a slight gap between the strings and the first fret. If there's a big gap, you may want to lower the nut by sanding it on the bottom. Most action height adjustment is done by sanding the bottom of the saddle. Buy a spare saddle in case you sand down that saddle too far and end up with fret buzz. They're not expensive. I'd recommend a bone or tusq saddle if your guitar has a plastic one. The harder saddles will generally improve sustain. Don't be afraid to mess with your guitar to get it to play the way you like. The only thing you can truly screw up is if you try to turn a frozen or bottomed truss rod. If the truss rod doesn't move fairly easily, take it to a guitar tech or luthier and let them do it. One final thing-An over humidified or wet top will bow up and give you a high action. Conversely, a dry top will shrink and produce a low action. Keep your guitar stored at 45-55% relative humidity. Cheers, Mark, and thanks for the video!
When measuring the string above the fret in millimeters, should I measure from the metal 12th fret to the string, or from the space between the 11th and 12th metal frets? Sorry, I'm just starting out learning guitar haha.
Very thorough answer. Well done.
I'm currently shopping for a new guitar, and when I heard the term "Action", I was like what the hell is that? Anyway, I came across this video and found it to be very informative and just what I needed. Thank you, @Mark The Guitar Guy
Thanks mate, lowered my guitar action using your vid!
Thanks a lot man, it was really helpful 👌
Excellent advice ..
Thanks mate
Good information. Thanks for this.
Hey I'm an old man whose tried all the various methods for adjusting the action... none of them really produced optimum results. A long time I found what worked best. After making sure the guitar is trussed where I want it, I go string-by-string, lowering each until I get a faint fret buzz. Back it off one-bump and it's perfect --- for me.
Very helpful! Thank you!
Just subscribed. This was really helpful.
Awesome vid bro.
I just got my first guitar and have so many questions - This helped so much... Thank you for the videos - Take care and GOD Bless brother
there is NO GOD brother
Ronald Dump typical atheist
Great video . . . I was looking for this?
4:34 into the video, you still haven't shown WHERE to measure. The distance varies, right? But you've gone off into HOW to adjust the action, which wasn't the question.
Low E string. (the fatest one) from the top of the twelfth fret to the bottom of the string.
great vid. I've learned that one way to check is to lay a .25 cent coin on the # 12 fret. The low E string should just touch the coin. Same with the high E.Take the guitar to guitar lutier and have it adjusted accordingly. I would'nt recommend you doing it yourself like Mark said.
this video was great, thanks
Man, I just like listening to this guy.
As a beginner this video answered so many questions. I have a cheap guitar they don't even make anymore and its not the worst guitar, i feel like my technique is why it doesn't sound as good as id like it too but besides that i can tell i definitely have high action. The high E string always sounded bad to me and upon closer inspection, its much closer to the board compared to the rest of the strings and the action further down the board is almost 1cm. I will check with a professional, thank you!
Great advice!
Thanks man, appreciate the info
Awesome video
excellent video
hey great video...just a question ..
I too have high string action on my guitar....I got it fixed but somehow it came back to its high position ...I again got it fixed but this time ...it isn't getting lowered after a certain point even though the distance is way more than 4 millimeters....I also noticed that the part behind the bridge is bulging ...is it because of this the action isn't getting lowered or is it because of the weather? please help....I have a takamine gn93ce
Very helpful. Thanks.
Hey Mark, thanks for the vid it's always inspiring to listen to someone so passionate about guitars👍
I have a Maton SRS 60c and the action is 3mm at the 12th frett and I find it a bit high, what would be a good height for a Maton?? Also what string size would you recommend I'm currently using 13's. Cheers Al from sunny NZ
Great video! Really helpful. Is there a difference in the things to look out for in the set up of an Acoustic VS. Electric guitar? Do these apply to bass guitar as well? (I'm thinking of learning bass as well) Many thanks!
this makes so much sense I always had problems because I always felt like I couldn't bring the string down enough to get the proper sound and it would hurt my fingers so much more than it should have that's why I had given up this information should be shared more
I agree 100% gave up 3yr ago just picked up again for 2 months on highest action… my fingers are steel and still hurt.
