Guitar Post: Raising the Action

[Sleeping in EQ]

I used to play with my action only a whisker above fret buzz. I thought I played better that way.

I'm learning, though, that I play more accurately with the action set higher. I'm a little slower, but my play is cleaner. My fingers are more accurate when they depress the strings a bit further.

Have you experienced this?

[creekster]

I used to play with my action only a whisker above fret buzz. I thought I played better that way.

I'm learning, though, that I play more accurately with the action set higher. I'm a little slower, but my play is cleaner. My fingers are more accurate when they depress the strings a bit further.

Have you experienced this?

Yes. I learned what little skills I have on a classical guitar and I find that playing that high action always makes me play more cleanly and accurately. I always fell like I am a better player on a low action, but that is because I can get away with being sloppy.

caveat, I am not very good with nay action, so take it with a grain of salt.

[Shaka]

Stevie Ray Vaughn played with very high action and we all know how awesome he was. I have thought for years that guitars with high action usually sound better.

I usually go for more of a middle of the road setup. I keep once guitar (PRS Tremonti) that is set quite low and one that is set on the high side (parts tele that I built). If I need to shred a bit I go for the Tremonti and if I'm looking for killer clean tone I reach for the tele. Most of the time I play a strat or a Les Paul which split the difference.