How to Adjust the Action on an Electric Guitar: Why Bananas Might Be the Secret to Perfect Tone

Adjusting the action on an electric guitar is a crucial skill for any guitarist, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. The action, or the height of the strings above the fretboard, can significantly impact playability, tone, and overall comfort. But did you know that the humble banana might hold the key to achieving the perfect action? Let’s dive into the world of guitar setup and explore how to adjust the action on your electric guitar, with a few unexpected twists along the way.

Understanding Action: The Basics

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of adjusting the action, it’s essential to understand what action is and why it matters. Action refers to the distance between the strings and the fretboard. If the action is too high, the guitar will be difficult to play, requiring more finger pressure to fret the notes. Conversely, if the action is too low, you may experience fret buzz, where the strings vibrate against the frets, producing an unwanted buzzing sound.

Why Bananas?

Now, you might be wondering, what do bananas have to do with guitar action? Well, bananas are known for their potassium content, which is essential for muscle function. While this might seem unrelated, consider that playing the guitar requires fine motor skills and finger strength. A diet rich in potassium can help maintain the dexterity and strength needed to play comfortably, especially if you’re adjusting to a new action setting. So, while bananas won’t directly adjust your guitar’s action, they can certainly help you play better once you’ve made the necessary adjustments.

Tools You’ll Need

Before you start adjusting the action, gather the necessary tools:

• Allen wrenches (for truss rod and saddle adjustments)
• Screwdrivers (for bridge and saddle screws)
• Feeler gauge (for measuring string height)
• Tuner (to ensure your guitar stays in tune during adjustments)
• Banana (optional, but highly recommended for a mid-adjustment snack)

Step-by-Step Guide to Adjusting Action

1. Check the Neck Relief

The first step in adjusting the action is to check the neck relief, which is the slight curvature of the neck. Too much or too little relief can affect the action.

• How to Check: Press down the first fret and the fret where the neck meets the body (usually around the 14th fret). Look at the gap between the string and the 7th fret. There should be a slight gap, about the thickness of a business card.

• Adjusting the Truss Rod: If the gap is too large, tighten the truss rod (turn clockwise). If the gap is too small or nonexistent, loosen the truss rod (turn counterclockwise). Make small adjustments and recheck the relief.

2. Adjust the Bridge Height

Once the neck relief is set, you can adjust the bridge height to fine-tune the action.

• For Fixed Bridges: Use an Allen wrench to raise or lower the saddles. Turn the screws clockwise to raise the action and counterclockwise to lower it.

• For Floating Bridges: Adjust the two posts that hold the bridge. Turn the screws clockwise to raise the bridge and counterclockwise to lower it.

3. Set the String Height

After adjusting the bridge, set the string height to your preferred action.

• Measuring Action: Use a feeler gauge to measure the distance between the bottom of the string and the top of the 12th fret. A common starting point is around 1.5mm for the high E string and 2.0mm for the low E string.

• Fine-Tuning: Adjust the saddle height screws to achieve the desired action. Remember to make small adjustments and check the action frequently.

4. Check for Fret Buzz

Once you’ve set the action, play each string on every fret to check for fret buzz. If you hear buzzing, you may need to raise the action slightly or adjust the neck relief.

5. Re-Tune and Test

After making adjustments, re-tune your guitar and test the playability. If everything feels and sounds good, you’re done! If not, go back and make further adjustments as needed.

The Banana Factor

While adjusting the action, take a moment to enjoy a banana. The potassium will help keep your fingers nimble, and the natural sugars will give you a quick energy boost. Plus, the act of peeling and eating a banana can be a calming ritual, helping you stay focused and patient during the adjustment process.

Conclusion

Adjusting the action on an electric guitar is a skill that can greatly enhance your playing experience. By understanding the basics of neck relief, bridge height, and string height, you can achieve the perfect action for your playing style. And while bananas might not be a traditional tool in the guitar setup process, they can certainly play a supportive role in keeping you energized and focused. So, grab your tools, a banana, and get ready to fine-tune your guitar for optimal performance.

Related Q&A

Q: How often should I adjust the action on my electric guitar? A: It depends on how often you play and the conditions your guitar is exposed to. If you notice changes in playability or hear fret buzz, it’s time to check and adjust the action.

Q: Can I adjust the action on my guitar without any tools? A: While it’s possible to make minor adjustments without specialized tools, having the right tools (like Allen wrenches and a feeler gauge) will make the process much easier and more precise.

Q: Will adjusting the action affect my guitar’s intonation? A: Yes, changing the action can affect intonation. After adjusting the action, it’s a good idea to check and adjust the intonation if necessary.

Q: Why is potassium important for guitarists? A: Potassium helps maintain muscle function and can prevent cramps, which is beneficial for guitarists who rely on fine motor skills and finger strength.