Techniques, specifications, and tool tips to help you set up a guitar to your personal preferences
In this episode of “Gibson’s Guide to Guitar Setup and Maintenance,” Gibson Master Luthier Jim DeCola demonstrates the correct way to adjust the action on your guitar. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, Jim will give you pro tips on action adjustment and how to measure it.
The action on your guitar determines the overall playability of your instrument. In general, if your action is too high, your guitar may feel difficult to play. If your action is too low, it may result in string buzzing. Other factors in setting your action can include the guitar you’re using, your choice of strings, and the style of music you’re playing.
If you’re doing a fresh setup or seasonal adjustment, you may want to deep clean your guitar when the strings are removed, and you’ll definitely want to tune up accurately after changing strings. To speed things up, check out our simple String Change Kit.
