'Is My Guitar Action Too High?' - Q&A Friday

Guitar action... what is it? Is it important? How high should it be? Find out in this week's Q&A session.
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Hi, I'm Mark and I've been teaching and playing guitar professionally for 26 years now, and I've picked up a lot of insights along the way; things I wish I had known when I started out. That's why I started this channel - to share this knowledge with you.
But this is more than just a place to learn guitar. It's also place where you can hang out, relax, be yourself, get support, make friends and get inspired to have more fun with your guitar. So go ahead. Pick up your axe. Hit play. And be a better guitarist.
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[@FaizFezzFingerstyle]

Who notice his face at thumbnail and in the video totally different 😂

[@VishalKar]

No Beard :P

[@azammh9274]

Me

[@FaizFezzFingerstyle]

@@azammh9274 Oii 😂🤣

[@azammh9274]

Faiz Fezz Fingerstyle wahahahahahaha gila

[@RiversofMusic]

Bro this guy looks like my teacher 😂😂 I got confused

[@TheGr8scott]

3:15 - you're welcome :)

[@PinsuBha]

Thank you!

[@someoneelse318]

The truss rod is not intended to adjust the action, but to compensate the pull of the strings to keep the neck straight. If the neck is curved upwards too strong, adjusting it down will lower the action as a side effect though. That means you should adjust the neck curvature first, then adjust the action starting from that point if necessary.

[@ramspencer5492]

When your guitar has already been set up and over time gets harder to play because of string tension, adjusting it lowers your action. The truss rod isn't meant to make up for a nut or a saddle that isn't set up properly. But it totally affects the action. It's part of the "Trinity".

[@jameswilliford5478]

That's why he said they would check to see if the neck was straight...it doesn't need to be adjusted if the neck is straight unless your a player that prefers just a little neck relief.

[@omarflores323]

May be this answers my question. Why would should I have to shave the bridge or but if it was fine before? Right? I mean, I live in south texas and humidity it’s crazy high.

[@bobby9642]

But i just bought new guitar , the action really high , more pain to play and hard to bend .i hv been playin before and i know what low action looks like .i donnt know , fx370 yamaha really high action for me

[@phreak1118]

1:58 LOL - It can be especially important when playing backwards??? OH! Bar Chords!!!

[@SzmeltaRecords]

oooohhhh bar chords .thx mate. i tought he was talking about holding your guitar upsidedown. fo real xd

[@kevin_lee_music]

I thought he meant playing the way I play lol I play left-handed but with the strings right-handed, so it's "backwards" or "upside-down"

[@williammccubbin2083]

Szmelta Records Q

[@frosty8655]

Rabea ?

[@ZerefDAce123]

@@kevin_lee_music how the hell do you even play like that lol for how long are you playing?

[@chasec]

It’s not that risky to shave your *saddle* (you accidentally referred to it as the bridge) assuming you have one that is slotted. for instance, my guitar has a slot in which a saddle is inserted, and these saddles can be interchanged. Therefor, it isn’t “ruining your guitar” by accidentally cutting too deep into a saddle. Just swap it out for another :)

[@deresolute1061]

S13 Chase Agree. Sand the bottom bit by bit on a flat surface until you find your desired action. One of the first things I did when I first started learning to play.

[@adrianwarren9137]

Put some shaving cream on it good for shaving bridge

[@dwatts64]

Also, if you have a nice snug saddle (like my fender's which is so tight in I have to break out pliers to get it) if you go too far with the shaving you can shim it a bit to correct it. It's not a great option and I'd rather not have to, but it works in a pinch.

[@curtisfranklin6830]

100 percent man. I use the belt sander, but i mark first where i want to take it. And careful guys. only sand the bottom of the bridge saddle. Not the top where the strings ride. lol. And just go slow. But like some one else said if ya go to far you can put a shim under. I did that one time and then cut a shim from a cereal box. Easy

[@joshualinklater4073]

Can you still play with it if the saddle leans forward? Will it effect anything?

