Acoustic Guitars with Low Action

When first setting out to learn the guitar, using acoustic guitars with low action is one of the best ways to ensure a continued enthusiasm for the instrument. Low action acoustic guitars are guitars where the strings are close to the fret board; this enables the player to fret the strings without causing too much strain to the fingers. “Low action” means simply the distance between the strings and the frets on the neck of the guitar.

Some guitars have a high action. These are generally tougher to play, especially with steel string acoustics. The high distance between the strings and the frets means a lot of effort is needed to push the strings down to play the note; this can often cause cuts and calluses on the fingers of beginner guitarists. However, with a low action, playing the guitar is comparatively easy, and thus the enthusiasm for learning is not dimmed by the pain of mastering a technique.

There are many types of low-action acoustic guitars to choose from, and they vary widely in price. Generally, the cheaper the guitar and the less well known the brand name, the more likely the action on the guitar is going to be relatively high. This is usually due to the machine-produced nature of the guitars, rather than a designed specification.

However, any guitar with a decent truss rod and bridge can be adjusted to get the low action desired. A good test is to fret the string at the first and twelfth frets; at the tenth fret, there should be just enough space between the string and the fret to fit a business card comfortably. This kind of adjustment usually requires a good knowledge of the mechanics of guitars, though, and is best left to the experts. For ready-made low-action acoustics, it is best to shop around and get one that feels right to play, and is also selling at the right price for your budget.

Alvarez makes several models of acoustic guitars with low action. One particular model is the Alvarez AD60CK Dreadnought acoustic, priced at around $400 to $500. As well as a low action, this guitar has many features that make it a good purchase for the beginner guitar player:

• Dreadnought body
• Rosewood fret board
• Nickel die-cast tuners
• White pearl rosette

This particular model also has a built-in tuner, which is an excellent feature for new guitar players. However, its best feature is the low action, which will ensure that beginners don’t suffer from callused and bloody fingers after a few hours of practice.

Washburn guitars are another make of guitar that features a low action on its acoustic guitars. One of their models is the WD43S. This particular model sells for around $300. It has many features, including:

• Solid spruce top
• Compensated plastic nut/saddle
• Rosewood butterfly bridge
• Medium sized frets
• Ebony fingerboard

This particular make of guitar is another that is good for beginners, particularly when taking into account the low action strings combined with the medium sized frets. It could be a perfect transition guitar for those who want to move on from low action to a higher action, without going through too much pain in the process.

There are many more guitars out there that have low action bridge and string set-ups. Here is a small selection of guitar models and their makers:

It is up to the guitar player to experiment with a few to see what kind of guitar is right for him or her. The important thing to remember is that the action of the guitar is more a matter of personal choice then something that has to be adhered to. Some players like to play high action acoustic guitars, whilst others have remained true to low action guitars throughout their whole career. The benefits to the beginner, though, are very clear – acoustic guitars with low action generally make for easier, and therefore more fun, playing and learning.

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