Action Of A Guitar: A Complete Buyer's Guide

If you're shopping for a new guitar, you've probably heard experienced players discuss "action"—but what does this term actually mean, and why should it influence your purchase? The action of a guitar is the height of the strings above the fretboard, a specification that profoundly affects playability, comfort, and whether an instrument suits your skill level and playing style. Buying a guitar with inappropriate action for your needs is one of the most common mistakes beginners make, leading to hand fatigue, frustration, and instruments gathering dust in corners. This guide walks you through understanding action, evaluating it when shopping, and determining what action height suits your playing and budget.

Understanding Action of a Guitar: What It Is and Why It Matters

The action of a guitar is measured as the distance between the string and the fretboard, typically at the 12th fret. Low action (closer strings) feels easier to press and reduces finger fatigue—ideal for fast playing and lead work. High action requires more finger strength but reduces string buzz and vibration, making it better for strumming acoustic guitars or playing aggressively. The action of a guitar exists in a spectrum, and different instruments come factory-set with different specifications.

When evaluating the action of a guitar before purchase, you're essentially deciding whether this instrument will feel comfortable in your hands. A guitar with unsuitable action becomes an uphill battle: too-high action causes hand pain; too-low action creates buzzing sounds that ruin your tone. Understanding the relationship between action of a guitar and playability is your first step toward making a smart purchase.

Action of a Guitar by Playing Style and Skill Level

Playing Style	Ideal Action Height	Why This Action Works	Skill Level Requirement
Lead/Solo playing	Low (1.4–1.8mm bass, 1.1–1.4mm treble)	Lower action enables faster, cleaner note transitions and reduces fatigue during runs and solos	Intermediate to advanced
Folk/singer-songwriter strumming	Medium (2.0–2.4mm bass, 1.6–1.8mm treble)	Medium action balances comfort with reduced buzz during vigorous strumming patterns	All levels
Classical/fingerstyle	Medium to high (2.2–2.7mm bass, 1.8–2.2mm treble)	Higher action prevents finger crowding and allows better control over individual strings in complex fingerings	Intermediate to advanced
Acoustic strumming (beginner)	High (2.5–3.0mm bass, 2.0–2.5mm treble)	Beginners benefit from higher action as they haven't yet developed the finger strength for consistent pressing	Beginner
Jazz or archtop playing	Medium-high (2.2–2.6mm)	Balances clear note separation with comfort for complex chords and picking techniques	Advanced

How to Evaluate Action of a Guitar When Buying

The Visual Test

Before touching the instrument, look at it under good lighting. Hold the guitar at eye level and sight down the neck. The action of a guitar becomes visually apparent: low-action guitars have strings sitting very close to frets; high-action guitars show obvious daylight beneath strings. This quick visual check eliminates unsuitable options immediately without needing to test-play.

The Hands-On Test

Press down on fretted notes throughout the neck (first fret through 12th fret) and assess how much finger pressure the action of a guitar demands. Light pressure should produce clear tone; if you need to press hard, the action is likely too high. Also check for buzzing—if strings rattle on frets when played lightly, the action of a guitar is too low. Buzz is particularly common in budget instruments with poor setup and is nearly impossible to correct without professional adjustment.

Testing Across Different Frets

The action of a guitar should feel consistent across all frets. Sometimes an instrument has low action near the first fret but rises dramatically by the 12th fret (or vice versa). This indicates a problem with neck relief or fretwork that you should negotiate in pricing or reject outright—correction is expensive and complex.

Action of a Guitar by Instrument Type: What to Expect

Electric Guitars

Electric guitars typically have the lowest factory action of a guitar across all types. Most ship with approximately 1.5–2.0mm action (bass side) and 1.2–1.7mm (treble side). This is intentional: solid bodies support low action without buzzing, and electric amplification makes clean transitions more important than volume.

Acoustic Guitars

Acoustic guitars ship with noticeably higher factory action of a guitar than electrics, usually 2.5–3.2mm (bass) and 2.0–2.7mm (treble). The reasoning: acoustics need string vibration space for resonance, and the added finger strength required discourages beginners from developing poor habits. Adjusting acoustic action downward is possible but expensive.

Classical Guitars

Classical guitar action of a guitar is consistently high across the board, typically 3.0+ mm on the bass side. This is non-negotiable for the technique; classical fingerings require this spacing. Buying a classical guitar expecting low action guarantees frustration.

Common Mistakes Buyers Make Regarding Action of a Guitar

• Assuming all guitars of the same model have identical action: Factory setups vary. Two identical guitars from the same manufacturer can have noticeably different action of a guitar. Always test the specific instrument you're buying, not just the model.
• Ignoring action when focused on other specs: A guitar with perfect pickups and beautiful finish becomes maddening if the action of a guitar is unsuitable. Playability ranks above cosmetics.
• Expecting to adjust action yourself: Action adjustment requires professional setup. Budget £50–£150 for professional truss rod and nut work if you need to modify a guitar's action significantly. DIY attempts often damage instruments.
• Buying budget guitars then complaining about action: Budget guitars commonly ship with suboptimal action of a guitar. Either set aside money for professional setup after purchase or accept moderate action as part of the budget compromise.
• Confusing action with fret buzz: Slight buzz at certain frets doesn't necessarily mean action of a guitar is too low—it might indicate a fret-levelling issue. Professional diagnosis prevents costly mistakes.
• Not considering your own hand strength: Beginners often gravitate toward low-action guitars assuming they're "easier," but weak finger strength makes low action uncomfortable. Start with medium-to-high action, then adjust as your technique improves.

Action of a Guitar: Budget Considerations and Professional Setup

Most guitars benefit from professional setup shortly after purchase. If you're buying a budget instrument, factor £50–£150 into your total cost for professional action adjustment and setup. This single expense transforms a mediocre instrument into something genuinely playable. Conversely, premium guitars ship with expert setups already complete—another reason they command higher prices.

When comparing instruments at different price points, two guitars with similar action of a guitar and hardware might sound completely different due to wood quality and craftsmanship. Use action as one evaluation criterion, not the sole one, but never compromise dramatically on action for other features.

For deeper exploration of guitar types, features, and how different specifications interact, check out our complete guide to guitar action, which covers advanced adjustment techniques, troubleshooting common issues, and the science behind why action matters.

Final Checklist: Evaluating Action of a Guitar Before Purchase

• Action of a guitar height matches your playing style and skill level
• No significant buzzing when pressing down normally on strings
• Action of a guitar feels consistent across all frets
• You've tested the specific instrument you're buying, not just the model
• Finger pressure required feels reasonable for your hand strength
• Budget includes professional setup if needed (£50–£150)
• You understand the difference between low, medium, and high action specifications
• The action of a guitar you're considering doesn't require expensive fret work to correct

Making a smart purchase decision about guitar action separates beginners who quit from those who persevere. An instrument that feels right in your hands, with action suited to your technique and strength, becomes a tool you reach for regularly. Conversely, fighting unsuitable action drains motivation and creates unnecessary frustration. Take time to understand and evaluate the action of a guitar you're considering buying, test thoroughly, and when in doubt, invest in professional setup. Your playing will thank you.