How to Adjust the Action on an Acoustic Guitar

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Customers call us every single day asking how to adjust (usually lower) the action on their acoustic guitar. This video has been on our "to do" list forever and we've finally found the time to put it together for you. Enjoy!
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StewMac has everything you need to set up, repair or build guitars.
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Tools and supplies used in this video include:
Precision Straight Edge
stewmac.com/item/3814
String Action Gauge
stewmac.com/item/0670
Understring Radius Gauge
stewmac.com/item/0353
Radius Block
stewmac.com/item/0415
Luthier's Digital Caliper
stewmac.com/item/0447
Bleached White Bone Saddles
stewmac.com/item/6033
Nut Seating File
stewmac.com/item/5060
Facebook: / stewmac
Instagram: @StewMac_Guitar

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Опубликовано:

7 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 1,2 тыс.

@CharlesAlvear 5 лет назад

OK RU-vidrs. Take Note! THIS is how you do a tutorial video! No need for flashy intros, or trailing off the subject or trying to be overly humorous. Just organize the content ahead of time and not try to wing it. Get straight to the point and offer close-up shots of the actions to be taken. Very nice job sir! Kudos! I have been balking on buying some of the setup tools for my acoustic, but I think I'll invest so I can make my own adjustments. Thank you!

@quad1000 5 лет назад

and he's cool, easy and straightforward in person. worked on a vintage acoustic of mine.

@brauliocavalcanti3703 5 лет назад

I'd rather he were a little more humorous and lightened up a bit, but still; awesome video!

@inv8890 5 лет назад

Someone please tell me the ideal action for an acoustic guitar. Mine is 3.9 mm and I'm a beginner. Is it too much? How much should it be ?

@mikewilliams258 5 лет назад

It would be even better if he lost the unnecessary, distracting background music.

@cinders302 5 лет назад

@@mikewilliams258 haha...that's the difference between people. I was so caught up in his excellent demo that I wasn't even aware of the background music!

@AhmedGamal-dz4bo 5 лет назад

This guy talks like a professor who has a degree in guitars and its maintenance 🤟🏼

@matalimatali2727 5 лет назад

Plot twist:he really got guitar degree

@davidbeyers7674 4 года назад

He has a PhD in Guitarology.

@sansocie 4 года назад

@@davidbeyers7674 From Dan!

@john564holloway 4 года назад

I've followed Dan since the 80's when he had his 'Repair-tip' articles in Guitar World mag. He does know his stuff. His milk glass is on my Xmas list. Please consider selling a StewMac/Dan cap!

@sansocie 4 года назад

@@john564holloway I will. We would fight over who got to read the new catalog! I was a woodwind repairman... But loved the Tool ideas!

@growfarbeyond 5 лет назад

What i learned watching this video is to drop my guitar at the repair shop

@n8tehgr8est 4 года назад

Same here. I'd love to learn all this someday but right now I'd rather have it done for me

@luleprince2200 4 года назад

😂😂😂😂 same here

@Ramo_Baramia 4 года назад

I was like how hard can it be, after watching i decided to take it to the shop lol my brain cells died with all that measurements :)

@muradmaharramov4888 4 года назад

Same )

@tinastanley4444 4 года назад

Lmao😀

@chrisshirley4877 4 года назад

As a guitarist of over 50 years and guitar repair tech of nearly 40, I have to say that you are one fantastic teacher. Your video taught this subject so distinctly and thoroughly, and yet in a language that anybody can understand. You rock! Great work, man.l

@Tholin-tm7ps Год назад

I love to play but my rent is tight and a lot of people doesn't like the noise

@mozartsmate6358 8 месяцев назад

@@Tholin-tm7psIndeed...

@gijsbertuslaurensvandevooren 4 месяца назад

Headphones?@@Tholin-tm7ps

@JoshL117 5 лет назад

Gotta have good maysurements

@erikschere1993 5 лет назад

And don't forget to check your maysurements

@zbqb84a 5 лет назад

I kept watching just to hear it more.

