low action blows... bending problems and more

[jjw]

if you work with low action guitars all the time you naturaly do that muting shit on the other strings-your just not used to it mate,donest bother me if is high or low as all my guitars vary and i naturaly adjust my playing to suit the strings i am using

[Endrik]

I guess I have to get one guitar with low action then mate, just to get used to it so I wouldn't have any problems if go to a guitar store

[jjw]

yeahh thats it mate-you can always use that guitar in drop d or something as well so you realy need another guitar

[JC_Denton]

Ohh , lol I would say it is very difficult to do those bends with high acation , and since i have played with Endrik\s guitar i know what i am talking about, no it\s not just the bends I am low action guy

[jjw]

you have weak fingers mate you big poof

[shredmonster]

I think it depends on how you play. My opinion is that players who create tone with their fingers prefer the action a little higher.

Guys that play fast rhythm like death metal or such seem to like the real low action - and for power chords its no big deal.

But to create harmonic overtones using your fingers and picking attack during soloing somewhat higher action is preferable to get the best tone and harmonic complexities.

Some of the better Tone with your Finger guys like EVH or Michael Schenker do not have super low action and are not even the fastest players. But they have killer tone, are very expressive in their style of playing and to me that sounds better than the 300 notes per second guys.

[Endrik]

My main guitar is cool, it's action is 4-5mm at 12th fret and it can go as low as 2,5-3mm wich is concidered as medium/high action and that's the lowest I can stand lol

[toejam]

I like to go as low as possible. I don't bend more than a whole step or a step and a half, so I lower my action to the point between massive buzzing and where the string will fret out on a bend larger than a whole step. Depending on the guitar, this could mean the action is really low - maybe 1mm or so, or moderate 2-3mm.

Pretty much the same here. Though, on my Strat, with its 9.5" fingerboard radius, the action has to be a little bit more. Damn Fender and their low radius fingerboards!
Also, picking a little bit lighter helps the buzzing when bending on the higher frets. I tend to pick a little harder, but I've learned to compensate when playing up high now so not as to get excessive buzz and fret out.

[kmanick]

I usually raise the treble side of the bridge a bit, if bending seems difficult. That makes it easier to grab and bends are just softer - easier.

+1 all my floyds are set up that way, to be able to really grab the E,B, and G strings but I also like the E,A,D, strings lower to make legato runs a little easier.

[charvelguy]

...ya you weak limbed weanie..

..just messin around, no harm man.

I know a guy who does incredible 6 string arps with ease on this old old tele where the action is about 3/16" off the board... he converts fairly easy from low to high but he has his preferences in guitars and action as does anyone for playbility & ease of execution.

[jgcable]

I like my strings as high and as loose as possible without sacrificing my legato work. My main guitar is scalloped. Its a must for me to get under the strings.

[bratfink]

You could always SCALLOP the frets... <ducks incoming missiles>

I thought that was part of the reson the Jackson's had jumbo frets, so you could have an extra low action and still dig your fingers under for a bend?

Certainly my 86 Soloist has the lowest action I have ever seen and bending is a problem, but I learnt to play around that. Adopt, adapt and improve.

[quakana]

I like higher action.....more bite and tone that way IMHO

[Firebird V]

Scalloped necks are my choice but anyway. I like medium high action now but use to always want the lowest possible. Then I got into scalloped boards and that made me switch. The tone is better at higher action to my ears too.

[horns666]

VERY low action...and I have a heavy right hand..

I have no choice really..I have no pinky and my whole left hand is very weak and numb..

spinal injury...nice!