how do i lower my action on my guitar?

Answer 1

if you are wanting to lower the action, it is probably because you are new and your fingertips are sore.

don't have it adjusted, you will adjust in very little time. soon you will have calloused fingers like the rest of us.

i am not eric clapton, however, i did stay at a holiday inn express last night!

Answer 2

Depends on the guitar. I'll say right up front that if you don't know what you're doing, get thee to a good luthier (guitar craftsman) who will be able to make your guitar play as well as it can.

For an electric guitar, your luthier might do a combination of lowering the string saddles (the metal pieces that your strings rest on near the pickups), file down the height of the nut (the white piece through which the strings pass at the top of the neck right below the tuning pegs), and adjust the truss rod, which affects the bow of the neck to compensate for the tension created by the strings.

For an acoustic guitar, it's similar. It's a combination of nut height, neck curvature (via the truss rod), and bridge saddle height. The difference here is that the bridge saddle is usually just one piece of bone or synthetic material at the bridge. Bridge saddle height can be lowered (for lower action) by filing down the bottom of the saddle so that it sits lower in the guitar. This in turn will lower the action.

Unless you know what you're doing, it's very possible to do more harm than good by messing with things, so take it to a reputable guitar shop unless you're either competent or adventurous!!!

Good luck.

Answer 3

I second the two replies given previous to mine. A guitar technician or luthier can adjust your guitar quicker, smoother, and less costly than you can do. If you don't know what you're doing, as Drew M advises, you will regret your attempts.

Don't risk messing up your instrument; take it to a reputable music store or luthier. You'll bless us for our advice.

Answer 4

Have the nut, bridge, and truss rod adjusted by a professional repair person.