Unlock Your Inner Hendrix: The Truth About String Action for Easy Shredding (Pro Insights!)

So, you’re ready to plug in, crank it up, and start your journey to rock stardom. You’ve been browsing, maybe even eyeing a specific best starter electric guitar. But there's a hidden factor that can make or break your early playing experience, something many beginners overlook: string action. Get this right, and you’ll be shredding like a mini-Hendrix in no time; get it wrong, and you might feel like you’re wrestling a barbed-wire fence.

Why Do Some Starter Electric Guitars Feel Off Right Away?

The culprit is often poorly adjusted string action. Many beginner electric guitar models arrive with factory settings that aren't optimized for immediate comfort. This means the strings might be too high off the fretboard, making them hard to press down, or too low, causing annoying buzzing. Understanding action is a cornerstone of any good beginner electric guitar guide.

This guide is your practical breakdown of "action" (string height). We'll cover what's ideal for beginners, how to spot if it's too high or low, and crucially, if it's easily adjustable on those awesome starter models you’re considering. Getting this right is arguably the #1 secret to loving your starter electric guitar.

What Exactly IS "Action" on an Electric Guitar?

Simply put, "action" refers to the distance between the strings and the frets on your guitar's neck. Think of it as the string height. This tiny measurement has a HUGE impact on how the guitar feels to play (its playability) and even how it sounds.

• High Action: Strings are far from the fretboard.
• Low Action: Strings are very close to the fretboard.

For a beginner, finding a starter electric guitar with comfortable action is paramount. It’s as important as finding a guitar with a neck that fits you or understanding why fret size is crucial.

My first electric guitar, a no-name Strat copy, had action so high it felt like I was trying to fret strings on a cheese slicer. My fingertips screamed! I remember my friend Luke, who was already shredding Van Halen licks, took one look at it and said, "Dude, no wonder you're struggling!" He helped me get it adjusted, and suddenly, playing felt 100 times easier. That’s when I realized: a good setup isn't a luxury, it's essential, especially for a beginner.

Ideal Action for Beginners: The Sweet Spot

So, what’s the magic number? While personal preference plays a role as you advance, for beginners aiming for an easy to play electric guitar, a lower-to-medium action is generally best.

A good starting point for most electric guitars (measured at the 12th fret):

• Low E string (thickest): Around 2.0mm to 2.4mm (roughly 5/64" to 6/64")
• High E string (thinnest): Around 1.6mm to 2.0mm (roughly 4/64" to 5/64")

Why this range?
It's low enough to make pressing down strings (fretting) easier, reducing finger pain and fatigue. This is super important when you’re building calluses and learning basic chords. You want to feel encouraged, not discouraged by physical discomfort. This comfort makes it easier to focus on learning songwriting and expressing your musical ideas.

As Premier Guitar's John LeVan aptly states, "If the action is too high, the guitar will be difficult to play. If it’s too low, you’ll hear buzzing." This balance is key.

A slightly lower action can also be beneficial if you're looking for a electric guitar for small hands, as it requires less stretching and pressure.

How to Spot if Your Guitar's Action is Too High or Low

You don’t need to be a guitar tech to get a feel for this. Here are some tell-tale signs:

Signs of High Action:

1. Finger Pain: Are your fingertips aching more than you think they should, even after a short practice session? This is a classic symptom.
2. Difficulty Fretting Notes: Does it feel like you have to press down REALLY hard to get a clear note, especially on barre chords? Think of Kurt Cobain's relatively simple but powerful chord work – you need to be able to fret cleanly for that impact.
3. Strings Look Miles Away: Look at the guitar neck from the side. Do the strings look like they're hovering way above the frets, especially around the 12th fret and beyond?
4. Intonation Issues: If the action is excessively high, pressing the string down can actually bend it slightly sharp, making your chords sound out of tune even if the open strings are tuned.