@joshmk 5 лет назад

JoshL117 😂😂😂

@dhanushshenoy745 5 лет назад

Be honest, you like how he says it.. because I do

@Tyetheberious 5 лет назад

Thank you for writing this...I was hoping to find a comment, haha!

@timothyloomis7811 5 лет назад

Holy moly, it's about time someone posted a video that can talk THE ENTIRE process of adjusting an acoustic WITHOUT talking over someones head. This dude is an absolute pro. Smartly articulated and the visual aids are spot on. This guy wants you to succeed at adjusting your own stuff. The use of some clever techniques I'm already familiar with but never thought to apply the way he does is incredibly helpful. For once, I actually feel like I can attempt to maintenance an acoustic without issue. An absolutely outstanding job on this video! By far the best I've seen to date.

@a64tbird 5 лет назад

This guy is f****** awesome. Great video!!!! More please, hire this guy full time!!!!

@stewmac 5 лет назад

We did :)... he works in our R&D department... and you're right, he is awesome.

@funkster007 5 лет назад

I wish he lived in my area. My Martin would be going straight to him.

@figjam9530 5 лет назад

@@funkster007 i just bought a near new martin from a friend, he "didn't like how it plays". i wouldn't either, with factory action. lol. gonna set up the action and let him play it again. can't wait to see the look on his face. XD

@funkster007 5 лет назад

Fig Jam, a newer one I could fix. I bought mine VERY used with a questionable neck. But yeah I'm sure your friend will regret it when you get it tweaked. :)

@andrianerhan9471 5 лет назад

Came to the comments just to make sure someone has mentioned it Cool guy, I like him And great video

@randypenn8763 5 лет назад

Thanks for not rambling about aunt Ida's lumbago. I wish every video was this clear and only spoke about the subject.

@montythepython7614 5 лет назад

Great name for a band. Aunt Ida's lumbago.....

@bluesriot2 5 лет назад

I wanted to find out how she was, maybe in part two he'll let us know

@rehtafsedaj777 4 года назад

My aunt has a Winnebago does that count?

@mma1st105 4 года назад

What the hell is a lumbago? Is it anything like libido?

@draquilacasket1719 4 года назад

Uncle from RDR2: LUMBAGO

@duderino1897 5 лет назад

this is amazing! everything is straight to the point. combined with the animations i understood more from this video than any other videos i watched here. please make more of these videos.. they are seriously good

@johnbooks4383 5 лет назад

Absolutely the best video tutorial on these, potentially complex, adjustments. This man really knows his stuff.

@bagoodale 5 лет назад

Best acoustic guitar setup lesson ever! Why not have this guy do an electric guitar setup video too. He’s so easy to follow

@guitaranswerguy 5 лет назад

One of the best, most concise high-level summaries of acoustic setup I've found.

@good_king_guitarman1334 5 лет назад

What a great video. This bloke has a relaxed manner and delivers the material succinctly. He should do a whole series of "How to do..." on guitars. Thanks dude, you rock!

@gijsbertuslaurensvandevooren 4 месяца назад

Hé did

@geofo60 4 года назад

Definitely a tutorial worth keeping. With my failing eyesight and worn out fingers at least when I take my acoustics to the repair shop I’ll sound like I know what I’m talking about when I ask them for a full setup. Thanks from the UK for sharing & cutting straight to the chase, excellent video & graphics without the usual “fluff”. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

@paulbanerjee2078 4 года назад

Awesome information. As a guitarist of over 30 years, I still learnt so much from this video. Thanks for posting.

@400_billion_suns 5 лет назад

Just want to echo the many other comments and say this was a great video! Concise yet detailed, all the important info is covered, and there's something very likeable about this guy. StewMac's how-to videos are a treasure trove of useful information!

@smalltownnightlife 5 лет назад

Really enjoyed this video. I realized that I don't have the patience to attempt this but I gained respect for the people that do. :)

@jesseascriven 5 лет назад

I’ve been playing decades, and this is the best video I’ve seen on this topic.

@BobTheOneGuy 2 года назад

Oh man, working on my first acoustic guitar's action has been puzzling me for a while, but you have answered questions I've been asking for years! Thank you so much!