CANT WAIT TO CHANGE MY ACTION
Hey ! Thanks for video, mate. I was facing this issue after I got my guitar restringed and I didn't know what to do about it .
Very informative and helpful video
My action is set pretty high. 3 reasons. 1 heavy Hand and to low doesnt feel right hate it. 2 play slide, and 3 the main reason keeps random assholes from playing my guitar.
Kroekadoke set higher action so your friends dont play your guitar #lifehacked
Hey. How much is it?? And slides are comfortable upto what height? Mine is 3.9mm and my fingers hurt. Please reply. Thank s
I have my action set at 4 mm. I use 13/56 gauge elixer phosphorus bronze strings. It takes some getting used to buuut the phosphorus bronze feel real good sound good. I was using polywebs and they feel tad more stiff. Ull just have to get through the pain. I played till my fingers bled and i just kept playin through it. When ur finger tips hurt dip them in rubbing alcohol. Works wonders. Learned that from an article i read advice from Eric Clapton! Cheers and keep on keep’n on!!
And i use a rock slide medium glass. Got it from sweetwater. Get one they are awesome
I suppose im lucky. I have yet met someone who can play my guitars as i am a lefty. I despise the high action on my guitars and yes, I wouldnt even try to play yours as you are likely a righty.
Nice vids Sir Mark... and Yes! the Correct Action on a Guitar can totally Change how One feels about the Instrument... Great Action usually Equals Great Playing overall. :) Peace
Thank you for this video. The action on my guitar is fine at the nut but gradually gets higher as it approaches the saddle/bridge. It makes those frets at the bridge end really hard for me to play. I wasn't sure if I should take it to a guitar shop to have it worked on or not, but now I'm sure that's what needs to happen. Thanks again.
Great vid thank you
Thank you for the video, good help to understanding what im dealing with. I do have a question that is : What is the Average range for the action on a classical guitar with nylon strings ?
I liked the point where you mentioned that not even paying huge amount can get you an optimised action guitar. That can help me buying a cheap one and get it adjusted, if required.
Most cheap manufacturers wont bother making a guitar and have quality control good enough to provide an instrument that can have a very low action. Some are just made wrong.
Great video Mark. I’m only a learner and Id had the action lowered, I have my high strings sounding real tinny lately so Ill take your advice and take it back for a review. Cheers
You might need to adjust the trust rod on your guitar neck or have a look in the sound hole to see if its straight if it has curved bump in the beginning of the guitar neck take it back to your local music store
Thanks bruv it really helped
thank you so much!
Hey man! I have got to thank you! Very informative! My saddle had cracked and i had to replace it... That's where your video was helpful. Helped me understand the concepts better
Thanks alot man😊👍👍
Best $85 I ever spent!
New strings, saddle height, truss rod adjustment. And this was on a new guitar.
hi great video, I have a question that I have done some research on and have seen so many different answers. the question is how do you adjust the intonation and when should you adjust it.
Thanks mate good stuff
Dave from Geelong
Great information, thank you.
This is such a big issue for guitarists!! Cheers.
You missed one other reason for high action on a guitar. It may have shims underneath the saddle. This is very likely if the guitar is brand new from a store. I bought a new guitar from a store that says they set up guitars before they sell them. When I got the guitar I thought the action seemed a bit high. After playing it for a while I decided to check. I loosened the strings so I could move them out of the way. As soon as I removed the saddle I found there were two shims underneath it. I removed both and that improved the action. The guitar may still need other adjustments but it was already much more playable.
My guitar is in standard tuning since I used tuner but the strings feel tight. Also, when I watch guitar videos and compare in my guitar tune, mine is a fret lower note.. My strings are too tight already to adjust to other guitars.. Any way it can be fixed? Help please.
Hey! Being able to find your channel is a big relief even before asking. I need to find out how much and how far can the truss rod be tightened on my brand new Yamaha F310 which I bought online and isn't set up. I find really high action around 9th and 12th frets and I need to bring that down so that playing becomes more enjoyable. Thanks in advance 👍🏼
Mark, I have many acoustic guitars I bought where I can nicely play solo and bend notes while playing, the last guitar I bought Gretsch, the strings are very tight with regular tuning that it’s very hard when I play solo to bend the strings to get notes, I’m using sets of strings Martin with high E of 13 set, is there a way to loosen the strings that it will not feel too tight on the guitar and will be easy to bend the strings while playing? Thanks
Wow, that guitar is so pretty! Great video as well!