[@ChArham-bs1ne]

I took my guitar to the luthier and politely requested "Sir, could you please sit my guitar up?" He grabbed it and put it on the table straight up.

[@MarkTheGuitarGuyChannel]

That wretched kiwi accent lol

[@corgispotter]

@@MarkTheGuitarGuyChannel it sounds great! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

[@dougrobinson8602]

A tip or two (or more!)- Use a string height gauge to measure your action at the 12th fret. Two to three millimeters is where most people like it. Adjust your truss rod first, then recheck the action. You can use the strings as a straight edge. Press the strings down at the fret where the neck meets the body. Press the strings (individually, of course) Down on the first fret.Then make sure there is the slightest amount of bowing up in your neck, but not back bow, or hump, as some call it. To check nut height, press the strings down at the second fret. There should be a slight gap between the strings and the first fret. If there's a big gap, you may want to lower the nut by sanding it on the bottom. Most action height adjustment is done by sanding the bottom of the saddle. Buy a spare saddle in case you sand down that saddle too far and end up with fret buzz. They're not expensive. I'd recommend a bone or tusq saddle if your guitar has a plastic one. The harder saddles will generally improve sustain. Don't be afraid to mess with your guitar to get it to play the way you like. The only thing you can truly screw up is if you try to turn a frozen or bottomed truss rod. If the truss rod doesn't move fairly easily, take it to a guitar tech or luthier and let them do it. One final thing-An over humidified or wet top will bow up and give you a high action. Conversely, a dry top will shrink and produce a low action. Keep your guitar stored at 45-55% relative humidity. Cheers, Mark, and thanks for the video!

[@aaron.0303]

When measuring the string above the fret in millimeters, should I measure from the metal 12th fret to the string, or from the space between the 11th and 12th metal frets? Sorry, I'm just starting out learning guitar haha.

[@dime_life4768]

In my experience its extremely important to adjust the truss rod to its correct position before any saddle work, assuming that is already taken care of.

[@jackdonachy9906]

4:34 into the video, you still haven't shown WHERE to measure. The distance varies, right? But you've gone off into HOW to adjust the action, which wasn't the question.

[@MtnLiner]

Low E string. (the fatest one) from the top of the twelfth fret to the bottom of the string.

[@stephencarlson3523]

Big help. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. After a bit of tinkering I’ve got my old guitar sounding great and easier to play than ever.

[@kroekadoke8212]

My action is set pretty high. 3 reasons. 1 heavy Hand and to low doesnt feel right hate it. 2 play slide, and 3 the main reason keeps random assholes from playing my guitar.

[@Sheera945]

Kroekadoke set higher action so your friends dont play your guitar #lifehacked

[@inv8890]

Hey. How much is it?? And slides are comfortable upto what height? Mine is 3.9mm and my fingers hurt. Please reply. Thank s

[@kroekadoke8212]

I have my action set at 4 mm. I use 13/56 gauge elixer phosphorus bronze strings. It takes some getting used to buuut the phosphorus bronze feel real good sound good. I was using polywebs and they feel tad more stiff. Ull just have to get through the pain. I played till my fingers bled and i just kept playin through it. When ur finger tips hurt dip them in rubbing alcohol. Works wonders. Learned that from an article i read advice from Eric Clapton! Cheers and keep on keep’n on!!

[@kroekadoke8212]

And i use a rock slide medium glass. Got it from sweetwater. Get one they are awesome

[@curtisfranklin6830]

I suppose im lucky. I have yet met someone who can play my guitars as i am a lefty. I despise the high action on my guitars and yes, I wouldnt even try to play yours as you are likely a righty.

[@staffordsanpei7804]

great vid. I've learned that one way to check is to lay a .25 cent coin on the # 12 fret. The low E string should just touch the coin. Same with the high E.Take the guitar to guitar lutier and have it adjusted accordingly. I would'nt recommend you doing it yourself like Mark said.