@IZZTZRN 5 лет назад

One of the better guitar maintenance tutorials I've seen in a while. Awesome job! 🤘🤘🤘

@CoKeHQ1 4 года назад

Wow have never seen a more perfect tutorial video. Thank you! time to bring my old accoustic back to life!

@Widur42 5 лет назад

By far THE BEST video about this topic. Took some time to find it.

@MrMrfreedom1 5 лет назад

This was by far the best tutorial on any subject I have ever seen on RU-vid. Great job!!

@quad1000 5 лет назад

met this guy, he's straight up. won't BS you on your guitar repair, great work too.

@idontwant2beasoldiermama241 4 года назад

How much did he charged you?

@warrenfurey2666 4 года назад

I would just like to say thank you very much for your video. It was easy to follow even for a novice like me. I have a 1972 Sigma / Martin (Japan) Acoustic that I am just learning on as I'm a beginner. I checked the action and found it to be very high which I thought would not help my left hand as they had to press on the strings very firmly. I adjusted the truss rod and put in a new bone saddle in which I sanded down for a low action. The result is fantastic. The Guitar not only is easier to play but sounds excellent. I'll just have to put the hours in now and learn to play :) Thank you once again. Warren (Kalgoorlie Australia)

@j.p.marion5377 2 года назад

I had an acoustic that felt really stiff to play as he was describing in this video. After doing what he demonstrates in this video, I measured that my action at the bridge was 1.25mm too high, so I followed his process to sand down the bridge to lower the action and it's like a totally different guitar. Plays so much easier. What a well done video! Thank you StewMac, this was extremely helpful.

@stewmac 2 года назад

Awesome! So glad it was helpful!

@charlie-obrien 4 года назад

Simple and direct instructions and examples with very good photography ( I think that's the first time I've ever said that on RU-vid) is what makes this tutorial stand out. I bought an acoustic that I really love, from a guy who had it set up with 12 gauge strings, which I really don't love and I am going to go back down to 10's. I know this will cause all kinds of buzz if I don't adjust at least the truss rod and possibly the nut. After watching this video I feel confident that I can make the adjustment on my acoustic, just as I have on my electrics.

@seanmcaleavy2369 5 лет назад

This is, without a doubt, the best tutorial that I have seen on adjusting string height on an acoustic guitar. It was succinct and to the point, while still being comprehensive. If only all tutorials on RU-vid were as well done we wouldn't be drowning in an ocean of misinformation. Kudos to StewMac and the big guy. Well done, indeed.

@MrMeowmixcookies 4 года назад

As a beginner 2 weeks into practice, yeah i can play a few chords in a song and have ok strumming. But from day 1 til now now matter how hard i try, some things in the littlest way seem off. This video explained shit like a boss. And literally changed learning guitar for me. I was pushing down so hard in 1st fret to keep a chord or buzz feed back in bass strings for no reason. Now its like butter. This is how you teach people. Thanks bud

@johnkeith5341 2 года назад

I searched "how to adjust acoustic guitar action," and this is the first video that popped up. Now I know why. This is the perfect instructional video. Visual aids and clear, concise explanations. Well done, sir.

@stewmac 2 года назад

Thanks for the feedback!

@SmalltimR 5 лет назад

This is hands-down the best string action tutorial I have ever seen!

@StopFear 3 месяца назад

I want to thank the guy in the video for making these tutorials and explanations. Regardless of how many views they got at the time of upload I think (I hope) these videos will remain on RU-vid for many decades. It’s a good service to any musicians, guitar amateurs, and public in general.

@gtrplyr67 5 лет назад

Nice video. Good pace, clear speech, easy to understand.

@homeone4054 4 года назад

Great visuals and inserts too

@dankelly7712 4 года назад

Easily the clearest, best in every way tutorial on any topic ive seen on youtue. this is how its done. thanks Stewmac!

@marktwain368 5 лет назад

A straightforward and clear discussion that is -in itself- a lesson every guitar player can use.

