Yes, always loosen the strings on your guitar before you adjust anything directly related to the strings, or touching the strings.
The answer is "it depends". There are a few variables: is the action too high, too low, where is it off (saddle, nut, 12th fret). I'll give a brief explanation. THIS ADVICE HAS NO GUARANTEE - IF YOU ARE UNSURE, TAKE IT TO A LUTHIER 1) too high -NUT: you can either file the nut with nut files (expensive) or sand some of the bottom of the nut off. -NECK: adjust your truss rod -SADDLE: sand a small amount of material from the bottom of the saddle 2) too low -NUT: buy a new nut, or add krazy-glue and baking soda to fill in the grooves, refile to your liking -NECK: adjust truss rod -SADDLE: buy a new saddle or shim the saddle you have
To calculate the mensur of a guitar, measure the length from the bottom of the nut above the first fret to where the string actually sits on the saddle of whatever bridge it is.
The saddle is on the bridge.One end of a guitar string is wrapped round a post (which allows you to vary the tension, and so the pitch of the open string). This is on the head of the guitar. The other end is fixed to the body in various ways. The string is held up off the fretboard and body by a bridge. Where each string crosses the bridge, it doesn't make contact with the bridge itself - it touches a saddle which provides a better contact surface. Usually the saddle is grooved or notched to keep the string in line. If it isn't, quite likely the string will make its own groove eventually. Often the saddle itself is adjustable; some guitars have a separate saddle for each string. This allows the string length to be adjusted and so keep the intonation of the guitar correct. The height may also be adjustable.The material of the saddle can affect the sound quality. Ivory was once used for this, now hard plastics are common on acoustic guitars. Steel or brass saddles give a brighter sound. Electric guitars will have machined steel saddles, sometimes shaped like rollers.
The action on most acoustics can only be lowerd by sanding down the saddle. The saddle is the white bit the strings go over on the body of the guitar. Don't try this unless you know what you are doing because you could make your guitar extremely difficuly to play. If the action is too high it could also mean that the neck needs some adjusting. Once again, get someone who knows what they are doing. The best thing you could do to save yourself a lot of heart ache is to take your guitar to the local music shop and tell them what you want. This is not an expensive thing you are asking for.
I don't know for sure if they'd have it, but my son who plays guitar really likes Musician's Friend. He gets their catalog and they have a website at http://www.musiciansfriend.com/. ==New Answer== Just to clarify... the bridge saddle is the (usually) white piece of plastic or bone upon which the strings rest. The bridge is the piece which is generally glued to the guitar top. If it's truly the bridge, take the instrument to any quality luthier. If it's just the saddle, you can purchase one from any guitar store. You may have to trim it somewhat to fit. It should fit snuggly, but without forcing it. If it's not properly cut for the strings to rest, again, take it to a luthier (instrument repair person). Frank Gregg
To improve tuning accuracy on your guitar, adjust the intonation saddle all the way back.
To adjust guitar intonation for optimal performance, you should adjust the saddle position towards the neck if the notes are sharp, and towards the bridge if the notes are flat.
To adjust the intonation on your guitar to ensure it is sharp, use a tuner to check the pitch of each string at the 12th fret. If the pitch is flat, adjust the saddle towards the neck. If the pitch is sharp, adjust the saddle towards the bridge. Repeat this process until the pitch is in tune at both the open string and the 12th fret.
To adjust the intonation on your guitar, use a tuner to ensure each string is in tune at the 12th fret. If the note is sharp or flat, adjust the saddle position until the note matches the open string. This will help your guitar play in tune across the fretboard.
To adjust the intonation of your guitar, use a tuner to check the pitch of each string at the 12th fret. If the pitch is off, use the saddle screws on the bridge to lengthen or shorten the string until the pitch matches the open string.
To adjust the guitar high action for better playability and sound quality, you can lower the bridge or saddle height. This can be done by adjusting the truss rod or filing down the saddle. Be careful not to lower it too much, as it can cause buzzing. It's best to consult a professional for precise adjustments.
To properly adjust the intonation on your guitar, use a tuner to ensure each string is in tune. Then, use a screwdriver to adjust the saddle position on the bridge until the 12th fret harmonic matches the fretted note. Repeat this process for each string until the intonation is correct.
To achieve low action on your guitar without experiencing fret buzz, you can adjust the truss rod, lower the bridge saddle height, and ensure the frets are level. It's important to make small adjustments and check the playability of the guitar after each adjustment to find the right balance between low action and fret buzz.
To adjust the saddle height on your bike for optimal comfort and performance, follow these steps: Stand next to your bike and position the saddle at hip height. Sit on the saddle and place your heel on the pedal at its lowest point. Adjust the saddle height so your leg is almost fully extended without locking your knee. Test ride the bike and make further adjustments as needed for comfort and efficiency.
To check the intonation of your guitar, use an electronic tuner to ensure each string is in tune at the 12th fret. If the pitch is off, adjust the saddle position until the note matches the open string.
The ideal way to adjust the guitar action for optimal playability and comfort is to carefully adjust the height of the strings above the fretboard. This can be done by adjusting the truss rod, saddle height, and nut height to achieve the right balance between ease of playing and sound quality.
To replace the acoustic guitar saddle, you can remove the old saddle by gently pulling it out, then measure the dimensions of the old saddle to find a replacement that fits. Insert the new saddle into the slot on the bridge of the guitar and make any necessary adjustments to ensure proper fit and height for optimal sound quality.