[@andrewhellershanks8315]

You missed one other reason for high action on a guitar. It may have shims underneath the saddle. This is very likely if the guitar is brand new from a store. I bought a new guitar from a store that says they set up guitars before they sell them. When I got the guitar I thought the action seemed a bit high. After playing it for a while I decided to check. I loosened the strings so I could move them out of the way. As soon as I removed the saddle I found there were two shims underneath it. I removed both and that improved the action. The guitar may still need other adjustments but it was already much more playable.

[@mnpd3]

Hey I'm an old man whose tried all the various methods for adjusting the action... none of them really produced optimum results. A long time I found what worked best. After making sure the guitar is trussed where I want it, I go string-by-string, lowering each until I get a faint fret buzz. Back it off one-bump and it's perfect --- for me.

[@darrylg7600]

Best $85 I ever spent! New strings, saddle height, truss rod adjustment. And this was on a new guitar.

[@pay9011]

My first guitar was a used one as a gift. I learned on it the hard way because it had very high action and hurt very much to play it in the beginning. I recently bought a better used acoustic with lower action and find it difficult to get comfortable with. 😕

[@tobiasbeniston3951]

same here i bought a cheap one from amazon as my first guitar and i didnt even know about 'high action' and thought i was just being weak LMAO

[@Elcompalui712]

@@tobiasbeniston3951 weak so weak

[@stuntman014]

As a beginner this video answered so many questions. I have a cheap guitar they don't even make anymore and its not the worst guitar, i feel like my technique is why it doesn't sound as good as id like it too but besides that i can tell i definitely have high action. The high E string always sounded bad to me and upon closer inspection, its much closer to the board compared to the rest of the strings and the action further down the board is almost 1cm. I will check with a professional, thank you!

[@jonobester5817]

DUDE, thank you so much for being so generous with your knowledge! I have been a violinist all my life, but have come to play a little guitar. This helps tremendously.

[@louieo.blevinsmusic4197]

Fiddle* 😉

[@jonobester5817]

@@louieo.blevinsmusic4197 What's the difference between a violin and a fiddle? It's a fiddle when you buy it, and a violin when you sell it. 🙂

[@kevinmenezes9521]

Great video, I get very nervous while playing the guitar in front of someone but when I play the guitar on my own I play it really good but in front of some one I sweat and feel that the person I judging me pls help 🆘👍👍👍👍👍

[@MattTheFangirl13]

i feel the same

[@edwardmasters3582]

Always remember Kevin that the chances are you will be the Best Guitarist in the Room

[@raymondratcliffe1812]

Kevin menezes and a

[@Christian-oi7sd]

Kevin menezes if you still havent found an answer, ive got the solution for you. Just consume one of these 3 items: shrooms, LSD or mdma and youll jammin out like no ones watching feeling that music like a pro

[@dime_life4768]

smoke better weed

[@XqCv178]

2mm from the fret guys

[@AyushJain.YouTube]

Hitanshu S 2mm but on which fret to check ?

[@patrickgerardrefran38]

@@AyushJain.KZbin 12th fret

[@rishabhsharma5657]

I liked the point where you mentioned that not even paying huge amount can get you an optimised action guitar. That can help me buying a cheap one and get it adjusted, if required.

[@sotirzvanidjubre4109]

Most cheap manufacturers wont bother making a guitar and have quality control good enough to provide an instrument that can have a very low action. Some are just made wrong.

[@jeetray11]

At 3:28 in your video you mention 2mm is a good low action for a guitar. You forgot to specify over which fret. As I know it the action is measured over 12th fret. As you come up from the first fret the action goes higher and higher. So mentioning over 12th fret was critical. Also usually it is measured on the 6th string side as that side is usually higher than the 1st string over 12th fret. I am not a steel string expert - I only play nylon strings. However from what I can gather 2mm might be too low for a standard steel string guitar on the 6th string. Thanks.

[@daveyjoweaver5183]

Thanks! I've playing guitar over 50 years. You give good info. Play on Brother! Davey

[@garyvancamp5452]

Sometimes a new guitar will come with 1 or 2 plastic shims under the saddle, just remove them to lower the action a little. Other than that I would take it to a guitar tech to have the saddle shaved a little, it should not cost that much at all.