@40rpt 5 лет назад

Great video! Very well organized and it gives the viewer enough information to make an informed decision about what adjustments they want to tackle, and what to leave to the pros.

@BraveNuword 5 лет назад

The best tutorial video I have ever seen in any category!

@Cigarsnguitars 5 лет назад

Agreed. One of the best videos I’ve ever seen on any subject. This guy did a bang up job. I’ve got all the equipment for this job so I’ll be working on an old acoustic I have later today. 🤘

@davidbeyers7674 4 года назад

That's what I'm talking about. Solid information, delivered clearly with no fluff. Brilliant!

@rageoid 4 года назад

Love how this video gives clear and ordered information. Yes, I will buy some additional Stew Mac tools, and gladly pay the price, because I now know a good bit more about how and when to use them. I have screwed up many nuts and saddles over the years by scrimping on tools and taking shortcuts - no more !!

@jimhood1202 4 года назад

Beautifully done. Concise and methodical. Covered everything! Thank you very much.

@williamchiusano3185 5 лет назад

I've been playing 35 years ..This is THE ONLY Video /Instructor I have ever seen that was Comprehendable, Layman terms ,simple and THOROUGH ... I like the BAIL OUT point options as well .. I Could Do ANY of this ..I am sure Not over Confident Just It's choice me with time management and is it work or Fun ... I enjoy WORK just NOT when I'm exhausted from Playing Etc

@chiimpy 5 лет назад

Couldn't agree more, been playing for 8 years myself and have search far and wide for a tutorial that explained in detail yet easy to follow.

@williamchiusano3185 5 лет назад

I never SHOULD on MYSELF...

@chiimpy 5 лет назад

@Keith Clark And your ignorance is what separates you from a guitar player and a musician. Musicians stick together, no judgement, you sir, are just a guitar player.

@mike7652 4 года назад

@Keith Clark OK Boomer. Get back to your geriatric hair metal cover band.

@ThePossumPotter 5 лет назад

This. is. the. best. Video. Ever. So easy to understand without going into unnecessary details. Perfection! Thank you so much!

@CaliforniaCarpenter7 2 года назад

Wow. This was phenomenal. I searched high and low and watched a lot of confusing, even conflicting content. I cherish my little Washburn and I needed something this involved to gain the confidence I needed. Cheers!

@bernoulli884 5 лет назад

Best video I've seen on the subject. Awesome.

@IndianaDoug 4 года назад

Great video! Couple of things to mention if I may: String gauge will have an impact on truss rod tension, also its not advised adjusting this while strings are off. Another little cool trick: when setting intonation, the distance between the nut and the 12th fret, should measure the same distance as the bridge and the 12th fret. Lastly, a quick intonation check can be simply making a harmonic at the 12th fret, then comparing the tone to the note on the 12th fret of the same string; should be the same. Hope this helps!

@glennsprigg2378 Год назад

Doug, you are right!... Especially your last sentence about the 12th fret harmonics!! I used to always have a comb in my pocket for my hair, and if in a guitar shop, (especially 2nd hand ones!), I would use the back edge of my comb lightly touching the strings after first plucking the strings, to check the harmonics. (The Perfect 5th 3rd harmonic on the 7th fret, is a good one too!!)... In one shop, they approached me saying they've never seen a guitar checked with a comb before!! hahahaha.....

@wjpicnplay 2 года назад

Wow! I’ve always been too nervous to try and do my own repairs/fixes, and this video actually gave me a little confidence! Thank you brother, i know this vid is 3+ yrs ago, but got to say, loved the way you presented it! Very cool and to the point-

@htownheat193 2 года назад

The action on my acoustic guitar has been fighting me for over a year. I was confused on how to adjust this but thanks to this video I have solved my problem. I’m so happy that my guitar is now playable. Thank you so much !

@stewmac 2 года назад

Great to hear!

@sagnier 4 года назад

Knowledgeable AND he’s written a script for himself, so there’s nothing extraneous. And the video is edited effectively. I wish all tutorials were this good.