Pro Tip: Try fretting a note at the first fret and then again at the 15th fret. The effort required should feel reasonably consistent. If it gets significantly harder further up the neck, your action might be too high or the neck might need a truss rod adjustment (more on that later).

Signs of Low Action:

1. Fret Buzz: This is the most common sign. Do you hear a buzzing or rattling sound when you play certain notes or chords, especially if you play with a bit more attack like Angus Young from AC/DC? This means the vibrating string is hitting the frets.
2. Notes Choking Out: When you try to bend a string (a classic Hendrix move!), does the note die or cut off prematurely? This can happen if the string frets out against higher frets because the action is too low.
3. Lack of Sustain: Sometimes, extremely low action can reduce how long a note rings out.

I remember when my buddy Matt got his Squier electric guitar pack. The action was a bit high. He was getting frustrated trying to learn basic riffs. We watched a few YouTube videos and found out that even on a budget electric guitar, some adjustments are possible. It wasn't a pro setup, but it made a noticeable difference!

Is Action Easily Adjustable on Starter Electric Guitars?

This is a crucial question when you're considering a cheap starter electric guitar or even a beginner electric guitar under $300. The good news is: YES, in most cases, action is adjustable!

Most starter electric guitar brands like Squier (often Fender beginner electric guitar designs), Epiphone (Les Paul for beginners, SG for beginners), Yamaha (like the popular Yamaha Pacifica), and Ibanez design their guitars with adjustable components.

Key Adjustment Points:

1. The Bridge: This is where most of your action adjustment will happen.
   • Stratocaster-style bridges: (Common on Squier Stratocasters, many Yamahas) Usually have individual saddles for each string. Each saddle often has two small Allen screws that raise or lower it.
   • Tune-o-Matic bridges: (Common on Epiphone Les Pauls and SGs) Typically have two posts (thumbwheels or flathead screw slots) that raise or lower the entire bridge on the bass and treble sides.

2. The Truss Rod: This is a metal rod inside the neck that counteracts string tension and controls the neck's "relief" (slight curvature). While not a primary action adjustment, a poorly adjusted truss rod can affect action and playability.
   • Too much relief (neck bows forward): Can lead to high action in the middle of the neck.
   • Too little relief or back-bow: Can cause fret buzz, especially on lower frets.

Beginner Mistake: Don't go cranking on the truss rod without knowing what you're doing! Small adjustments (like a quarter turn at a time) are key. If you're unsure, this is best left to a tech. Incorrect truss rod adjustment can damage your guitar. Many beginners think this is the main way to adjust action, but it's more about neck straightness. The bridge is your first stop for pure string height.

Can YOU Adjust It?
For basic bridge adjustments, many beginners can learn to do it themselves with a few simple tools (usually an Allen key set and a precise ruler or string action gauge). There are tons of great tutorials online.
A user on a popular guitar forum once said, "My Squier Bullet was unplayable out of the box, strings were a mile high. A $50 setup transformed it. Best money I spent on my electric guitar journey."

My friend Michelle recently bought an beginner electric guitar under $200. The action was a bit high, making barre chords a nightmare. We spent an afternoon carefully adjusting the bridge saddles. The transformation was incredible! She went from frustrated to joyfully strumming through The Ramones' "Blitzkrieg Bop." This little tweak significantly helped her learn songwriting basics because the instrument itself was no longer fighting her.

Quick Fix: If your strings feel too high and you're hesitant to adjust anything yourself, the first and easiest thing to check is if the bridge posts or saddles are visibly very high. Sometimes, just a small turn of the bridge height screws (on Tune-o-Matic) or saddle screws (on Strat-style) can make a noticeable improvement. Always make small adjustments and check tuning frequently.

For a more comprehensive look at setups, I highly recommend checking out this Guitar Setup Guide from Sweetwater. It's a fantastic resource.

