Adjusting the Action on an Electric Guitar

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This video clip shows you how to adjust the action, nut and pickup on an electric guitar (a Fender Stratocaster is used during the demonstration). Action is the distance between the frets and the strings. Low action is less distance in between the frets and the strings and high action is more distance.

Why adjust action? Well, its based on preference. Many prefer low action, but it’s too low your guitar will buzz, if the action is too hard it can be hard to play. Each string rests on two points, the nut and the saddle. Unlike the nut, the the bridge can move up or down to suit the players preference of action. On a Fender Stratocaster you can have the tremelo functional or you can stabilize the tremelo against the body for more sustain, and to stay in tune better.

The Learn & Master Guitar video above (feauturing Greg Voros) will show you how to tighten and loosen the tremelo (this is a trembling effect in a musical tone). If you like the sound of a functional tremelo, you can tighten the screws to bring the tremelo down, and if you loosen the screws the tremelo goes up. The adjustments you make be different dependent on the type of guitar you’re setting up.

Regardless, you should make sure you tune your guitar after every adjustment to make sure it is in pitch, and adjust each string individually and fit the other strings in between the low E and high E. You’ll also want to check the nut height to make sure its functional. This adjustment can be challenging since adjusting the nut slots are very sensitive. You may want to have a professional do this for you if you don’t have specialized knowledge in this area.

For more details on how to setup your action properly, watch the video above.

The full lesson contains 3 full length DVDs of instructions, and can be found in the Learn & Master Guitar Setup and Maintenance course. You’ll learn how to restring your guitar properly and adjust the action, learn the fundamentals of intonation so you can make sure your guitar is in tune, find out how to adjust your guitar neck, clean and maintain your instrument…and more.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_cta_button call_text=”Click the Button on the Right for the Complete Learn & Master Guitar Setup & Maintenance Course” title=”Click Here Now For Guitar Setup & Maintenance Training” target=”_blank” color=”btn-danger” icon=”none” size=”wpb_regularsize” position=”cta_align_right” href=”/GuitarSetupMaintenanceAction”][/vc_column][/vc_row]