@mattheweastel129 5 лет назад

Superb video; clear and concise with great instruction. I’ve watched so many videos like this but this is exceptional

@sabelinho 3 года назад

Awesome guide! I just sanded down the saddle on my Martin 00-15M to get the perfect action. Worked like a dream thanks to this tutorial. Many thanks!

@kiduskebede 4 года назад

This is the best RU-vid tutorial on how to adjust the action of a guitar. Thank you!!

@johnnyd4247 5 лет назад

No fluff! This guy knows his stuff. Refreshing!!

@brewmusic58 4 года назад

What a great video. No mind numbing banter or personal opinion. Straightforward and very useful information and video description. Well done! Thank-you StewMac for a first class video on guitar action.

@k.m.382 4 года назад

This is the perfect instructional video. Easy to follow, it's to the point, and the segways keep it from getting boring. I hate to see a continuous shot of someone droning on. This was refreshing. Thank you, Sir, you're a gentleman and a scholar.

@calfee62 4 года назад

No muss, no fuss, just the stuff you need to know with enough detail. Fantastic!

@BrenQ99 5 лет назад

Great video. Very informative and concise. Thus guy is terrific!

@rajbroh4334 4 года назад

Only ultra patient people can do this, even in this lockdown period i’m still hoping that i can send my guitar to a repair shop, this guitar professor gives very informative lecture btw, salute!

@400_billion_suns 4 года назад

If you don't have the patience to do a task like this, I can't fathom how you had the patience to learn to play guitar at all... ?

@herranton 3 года назад

@@400_billion_suns Some people don't work with their hands well. Taking things apart and fixing them is a lot different skill that playing a guitar. I can see how it would be scary to take some sandpaper to something you spend a lot of money on.

@SilentNoMore64 6 месяцев назад

I don't know what I admire more. This gentlmans vast knowledge of guitar care or the fact that he is an amazing teacher. When is comes to mechanical tasks, I need small simply words. Your instruction was super easy to understand. As a side note, thank you for not wasting my time with flowery self reviews regarding how able you are, long irritating intro or subscription begging. You are a champion!!!❤🎉🎸🎶

@gregeastridge8936 3 года назад

Wow man! You really broke that down like a shotgun. Thank you for a very easy, in depth tutorial. I just received a new Ibanez acoustic for my birthday and quickly noticed the relief is a bit much, your video was exactly what was needed to resolve the issue. Thanks again.

@wyzapple 5 лет назад

Great content. Well explained, easy to follow (even with my A.D.D. in tow), and awesome graphics/editing. Good job!

@matushka1000 5 лет назад

Best tutorial ive come across. excellent info and easy to follow. thanks so much.

@ClaytonBoyle 3 года назад

Just got my first guitar, pushing 41 years old...great video and gives me a good knowledge base to start with. I will take all the measurements and then drop this sucker off at the shop and measure again on its return. Thanks for taking the time to do this.

@0HARE 5 лет назад

Thank you. I really needed this video right now. I’m reworking the action on my 1962 Gibson C0 nylon string guitar, and your detailed and easy to understand walk-through will help a lot. Rock On

@dalirikista8831 5 лет назад

Very useful content specially for me who loves to play acoustic guitar. Thank you for this. 😉

@ardenstrat 5 лет назад

great job explaining the process. awesome . very well done brother,

@Charlie_Underscore 2 года назад

This is the simplest, most informative, and straight to the point video I've seen on this topic. Everyone else has confusing instructions and none of them agree with each other. Long story short, I liked this guy. Thanks for the help dooder! -Charlie

@geoffdewar8845 3 года назад

I have experience teaching (College Professor) and, I have to say that this guy is amazing. His teaching style is is bang-on. I have learned so much from this video. Thanks so much.

@peefme 4 года назад

i feel like understanding my guitar even more. also he has a cool expression while explain this. awesome man!

@johnmitchell1614 3 года назад

Remember to MAYSURE lol first.

@BenjaminsBay 4 года назад

This was THE best tutorial I have ever seen on RU-vid!

@wavemancali 4 года назад

Best tutorial video I have ever seen. You sir should become a teacher, we need people like you out there.