[@imthe4337]

Gary Van Camp could you help me I'm trying make my action higher so I got a tool and put it into the the hole that is in the sound hole a little far to change the action I did it counter clockwise and it did nothing

[@imthe4337]

Gary Van Camp could you help me I'm trying make my action higher so I got a tool and put it into the the hole that is in the sound hole a little far to change the action I did it counter clockwise and it did nothing

[@Randy-2468]

I'm The try going 1 or 2 string gauges higher. Then there will be more tension.

[@conanthedestroyer7123]

I find most adjustments that most guitar players can do is on electric guitars such as the, truss rod, bridge, intonation... With the acoustic, you should buy one that is already setup and then you only may need to adjust the truss rod. Otherwise if you consider buying an acoustic that has high action, don't do it, make sure it is right and the action is where you want it before buying.

[@carlanthonyholmes2162]

Sometimes guitar manufactures will put a shim beneath the bridge on acoustics. Always worth checking out. Can just remove that without sanding down the saddle.

[@carlanthonyholmes2162]

Will lose a bit of resonance though with a lower bridge angle.

[@jamespinder6465]

I've been playing the guitar for 40 + years, my brother bought a fender acoustic second hand the neck was bowed and the string action was terrible the truss rod was loose I gave it 1 1/4 turns of the truss rod to straiten the neck and it plays good now. But if you are a new player take it to a pro for a setup, one problem is that a lot of guitars are made in China which is hot and humid country and they dry out the truss rod loosens etc. and also manufacturers leave the action a little high so you can adjust to your own preference.

[@josephdragan7734]

What are the lightest strings for an acoustic guitar? I am an older gent just returning to the instrument and for now will sacrifice some tone and volume for less finger pain. Thanks all.

[@srbell]

The lightest I've found are 10's. Having arthritis, I generally want a guitar with a light touch. What I've found though is the setup is the most important thing, even more so than the lightest strings. You can lessen the string tension by dropping the tuning down a half or even a whole step. For years I played with electric guitar strings on my acoustics to make it tolerable, but that really sacrificed tone. Last year I switched to acoustic 10's tuned down a half step. I've worked my way from there, through 11's, and am now using 12's to get the best tone, but I tune down a half step and the tension is fine for me.

[@SAZIZMUSIC]

Very nice video. You explained very well and you have a warm voice. Very professional.

[@berserkasura8981]

I See. The action on mine is 7 or 8ish. Probably why I'm having such a hard time.

[@whatsmyname9742]

7mm???

[@manugamezer4123]

Lol 8mm

[@ramspencer5492]

Ouch

[@nofaceman2571]

I learned over that kind on action now that I brought a new one every thing is soo easy 😂

[@ryu7799]

Same! I thought it was just me being weak😂

[@uavpilot6715]

I'm currently shopping for a new guitar, and when I heard the term "Action", I was like what the hell is that? Anyway, I came across this video and found it to be very informative and just what I needed. Thank you, @Mark The Guitar Guy

[@extremereclusefallows5779]

My nut cracked in half. I replaced it and the pre-slotted nut was 1/8" too short. I just placed small slivers of paper under it to raise it. It was a good temporary fix. The neck has no bow up or down. The strings are at least 1/4" off of the 10th fret. I think I will remove some material off of the saddle. It is a Greg Bennett acoustic metal strings.

[@jasonteiland2557]

I just got my first guitar and have so many questions - This helped so much... Thank you for the videos - Take care and GOD Bless brother

[@ronalddump5004]

there is NO GOD brother

[@nextbigthing2917]

Ronald Dump typical atheist

[@robhowe8353]

First you check and set the neck relief if it's out of tolerance. Then the saddle. You don't need a luthier, just some simple measuring tools, sandpaper and and block to guide your sanding. Sand twice as much off the saddle as your action height is off. Saddles are easy to replace unless you made your own guitar maybe. Most brands have replacements you can easily buy for $10-15.

