Guitar Setup: How do I measure the action on my electric guitar?
In this article we’ll teach you how to accurately measure the action of your electric guitar. We’ll also share a few of the tips and tricks we’ve learned from the thousands of setups we do every year.
Measuring
Measuring string height of the low E string.
If your guitar has an adjustable saddle for each string (most Stratocasters) you will need to measure each string individually. If you have a fixed bridge (most Les Paul models) you really only need to measure the high and low E strings (6th and 1st) because the radius cannot be changed.
1. Hold the guitar in the playing position. This helps you get the most accurate measurement possible.
Tip: If you have trouble holding the guitar still while measuring, try supporting the waist of the guitar with a neck cradle, beach towel, or pillow while you measure.
2. Hold the ruler flat on the top of the 12th fret between the E (6th) and A (5th) strings. Carefully slide the ruler up to the low E (6th) string so that it touches the string but doesn’t move it.
3. Measure the space between the top of the fret and the bottom of the string.
4. Once you are confident in your measurement of the low E (6th) string, repeat the process above for the rest of the strings.
Tip: Do your best to hold the ruler level on the top of the fret while you measure. If the ruler tips to one side or the other, your measurements won’t be accurate.
Tips and Tools
Lighting: One of the most important (and easiest to overlook) tools when measuring is good lighting. In most cases you’ll be measuring 32nds and 64ths of an inch so there’s really no such thing as “too much light”.
Tuning: The first step in measuring accurately is to tune the guitar. If the strings are out of tune, it will affect the amount of tension on the neck and compromise the accuracy of your measurements. If you prefer to use an alternate tuning when you play, you should also use it when you measure. Otherwise, the measurements you do in standard tuning won’t be accurate when you switch to an alternate.
Rulers: Our luthiers prefer to use a ruler that has marked in 32nds and 64ths like the one included in the Fender Custom Shop Tool Kit.
Neck Cradle: A neck cradle is a great way to safely support the guitar’s neck while you work on it. You can also use it to support the guitar’s waist while you measure. If you don’t have a neck cradle, a rolled up towel or a pillow are decent substitutes.
Helpful Links
Guitar Setup Part 1: Adjusting the Truss Rod
Guitar Setup Part 2: Setting Action
Guitar Setup Part 3: Intonation
Guitar Setup: What is the correct string height for my guitar?
Guitar Setup: How much string buzz is normal?
Guitar Setup: How do I use a radius gauge?
Guitar Setup: What is the radius of my guitar’s fretboard?
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