@ricktheexplorer 4 года назад

I am working with adjusting action on a resonator today - google must have known it, because I needed to see this video! Thanks.

@imranqaiser 5 лет назад

Really appreciate the way you made the whole video. Very nice. Keep it up. Just subscribed your channel. 🤘

@kishorekumarbiswas4256 4 года назад

Sir ur talking style is so beautiful and humble 👏😃& this lesson is so helpful....thanksss Sir ✌😎🎸🎶❤

@fredherbert1400 4 года назад

Amazing video. Clear and precise instructions with great camera angles. Thank you so much!

@AntonioFardella 5 лет назад

As always, amazing tutorial, gets straight to the point without any useless info. I love it!

@darrellturner560 5 лет назад

Awesome with very practical advise. Thank you!

@groovethestrings 5 лет назад

Best video on this topic on RU-vid !!!!

@bfells 4 года назад

been playing guitar now for almost 5 years .. all self taught ,,, youtube / apps . watching this makes me want to kick myself in the butt for not taking lessons or getting real instruction before developing bad habits and have no idea how my guitar works , i learned so much in this video and it answered so many lil questions i had of why my guitar had buzz or why i had to press so hard for notes . liked subscribed and shared ! keep up the good work , you've honestly changed the way i look at my guitar for the better :-).

@reddevil9554 2 года назад

I've looked at loads of these videos and yours was by far the best and to the point.

@catsven1973 5 лет назад

I checked out every video about the subject since 2008... and this by far the best.. short accurate and with a plenty of useful informations.. By the way I bought Mc Donald’s primary tools.. very useful.

@Corpsecrank 4 года назад

Well that was a great video. Right to the point without a lot of fooling around over the details. This should be how all instructional videos should be.

@shkedovb 4 года назад

Extremely helpful and a explained vid, we thank you stewmac crew!

@AndiDrajan 4 года назад

Thanks man! I haven't played this guitar in over a year and my E string was buzzing. Turning the truss rod fixed it.

@jimking9338 5 лет назад

Great job ,Thanks forget the dislikes some one posted they are the ones who hate everthing..

@Gibson1961SG 5 лет назад

Succinct, accurate, articulated well enough (maysurement.. lol), and edited very well. This may be the best video on this information that I've ever seen. Please keep it up! Also, speech therapy really helped me with a couple of my annoying speech quarks. Just an idea... :p

@grahamharris9657 4 года назад

Great video. Very clear and concise. He writes the numbers down so I can stop and read them. I am half way through a new nut and saddle install on a parlour guitar. After watching this, I need to go back to the nut and make a few more slot adjustments. Best acoustic set up video I have seen.

@leomiguel 4 года назад

Amazing video, man! Even if you don't wanna do it by yourself is a excellent way to know the difficulties of the work

@WilliamMartinez-lm1sk 5 лет назад

Hello, keep up the good work, thank you for the info.

@tinahedge5569 5 лет назад

WELL DONE!..... Many a Utuber could learn how to PROPERLY do a "How to" vid from you my man!

@UnKnown-zt7om 5 лет назад

How to basic is good too... I think...

@IovanescuMihai 4 года назад

The best tutorial on RU-vid about the guitarstrings Action! Many thanks.

@MichaelDBauer 5 лет назад

Absolutely fantastic video, sir. Voice, information and presence was to the point. Thank you.

@RonaldRegan314 5 лет назад

Quick tip, when filing nut, use compressed air to clean up the space that way the shavings don't give you a false measurement

@billyboy6028 5 лет назад

And file at a slight back angle to avoid buzzing at the nut, critical.

@pierheadjump 5 лет назад

shims - I'v clipped old guitar strings & dropped them into the slot - works great.

@genipaisley4340 3 года назад

That's a great idea. Very easy to make adjustments too by changing gauges. Thanks!

@stanleyshedd2643 4 года назад

Thank God I found this video. Been stumbling through U tube for an hour listening to nonsense. This guy gets right to business and no b.s. thanks for the info bro. Now I feel confident I can adjust my guitar.