The Action (1)
Action refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. It has (have) an influence on the way an instrument is adjusted and how well it plays. When the action is high, it’s more difficult to press the strings against the fret. On the other hand, if the action is to low, the string will touch the fret and create a “buzz”. Only the attack will sound with not sustain. So if your instrument enters one of these categories, an adjustment is required. After checking the “relief” (reinforcing rod) to make a good neck setting, as fixed point, we can measure de distance between the bottom of the string unplayed and the top of the twelfth fret. A steel ruler and a good eye should give you a good idea: all you have to do is to put the reglet on the twelfth fret and read the measure. You must do it for the high E string and the low E string. At the end, the guitarist will make the last adjustment for his own playing.

 

Guitar’s Action :

Classical : low E string 4 mm, high E string 3 mm
Folk : low E string 2,4 mm, high E string 2 mm
Electric : low E string 2,2 mm, high E string 1,8 mm
Bass : Low E string 4 mm, high G string 3 mm

It is worth noting that a high action is required if the musician strums hard to avoid “buzz”. The adjustment will be more or less difficult to achieve if the bridge has opportunities or not to adjust height. To ensure the proper setting of your action, tune the guitar and play it normally in a natural position, with the pick stroke you use most frequently. Please take note that if you are using powerful microphone, it will be useful to make sure to have them in a good distance with the strings to avoid their magnets. If it’s a high-frequency microphone, it might not be sensible. But if it’s a low-frequency microphone, it can distort your string adjustment.
 
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