Guitar String Height Adjustment: A Quick Guide

Updated at: 17/03/2025

Getting the perfect guitar setup is crucial for both comfort and tone. A key element often overlooked, yet significantly impacting playability and sound, is the height of your guitar strings. Too high, and you’ll struggle with fretting, leading to hand fatigue and potentially hindering your musical expression. Too low, and you'll experience buzzing and unwanted noise. Finding that sweet spot is essential, allowing for effortless playing and a clear, resonant sound. This delicate balance can be achieved through a process known as string height adjustment, often referred to as adjusting the action.

This quick guide will walk you through the process of adjusting your guitar's string height, empowering you to take control of your instrument's setup. We’ll cover identifying the necessary tools, understanding the measurements, and performing the adjustments safely and effectively. Ready to unlock the full potential of your guitar? Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use the correct tools for your guitar type. Improper tools can damage your instrument.
  • Make small adjustments at a time. It's easier to make further adjustments than to undo a large, drastic change.
  • If you're uncomfortable making these adjustments yourself, take your guitar to a professional luthier.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Assessment

    • Identify strings needing adjustment. The speaker notes that his B and E strings are too low for comfortable bending.

  2. Preparation

    • Locate the bridge saddles. These are the individual adjustable parts on the bridge of the guitar.
    • Use an Allen wrench to adjust the saddles. The speaker uses a small Allen wrench set.
    Use an Allen wrench to adjust the saddles. The speaker uses a small Allen wrench set.Use an Allen wrench to adjust the saddles. The speaker uses a small Allen wrench set.
    Preparation

  3. Adjustment

    • Adjust the saddles in small increments. The speaker recommends no more than a quarter or half turn at a time to avoid over-adjusting.
    Adjust the saddles in small increments. The speaker recommends no more than a quarter or half turn at a time to avoid over-adjusting.
    Adjustment

  4. Refinement

    • Check the string height after each adjustment and retuning.
    • Repeat steps 4 and 5 until the desired string height is achieved. The speaker makes several small adjustments to his B and E strings.
    Repeat steps 4 and 5 until the desired string height is achieved. The speaker makes several small adjustments to his B and E strings.Repeat steps 4 and 5 until the desired string height is achieved. The speaker makes several small adjustments to his B and E strings.
    Refinement

Read more: Revitalize Your Guitar Strings: A Quick & Easy Cleaning Guide

Tips

  • Make small adjustments (quarter to half turn) to avoid over-correction.
  • Retune your guitar after each adjustment.
  • Use a small Allen wrench set to avoid damage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Truss Rod Adjustment

Reason: Adjusting the truss rod to compensate for action problems when the problem is actually caused by bridge height or nut height.
Solution: Correct the bridge and nut height first, then only make fine truss rod adjustments to address any remaining neck relief issues.

2. Over-tightening Bridge Saddles

Reason: Trying to lower the action too much by excessively lowering the bridge saddles, potentially damaging the guitar or causing buzzing.
Solution: Make small adjustments to the bridge saddles, frequently checking the action and intonation after each small tweak.

FAQs

What tools do I need to adjust string height?
You'll typically need a screwdriver (often a small Phillips head), a ruler or feeler gauge to measure string height, and possibly a tuner to retune after adjustments. Some guitars may require specialized tools depending on the bridge type.
How often should I adjust my guitar's string height?
String height adjustment isn't something you do regularly. It's usually needed when you notice buzzing, excessive string tension making playing difficult, or after a string change, or major climate shift. If you regularly play, you might consider a professional setup annually.
My strings are buzzing even after adjustment. What could be wrong?
Buzzing after adjustment might indicate several issues: High frets (requiring professional fret leveling), a warped neck (needing professional attention), incorrect bridge adjustment, or simply strings that need replacing. Check all these before making further adjustments.