[@moose_sauce2938]

Wow, that guitar is so pretty! Great video as well!

[@MarkTheGuitarGuyChannel]

The Maton is a winner... Aussie made awesomeness

[@candidlyopinionated19]

Basically I’m wondering if it’s normal for it hurt my fingers a ton after just playing my acoustic for an hour or two, when I can go for an entire day of playing my electric with no pain whatsoever (I’ve been playing for 7 years). Is it the action or do I just need to toughen up? I’ve been playing my acoustic for a a year and a half, the pain has never gone away.

[@MarkTheGuitarGuyChannel]

Maybe a combination of action setup and lighter strings? It’s pretty common actually

[@samlelowitch]

The truss rod is used to set the neck relief, which is a related but separate matter from "action" or string height. Although neck relief affects action/string height, but it's important to address neck relief before turning to the issue of action/string height, IMO.

[@playinguitarful]

My new Martin Acoustic which I had for about 5 months now looks like the neck is bowed making my strings high. I will take your advise and bring it to a professional and have it taken care of. What gauge strings do you recommend. Thanks for the input very helpful.

[@igniz141]

I just bought a new guitar. Had a guitar before which felt really soft. And with this one in had no idea of what's causing the hardness and I didn't know how to tell that guy from whom i bought what my problem was. Now I've got some knowledge because of you. Thanks mate you helped a lot.

[@SeanGrossICT]

How much difference does tuning make in my action? Say, between standard and 1.5 steps down? Thanks for the info, I subscribed.

[@ashbiesnowden5324]

Sean Gross me too! I've been playing for half a year and it's been so much fun. My action is super high and this video helped so much! 👍🏼

[@robmanzur601]

this makes so much sense I always had problems because I always felt like I couldn't bring the string down enough to get the proper sound and it would hurt my fingers so much more than it should have that's why I had given up this information should be shared more

[@ebraheemnawaiseh4255]

I agree 100% gave up 3yr ago just picked up again for 2 months on highest action… my fingers are steel and still hurt. CANT WAIT TO CHANGE MY ACTION

[@garrettamburgey4788]

Excellent video! Very informative. Thank you.

[@2k10anupam]

Some Indian brands have screws on either side of the saddle that makes it very easy to adjust the action yourself.

[@garychen483]

Ok, I will take my Maton to a guitar tech tomorrow. Thanks for the advice! Appreciate it!

[@PaperClipFlip]

Great video! Really helpful. Is there a difference in the things to look out for in the set up of an Acoustic VS. Electric guitar? Do these apply to bass guitar as well? (I'm thinking of learning bass as well) Many thanks!

[@TaylorWeston]

Great video. I feel like my guitar has changed over time and will definitely get it checked out. Subscribed.

[@charlesjoy3091]

I had a really shitty action on one of my acoustics right after I bought it ( 6 mo. later ). Taking the bridge guide out and sanding the bottom not the string guides made a world of difference. Pain in the ass as you want to go slow as it's not easily reversible !!

[@Robinechampion]

Thank you, nice explanation. Just what I needed.

[@TiffanyRay-h9z]

THANK YOU!! I needed to hear this!!!!! Gonna take my guitar in asap!!

[@pandababala6408]

What guitar are you holding on your hands, its got a unique brown color

[@gregcoleman6670]

Maton. Made in Melbourne, AU. Great guitars!

[@lawrencehowse8556]

You said 2 mm at the 12th. What should it be at the first fret??

[@ytxls11]

Yes please, answer appreciated. Is the action supposed to be same or close all the way to the 1st fret on any five n string or does it reduce or does it increase a tad bit? And by how much of it should?

[@sotirzvanidjubre4109]

I keep it around 2 inches. Just as you. Works great.

[@asad36360]

I just bought a 2nd hand Washburn acoustic, I knew buying it that it wasn't set up properly, and figured i could just adjust the truss rod, well that didn't work and the strings are still too high at the bridge. I called a luthier in my area he said it will be $60 to fix, is that fair? Also this being brand new, couldn't i contact Washburn and see if they'll fix it for free?