Why Action Matters So Much for Your Progress

Having the best starter electric guitar with comfortable action isn't just about avoiding pain; it’s about accelerating your learning and enjoyment:

• Easier Learning: You’ll master chords and scales faster.
• Better Technique: Good action encourages proper fretting technique.
• Increased Motivation: When playing feels good, you’ll practice more. Bands like The Strokes or The Kooks have deceptively simple-sounding guitar parts that still require clean fretting, which good action facilitates.
• Improved Sound: While subtle, action can affect tone and sustain. Well-made adjustments will result in a resonant beginner electric guitar with good sound.
• Confidence Boost: Nailing that first riff or chord progression on a comfortable guitar is incredibly rewarding and a huge step towards writing your own songs.

Ultimately, the best starter electric guitar is one that inspires you to pick it up and play every day. And a huge part of that inspiration comes from how it feels in your hands. Don't underestimate the power of good action – it's a fundamental part of what makes a good beginner electric guitar.

When I finally got my own action dialed in perfectly, I remember the feeling of barre chords suddenly "clicking." It was like a lightbulb moment. I was trying to learn "Sex on Fire" by Kings of Leon, which has some tricky chord changes, and the comfortable action made all the difference; often, it's the setup, not just the brand.

Conclusion: Action is Your Ally

Choosing the best starter electric guitar involves more than just looks or brand names. String action is a critical, yet often overlooked, component that directly impacts your comfort, progress, and overall enjoyment. The good news is that on most affordable starter electric guitar models, including popular choices from Squier and Epiphone, action is indeed adjustable.

By understanding what ideal action feels like, how to spot issues, and knowing that adjustments are possible (either DIY or via a quick professional setup), you're empowering yourself to make your first guitar truly playable. This knowledge transforms your instrument from a potential source of frustration into your greatest ally on the path to musical expression. Investing a little time or money into getting the action right will pay off massively in the long run, making your guitar journey smoother, more fun, and ultimately more successful. You'll be well on your way to mastering those essential guitar skills and maintaining your instrument.

FAQ: String Action on Your Starter Electric Guitar

Q1: What is the best string action for a beginner electric guitar?
A: For beginners, a lower-to-medium action is ideal, typically around 1.6mm-2.0mm on the high E string and 2.0mm-2.4mm on the low E string at the 12th fret, making the easy to play electric guitar more comfortable.

Q2: How can I tell if the action on my electric guitar is too high?
A: Signs include significant finger pain after short sessions, difficulty pressing strings down cleanly (especially for barre chords), and strings appearing visibly far from the fretboard around the 12th fret.

Q3: Is it hard to adjust the action on a cheap starter electric guitar?
A: No, basic action adjustments at the bridge are often straightforward on most cheap starter electric guitar models using simple tools like Allen keys or a screwdriver, though a professional setup is always a great option.

Q4: Will adjusting the action affect the sound of my electric guitar?
A: Yes, action can subtly affect tone and sustain; extremely low action might cause fret buzz, while very high action can sometimes lead to intonation issues if you press too hard. This is an important part of getting a beginner electric guitar with good sound.

Q5: How much should I spend on a beginner electric guitar if I need to factor in a setup for action?
A: When considering how much should I spend on a beginner electric guitar, budget an extra $50-$75 for a professional setup, which often includes action adjustment, to make even a electric guitar under $300 play like a much more expensive instrument.

Q6: Are Squier or Epiphone starter guitars easy to adjust for action?
A: Yes, both Squier (like the Fender beginner electric guitar models) and Epiphone guitars typically feature bridge designs (Strat-style or Tune-o-Matic) that allow for relatively easy string action adjustments.

Hey what’s up! My name’s Chad, and for the past 7 years, I’ve been on a self-taught guitar journey. Inspired by the raw energy of Nirvana and the iconic riffs of Hendrix, I've gone from teaching friends a few chords to playing live shows, and recording my own music. I love playing music and if you dream about being a rockstar, would love to help you fast-track your way onto stage.