If your strings feel high and hard to press, or so low that they buzz, the action needs adjusting. Action is the height of the strings above the frets, and getting it right is the biggest single thing that changes how a guitar feels. At TuneUp Guitar in Redding we adjust action on electric guitars, acoustics, basses, and more.
Signs your action needs adjusting
- Your fretting hand gets tired or sore quickly
- Barre chords are hard to hold down
- Notes buzz when you play softly
- Bends choke out or die early
- The strings sit noticeably higher at the 12th fret than they used to
What we do
Action isn’t just one adjustment. We look at the whole picture so the change actually sticks:
- Check neck relief first, and make a truss rod adjustment if needed
- Raise or lower the bridge or individual saddles
- On acoustics, shave or shim the saddle
- Check the nut slots, since a high nut makes the first few frets hard to play
- Match the string radius to the fretboard so no string sits oddly high or low
- Recheck intonation, since changing action can throw it off
Low action without the buzz
Everyone wants low action until it starts to buzz. How low a guitar can go depends on how level the frets are and how hard you play. If the frets have high spots, the action can’t go low without buzzing. In that case a fret level and polish lets you get the action down where you want it.
Why action changes
Guitars move. Seasonal changes in Redding, from hot, dry summers to wet winters, shift neck relief. New string gauges change tension. A different tuning changes it too. That’s why action you were happy with last year might feel off now.
Action adjustment or full setup?
If action is the only thing bothering you, an adjustment is a quick, affordable fix. If your guitar also has trouble staying in tune or has old strings, a full guitar setup covers everything at once and is usually the better deal.
Bring it in
Bring your guitar to the shop on Redcliff Drive in Redding. Most action adjustments are done quickly, usually in a day or two.
Guitar Action Adjustment questions
What is guitar action?
Action is the height of the strings above the frets. High action is hard to press down. Low action is easier to play but can buzz if it goes too low.
How low can my action go?
It depends on the guitar, the frets, and how hard you play. We set it as low as it can go while still playing clean for your style.
Is an action adjustment the same as a setup?
An action adjustment is one part of a full setup. If your guitar also has tuning or buzz problems, a full setup is usually the better value.