What To Do If Guitar Strings Are Too High

What to Do If Your Guitar Strings Are Too High: A Comprehensive Guide

Having your guitar strings set at the correct height is crucial for playability and tone. Strings that are too high make playing difficult, causing discomfort and hindering your ability to bend strings easily. This article will guide you through diagnosing the problem and the steps to lower your guitar strings, covering various guitar types and potential solutions. We'll explore adjusting the truss rod, bridge saddle height, and nut height, providing clear instructions for each.

Why Are My Guitar Strings Too High?

Before jumping into solutions, it's important to understand why your strings might be too high. Several factors can contribute to this:

• Truss Rod Adjustment: The truss rod, a metal rod running along the neck of your guitar, controls the neck's relief (the curvature). A neck that's too bowed (backwards) will cause higher string action.
• Bridge Saddle Height: On most guitars, the bridge saddles are adjustable, allowing you to raise or lower the string height at the bridge. Incorrect saddle height is a common cause of high action.
• Nut Height: The nut, located at the headstock, also influences string height. A nut with slots that are too high will make the strings feel higher across the fretboard.
• Warped Neck: In severe cases, a warped or twisted neck can cause uneven string height. This usually requires professional repair.
• Incorrect Setup: A poorly set up guitar is a common culprit. A professional setup is recommended if you're uncomfortable making adjustments yourself.

How to Check Your Guitar's String Height (Action)

Before making any adjustments, you need to measure your string action. You'll need a ruler or feeler gauge. Measure the distance between the bottom of the string and the top of the fret at the 12th fret. The ideal action varies depending on guitar type, playing style, and personal preference, but a good starting point for electric guitars is around 1/16" to 3/32" for the bass strings and slightly less for the treble strings. Acoustic guitars generally have slightly higher action. Consult your guitar's manual or online resources for recommended string action for your specific model.

Lowering Your Guitar Strings: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now, let's tackle the solutions:

1. Adjusting the Truss Rod (Neck Relief)

This step should always be done before adjusting the bridge saddles. An improperly adjusted truss rod can lead to further issues.

• Consult your guitar's manual: Find the location of the truss rod adjustment wheel (it's usually located at the headstock). Understanding the direction of adjustment (clockwise or counter-clockwise for tightening or loosening) is crucial and varies between guitar models.
• Make small adjustments: Turn the truss rod wheel very slightly (1/8th to 1/4th of a turn at most). Wait at least 30 minutes to allow the wood to settle before checking the neck relief again.
• Repeat: Make small adjustments and re-check until the neck has the correct relief. A properly adjusted neck should have a slight curve when looking down the fretboard.

2. Adjusting the Bridge Saddles

Once the neck relief is correct, you can adjust the bridge saddles to fine-tune the string height.

• Locate the saddle adjustment screws: These are usually located on the top or side of the bridge saddles.
• Lower the saddles: Turn the screws slightly to lower each saddle individually. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this can damage the bridge.
• Re-check string height: After each adjustment, measure the string height again at the 12th fret to ensure the desired action is achieved.

3. Adjusting the Nut Height (Advanced)

Adjusting the nut height is more challenging and requires specialized tools. If you're not comfortable with this, it's best to take your guitar to a professional luthier. If you attempt it, remember:

• Use specialized tools: Nut files and other specialized tools are needed to carefully file down the nut slots.
• Proceed cautiously: Incorrect nut filing can irreparably damage your guitar.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you've tried the above steps and still can't achieve the correct string height, or if your guitar shows signs of significant damage or warping, it's time to consult a professional guitar technician or luthier. They have the experience and tools to diagnose and repair more complex problems.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully lower your guitar strings and enjoy a more comfortable and enjoyable playing experience. Remember, patience and precision are key!