[@MarkTheGuitarGuyChannel]

Yes the shop you bought it from should really look after you...I’m a little spoiled in New Zealand I think.... the neck adjustment should get you pretty close unless the bridge has lifted (bulging slightly) and is a major problem. Washburn might look after you

[@asad36360]

@@MarkTheGuitarGuyChannel thnx

[@curtisfranklin6830]

You mentioned different reasons a high action can be a problem. For me the high action is a problem because you have to lift your fingers higher to catch the strings. And for me thats what i see the biggest problem. All my guitars i have, I have worked to bring the action down so i can just slip a credit card under. Yesterday i bought a brand new yamaha apx 700ii. Tomorrow i will remove the bridge saddle after marking it and run it on my belt sander to bring it where id like it to be. The action on this new guitar from factory is way too high for me. Playing it is difficult as I do have to raise my fingers higher to get on top of the string for playability. I know everyone is different. I also know you may lose a bit of sustain, but I have found in the past this is ideal for me. Hope my comment helps someone. Nice video. Thanks

[@BlackonBlack-]

Or.. after you finished with the nut and saddle you could level the frets... that probably would cost a lot. Best option - buy an Electric Guitar, it's much more adjustable and easy to play.. Still for the Crazy-low action you will need to level the frets, because even guitars worth 1,5k have uneven frets.

[@darrylthon1697]

...it's not the bridge that you shave to lower the action....it's the saddle.

[@Sayef_Li]

Darryl Thon its also called the bridge

[@robertdunaway-tyll7635]

Or both?

[@MrAlistairGeorge]

Mark meant the saddle Im sure. I tweak my guitars all the time and still from time to time say bridge when I mean saddle. I think the names are wrong anyway - a saddle you sit on so a bridge should be in the saddle, also the wires/strings should cross the bridge. But we are stuck with a wooden bridge and bone saddle!!

[@ramspencer5492]

He meant the saddle. Of course.

[@parasdua0d13]

Thanks, this is useful. But I'm in with a deep conundrum here. I have struggled a lot with barre chords, especially higher up the fret board, where I'm never able to press all the strings properly. Now, I'm not fully sure if that's due to some flaw in my technique (I'm largely beginner level), or due to the action of my guitar being too high. The problem is that in the covid scenario, I just haven't got an avenue to have the action checked with all shops likely closed, or me putting myself at great risk even if the shop is open. Any ideas in these circumstances?

[@MarkTheGuitarGuyChannel]

If you have the correct tool (usually an Allen key) you can do it yourself. Most people are afraid they’re going to break something, but it’s actually pretty easy.

[@MarkTheGuitarGuyChannel]

Look up “how to adjust the trussrod on an acoustic guitar” ... I should do a video fir this too

[@parasdua0d13]

Thanks! I do have an Allen key, but will it work for a Yamaha nylon string classical guitar?

[@pranavbhushan5391]

My strings are too high about 1cm from the fretboard in the last 21 fret. On the first fret it's 4mm. Could it be a reason that I am struggling with my F chord?

[@cookycandy4]

Pranav Bhushan it might be! i recently got a proper setup for my guitar where i got the action lowered just a bit; once i got that action fix, barre chording is so much easier! just be sure to go to a good luthier and not get it lowered too much, or it’ll just buzz.

[@christophergreen7929]

Great information, thank you.

[@MarkTheGuitarGuyChannel]

This is such a big issue for guitarists!! Cheers.

[@rudolfobello3268]

Thank you for the video, good help to understanding what im dealing with. I do have a question that is : What is the Average range for the action on a classical guitar with nylon strings ?

[@ExSkyCyclePilot]

Is that 2mm from the top of the 12th fret to the bottom of the string, or 2mm from the fretboard itself to the bottom of the string?

[@LucidDr3aming444]

That’s a beautiful guitar which one is it?

[@jerrydrayer1821]

Very helpful. Thanks.