The Maton is a winner... Aussie made awesomeness
Good video, especially as one doesn't necessary think the set-up is to blame!
I find most adjustments that most guitar players can do is on electric guitars such as the, truss rod, bridge, intonation... With the acoustic, you should buy one that is already setup and then you only may need to adjust the truss rod. Otherwise if you consider buying an acoustic that has high action, don't do it, make sure it is right and the action is where you want it before buying.
The truss rod is used to set the neck relief, which is a related but separate matter from "action" or string height. Although neck relief affects action/string height, but it's important to address neck relief before turning to the issue of action/string height, IMO.
Hi Mark, you said in this video you've put heavier strings on that particular guitar, did you have to adjust the nut slots to suit? I have an entry level Martin with light strings and want to change to medium. great video by the way, thanks.
My nut cracked in half. I replaced it and the pre-slotted nut was 1/8" too short. I just placed small slivers of paper under it to raise it. It was a good temporary fix. The neck has no bow up or down. The strings are at least 1/4" off of the 10th fret. I think I will remove some material off of the saddle. It is a Greg Bennett acoustic metal strings.
Some Indian brands have screws on either side of the saddle that makes it very easy to adjust the action yourself.
Great video... I actually got my guitar action reduced from the shop but they only shaved the saddle... But the strings are still high.. I'll go again and ask them to reduce the nut if possible... Thanks
My problem was theres something buzzing during slaping near the soundhole part how do we do that?
My new Martin Acoustic which I had for about 5 months now looks like the neck is bowed making my strings high. I will take your advise and bring it to a professional and have it taken care of. What gauge strings do you recommend. Thanks for the input very helpful.
When measuring the string above the fret in millimeters, should I measure from the metal 12th fret to the string, or from the space between the 11th and 12th metal frets? Sorry, I'm just starting out learning guitar haha.
I keep it around 2 inches. Just as you. Works great.
Is that 2mm from the top of the 12th fret to the bottom of the string, or 2mm from the fretboard itself to the bottom of the string?
Teaches / plays guitar and works out 💪!! Hard combination to find on RUclips 😂👏🤟
Hi Mark, great video and beautiful guitar! What brand is it?
Merry Christmas
Hey, I know this is an old video so hopefully you see the comment, but is there a guitar with good action and so on right off the shelf you'd recommend for a (somewhat) beginner? I've been playing long enough to know I love it but have no knowledge of what is good and not
Every time I have had GC do a set up I get it back sounding great and then within a day the action raises way too high .. it’s a waste of money . 3 guitars and I can’t hardly even play them now . What do I do to be able to play comfortably
I just bought a guitar online (Fender FA125CE). But the action is too high. Should I repair it now or shall I wait for a few days since its a new piece & a friend told me to play it as it is for a month before changing the settings in the truss rod. what is your opinion about this?
Thanks for this. Subbed
Hi Mark, Can I ask you sumthing? Have you ever come across a bridge stuck on the acoustic guitar soundboard and lifted up together as one? Is it due to bracing loose or over the years it's become pulled up due to strong tension? I appreciate your advice and profession view, thanks man 👍 🙏😊
Just found you and dig your video on action.
My question is I have a Yamaha FS830 and wonder will a bone or tusq saddle improve any sound?
Thanks. Good tips. At which fret you measure the height ?
Hi Mark.Great Show! Can the truss rod thing be done on our own?
Hi Mark, l own two classical guitars and lm quite new to playing, in fact it was February when I started.
I have a question I’ll may? What are the best nylon or steal strings l can buy. My Fender came with steal strings, but my Ibanez came with nylon strings, please advise me, thank you for your assistance, John Antoine.
im bought new strings for my electric guitar but when I tuned my tuner said its an e but still sound too low
what should i do with my epiphone studio lt (action wise)?
sir I have bought a new guitar , and its action is very high ,I have ordered this online so what can I do
My guitar srings are too heavy
I were trying to low my action
What should i do now
Oh I got it ...thanks man
Great video, well communicated
where exactly do u mesure these action ?