It’s a familiar scenario for many guitar players: you pick up your beloved guitar after a break, only to find that playing feels much harder than you remember. The strings seem miles away from the fretboard, making chords and solos a real struggle. You’re not alone. Many guitarists experience this frustrating issue – High Action Guitar. But what causes this, and more importantly, how can you fix it?
Before diving into the causes, it’s important to understand what “action” means in the context of a guitar. Guitar action refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. Optimal action allows for comfortable playing, clear tone, and minimizes fret buzz. While some players might prefer slightly lower or higher action based on their playing style, excessively high action can lead to discomfort, fatigue, and even affect your guitar’s sound. It’s a common misconception that lower action is always better. In fact, action that is too low can sacrifice tone and volume. However, a sudden increase in action, making your guitar harder to play, is a clear sign something needs attention.
So, what are the common culprits behind suddenly high action guitar? Let’s explore the main reasons:
Neck Bow: The Role of Your Truss Rod
One of the most frequent causes of increased action is a change in your guitar neck’s curvature, specifically a forward bow. Guitar necks are made of wood, a material that is sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. Seasonal shifts, especially transitioning into spring or fall, can significantly impact the wood. As humidity levels fluctuate, the wood in your guitar neck can expand or contract. String tension constantly pulls the neck forward, and environmental changes can exacerbate this, causing the neck to bow forward.
Image alt: Close-up of a Martin guitar headstock showing tuning pegs, emphasizing the brand known for quality acoustic guitars.
Most modern guitars have a truss rod, an adjustable steel rod inside the neck that counteracts string tension and allows you to fine-tune the neck’s straightness (or relief). If your neck has bowed forward, adjusting the truss rod can often bring it back to the correct relief, lowering your guitar action significantly. This adjustment is a standard part of a guitar setup. Along with truss rod adjustments, a guitar technician might also adjust the saddle height to further optimize the action.
Neck Angle Issues: When the Neck Shifts
In some cases, particularly with bolt-on neck guitars, the neck itself might have shifted slightly in relation to the body. While less common in newer, well-constructed guitars like your Martin, it’s still a possibility. This issue can arise if the neck joint loosens or if the wood in the neck heel area compresses slightly over time.
Image alt: Detail view of a guitar neck heel where the neck joins the body, highlighting the craftsmanship of acoustic guitar construction.
A subtle neck angle shift can be harder to detect than a bowed neck. Sometimes, a small gap might appear at the heel of the neck where it joins the body. However, even without a visible gap, a minor shift can significantly raise the string height, especially further up the neck. For guitars with bolt-on necks, like some Martins, tightening the bolts securing the neck can sometimes resolve this issue. Accessing these bolts often involves removing a cover plate, typically located on the neck block inside the guitar body.
In more severe cases of neck angle issues, especially if the neck block has rotated, a neck reset might be necessary. This is a more complex repair, particularly for guitars with dovetail neck joints. However, for bolt-on necks, it’s a somewhat simpler process involving unbolting the neck, adjusting the neck heel angle, and re-attaching the neck at the correct angle.
Bridge Lifting: A Bridge in Distress
Another potential cause of high action, especially in acoustic guitars, is bridge lifting. The bridge is glued to the guitar’s top and is under constant stress from string tension. Fluctuations in humidity and temperature can weaken the glue joint over time. If the bridge starts to lift, even slightly, it will raise the string height and increase your guitar action.
Image alt: Elevated view of an acoustic guitar bridge showing potential signs of lifting from the guitar top, emphasizing a common guitar repair issue.
Visually inspect your bridge. Look for any gaps between the bridge and the guitar top, particularly at the front and back edges of the bridge. If you notice any lifting, it’s crucial to address it promptly to prevent further damage to your guitar.
Combination of Factors
It’s also possible that your high action guitar is due to a combination of these issues. For instance, you might have a slight neck bow combined with a minor neck angle shift or bridge lifting. Determining the exact cause or combination of causes requires a professional assessment.
Getting Your Guitar Back in Playing Shape
The best course of action when you experience suddenly high action guitar is to take it to a qualified luthier or guitar technician. They have the expertise and tools to accurately diagnose the problem and perform the necessary adjustments or repairs. Attempting complex repairs yourself, especially truss rod adjustments or neck resets, can potentially damage your guitar if not done correctly.
Maintaining a stable environment for your guitar, ideally around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 50% humidity, can help minimize wood movement and prevent action issues. However, even with the best care, guitars can still be affected by environmental changes and may require periodic setups to ensure optimal playability.
Don’t neglect your guitar! Regular playing and proper maintenance, including professional setups when needed, will keep your instrument in top condition and ensure you can always enjoy playing without the frustration of high action guitar.