[@KiwisCovers2112]

Any idea on how you would turn a truss rod starting to strip? Apparently my Allen key wasn't the right size and was slowly stripping it away (need to buy a new set) my action is way higher than I like with my new strings lol

[@MarkTheGuitarGuyChannel]

That’s a problem for a more clever & professional technician...sorry I can’t be more help here mate.

[@rickpiper4668]

File a slightly larger hex key down a little and remove the truss rod nut, then replace it, or cut a slot into it with a hacksaw so you can use a flat blade screwdriver. Also put a little oil on the threads.

[@Italiandingo]

Thanks mate, lowered my guitar action using your vid!

[@gigachad2276]

Hi i have a question Does my action get higher everyday Because i am worried i wake up i see that my action is geting higher i dont know if that is my mind or really its gets higher

[@MarkTheGuitarGuyChannel]

It’s very unlikely you’ll notice daily changes. Just relax but get someone to take a look if you’re still concerned.

[@aXegat]

Hey Mark, thanks for the vid it's always inspiring to listen to someone so passionate about guitars👍 I have a Maton SRS 60c and the action is 3mm at the 12th frett and I find it a bit high, what would be a good height for a Maton?? Also what string size would you recommend I'm currently using 13's. Cheers Al from sunny NZ

[@Brembelia]

Thank you for this video. The action on my guitar is fine at the nut but gradually gets higher as it approaches the saddle/bridge. It makes those frets at the bridge end really hard for me to play. I wasn't sure if I should take it to a guitar shop to have it worked on or not, but now I'm sure that's what needs to happen. Thanks again.

[@pinklemonade6597]

I don't have any guitar shops near where I live and I'm a beginner so idk what to do

[@fatdaddy1766]

Lots of videos on KZbin I have never took a gutair to a shop I adjust mine to my hand

[@aaron.0303]

When measuring the string above the fret in millimeters, should I measure from the metal 12th fret to the string, or from the space between the 11th and 12th metal frets? Sorry, I'm just starting out learning guitar haha.

[@Tang5oh]

what should i do with my epiphone studio lt (action wise)?

[@mr.mahimchaudhary]

Hey! Being able to find your channel is a big relief even before asking. I need to find out how much and how far can the truss rod be tightened on my brand new Yamaha F310 which I bought online and isn't set up. I find really high action around 9th and 12th frets and I need to bring that down so that playing becomes more enjoyable. Thanks in advance 👍🏼

[@johnantoine560]

Hi Mark, l own two classical guitars and lm quite new to playing, in fact it was February when I started. I have a question I’ll may? What are the best nylon or steal strings l can buy. My Fender came with steal strings, but my Ibanez came with nylon strings, please advise me, thank you for your assistance, John Antoine.

[@dannysound1]

Mark, I have many acoustic guitars I bought where I can nicely play solo and bend notes while playing, the last guitar I bought Gretsch, the strings are very tight with regular tuning that it’s very hard when I play solo to bend the strings to get notes, I’m using sets of strings Martin with high E of 13 set, is there a way to loosen the strings that it will not feel too tight on the guitar and will be easy to bend the strings while playing? Thanks

[@amanchaure5584]

I just bought a guitar online (Fender FA125CE). But the action is too high. Should I repair it now or shall I wait for a few days since its a new piece & a friend told me to play it as it is for a month before changing the settings in the truss rod. what is your opinion about this?

[@bentapia7110]

Just found you and dig your video on action. My question is I have a Yamaha FS830 and wonder will a bone or tusq saddle improve any sound?

[@bigbigdawg1]

Great video. Awesome information! Thanks

[@jeffreybonell4641]

Man, I just like listening to this guy.

[@fiksflix]

Very helpful. Thanks. Glad I found ur site.

[@harukiii2005]

Basically every typical low cost guitar in the streets

[@acidset]

Except all new guitars may need setup

[@gecko4310]

Thanks. Good tips. At which fret you measure the height ?

[@miniadventureswithmark3309]

That's the saddle I think you are referring to and not the bridge.

