How High Should the Action Be on an Acoustic Guitar

When it comes to playing the acoustic guitar, the action height is an essential factor. It directly influences playability and overall sound quality. Achieving the right action height can make a significant difference in your playing experience. In this article, we’ll explore the concept of action height and discuss how high the action should be on an acoustic guitar. The goal is to strike the perfect balance between comfort and optimal performance.

Table of Contents

Understanding Action Height

Action height refers to the distance between the strings and the fretboard of a guitar. It affects how easy or challenging it is to press down on the strings and produce clear notes. The action height is primarily determined by the setup of the guitar, including the nut, bridge, and neck relief. Finding the ideal action height is a subjective process, as it depends on personal preferences, playing style, and the type of music you play.

Effects of High Action

Increased Effort: High action requires more finger strength and force to fret the strings. This can be particularly challenging for beginners or players with less hand strength, leading to fatigue and potential for injury.
Intonation Issues: Excessive action can cause intonation problems, resulting in notes being out of tune, especially when playing higher up the fretboard.
Reduced Playability: Higher action can make it difficult to perform techniques such as bends, vibrato, and legato, as the strings are further away from the frets.

Effects of Low Action

String Buzz: When the action is set too low, there is a risk of strings buzzing against the frets, creating an undesirable sound.
Fretting out: Low action can cause the strings to touch the frets when playing with a heavy attack or bending strings vigorously, resulting in notes choking out.
Reduced Resonance: Very low action can limit the guitar’s ability to resonate fully, affecting the overall tone and volume.

What You Need

An action gauge: These are made specifically for use on guitars (like the one pictured below).
A ruler: You can use a ruler to measure the distance between the top of the fretboard and the strings.
A feeler gauge: A feeler gauge is a set of thin metal strips that come in different thicknesses. You can use a feeler gauge to measure the distance between the top of the fretboard and the strings with more precision than a ruler.
A capo: A capo is a device that you can use to clamp the strings at a specific fret. This can be helpful when checking the action at different frets.

Finding the Optimal Action Height

The ideal action height for an acoustic guitar is subjective and varies from player to player. Here are some guidelines to help you find the right balance:

Assess Your Playing Style: Consider the genre of music you play and your preferred techniques. If you’re a fingerstyle player, you may prefer a slightly higher action for clear note separation. If you play with a heavy pick attack, a lower action might be more suitable.
Seek Professional Setup: Taking your guitar to a skilled luthier or guitar technician for a professional setup is highly recommended. They can adjust the action to suit your playing style and make any necessary adjustments to the nut, bridge, and truss rod.
Experiment and Fine-tune: Once you’ve had a setup, spend some time playing the guitar and assess how it feels. If you’re experiencing difficulties or discomfort, make minor adjustments to the action height in small increments until you find the sweet spot that suits you best.
Consider String Gauge: Different string gauges can affect the action height. Lighter gauge strings exert less tension, making it easier to achieve a lower action. Experimenting with different string gauges can help you fine-tune the action height.

Recommended Height from Martin, Taylor, and Gibson

The three most notable guitars in the world are Martin Guitars, Taylor Guitars, and Gibson Guitars. They all fall into the same general guidelines from the factory and custom shops. The table below shows the ranges for the low and high E strings on acoustic guitars.

Range for Low E Action (Fret 12)	Range for High E Action (Fret 12)
2.38 mm (3/32″) to 2.78 mm (7/64″)	1.59 mm (1/16″) and 1.98 mm (5/64″)

How High Should the Action Be on an Acoustic Guitar Conclusion

The action height on your acoustic guitar plays a crucial role in your playing experience. Striking the right balance between playability, comfort, and optimal performance is essential. By understanding the effects of high and low action and considering your playing style, seeking professional setup, and experimenting with adjustments, you can find the perfect action height that allows you to express your musicality and enjoy your acoustic guitar to the fullest. Remember, the ideal action height is a personal preference, so trust your ears and hands to guide you in finding the right setup for you.

Check out these other posts about acoustic guitars:

Chadwick Becks

I have two degrees in guitar performance and was privileged to study under Aaron Shearer, Tom Kikta, David Skantar, Ken Karsh, Tim Bedner, and currently Christopher Berg. Outside my editorial work on this blog, I teach full-time across many genres including classical, jazz, blues, rock, funk, and metal.