[@jasonmcduffie4902]

Omg. Duh

[@drkennethnoisewater4699]

Hey, I know this is an old video so hopefully you see the comment, but is there a guitar with good action and so on right off the shelf you'd recommend for a (somewhat) beginner? I've been playing long enough to know I love it but have no knowledge of what is good and not

[@justinTime077]

Thanks guitar guy!

[@MarkTheGuitarGuyChannel]

My pleasure mate

[@phyfts]

My action is too low notes are buzzing when I hit it hard :(

[@MarkTheGuitarGuyChannel]

You can loosen the neck a little or not hit it too hard. My acoustics are setup super low, so they do rattle a little if I get rough to be honest. But it’s a price I’m willing to pay...I have friends that would prefer slightly higher action and a more pure note.

[@DebangshuPaul]

Great bro it was really helpful for me, I also have a thing to know. Is Yamaha pacifica 012 good for a beginner? as an electric guitar?

[@Randy-2468]

Debangshu Paul awesome guitar for a beginner mate, that or a squire tele/strat.

[@rydellgarcia]

No wonder why 3 months after buying my first guitar. i still have a hard time pressing on the frets 😭 man i have thick callus now on my left fingers and i can still feel the sore after olaying it for minutes. shouldnt the callus build up bear the sore? bruh i need to find me some luthier to lower the action cause i aint enjoying my guitar anymore gaddamn

[@stephentyndall159]

Hi Mark, you said in this video you've put heavier strings on that particular guitar, did you have to adjust the nut slots to suit? I have an entry level Martin with light strings and want to change to medium. great video by the way, thanks.

[@lawrencehowse8556]

It’s not the bridge. It’s called the saddle. The bridge is the part the saddle fits into

[@yaj726]

My guitar is in standard tuning since I used tuner but the strings feel tight. Also, when I watch guitar videos and compare in my guitar tune, mine is a fret lower note.. My strings are too tight already to adjust to other guitars.. Any way it can be fixed? Help please.

[@SlesserSi]

how much would it cost for a pro to look over it normally? I want to do it myself but it's a nice guitar and don't wanna mess it up!

[@stephenrinet6980]

I've heard 35-50 for a professional setup

[@TheBbtlegit]

What is the thickest gauge string you can buy for acoustic guitar. And what gauge would you suggest for acoustic guitar.

[@ayungyumairi1135]

Andrew Collins 😗😆😆😆😆😆😗😗😆😆😆😆😆

[@ayungyumairi1135]

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[@imfhd0709]

Great video . . . I was looking for this?

[@noname1st139]

It's Friday and I was just going to ask a 3 year old post a question 😂, just incase you still answer, I play acoustic, Washburn festival es18, nothing special, Only I feel I'm ready to go to the next level, I'm looking for something with good tone throughout the neck and low action for hammering etc, songs like over the hills & far away led Zeppelin I find my guitar is not low enough to achieve a clean sound,if I use a capo it is really easy so I feel I'm ready to move to a lower action acoustic guitar for around £500 if possible, I'm leaning towards a second hand Taylor, any suggestions welcome, thank you

[@shankarkantharaj8697]

Great video... I actually got my guitar action reduced from the shop but they only shaved the saddle... But the strings are still high.. I'll go again and ask them to reduce the nut if possible... Thanks

[@manasganti8190]

hey great video...just a question .. I too have high string action on my guitar....I got it fixed but somehow it came back to its high position ...I again got it fixed but this time ...it isn't getting lowered after a certain point even though the distance is way more than 4 millimeters....I also noticed that the part behind the bridge is bulging ...is it because of this the action isn't getting lowered or is it because of the weather? please help....I have a takamine gn93ce

[@smoothassmooth]

some people like higher action I don't want it really high but I don't want it too low. I think I like mine a little higher then most. I just bought a guitar and I think the action is too low.

[@arnoldasgasparenas3240]

Awesome vid bro.

[@SliverCAN]

Very thorough answer. Well done.

[@surabhi4180]

Helpp- I just bought a guitar and it has 4mm gap between the strings and the fretboard as we go towards the hole Am I cooked?