Optimal guitar string height

[rupol2000]

If the strings are low above the neck, it is easier to press the barre, but when you pluck the strings hard, the low distance interferes with the vibration of the strings, they are muffled by the neck. It turns out that it is better to get used to a strong effort but not to lower the strings, right?

 

[miketx]

Don't worry about it. Get a Gibson Hummingbird, problem solved forever.

 

[Mr Natural]

I like them as low as they'll go without fret buzz.

 

[Canon Shooter]

Don't worry about it. Get a Gibson Hummingbird, problem solved forever.

Oh, man, so not correct. Gibson acoustics have a long history of sketchy quality. It's important to play a bunch of them to find "the one". Their quality has improved greatly over what it once was, but Bozeman will still put out the occasional dog, even in their higher end guitars. Taylor Guitars wins the "consistency award" when it comes to quality.

As to the OP's question, no one here can really answer that for you. I'm far more a rhythm player than a lead player. If you're going to be playing a lot of lead guitar, what works for me probably won't work for you, and vice versa.

Find a luthier and discuss it him. Explain your playing style, talk about the strings you like, etc. A good luthier will get you dialed in. Be prepared to spend anywhere between $35 and $60 for the set-up...

 

[Muhammed]

If the strings are low above the neck, it is easier to press the barre, but when you pluck the strings hard, the low distance interferes with the vibration of the strings, they are muffled by the neck. It turns out that it is better to get used to a strong effort but not to lower the strings, right?

That's called the action.

You might want a higher action on some guitars and a lower action on others. It's really just a matter of personal preference.

And string gauge and tension matter a lot. Bridge saddle adjustments matter a lot. And truss rod adjustments too.

If you don't know what the hell you're doing you may be better off taking your guitar to a professional guitar technician or luthier and pay a few bucks to have them set it up for you.

 

[monkrules]

String height is a highly personal choice. It depends on your skill level, the kind of playing you do, what kind of tone you're looking for, and so on.

Imo, stirrings set up a bit higher provide a superior overall tone. A lower setup may allow one to play faster or easier, in certain situations. But, no matter what choices you make there will be tradeoffs to be aware of.

You can have someone set the action for you, in the beginning. But some adjustments may change through the years as you grow and mature as a musician.

Your choice of strings will also be important to all aspects of your playing. Soft, stretchy strings are easier to "bend" and playing chords can be a lot easier with them. But there are always tradeoffs. Soft, light guage, stretchy strings go "dead" faster, and, imo the have an irritating overall tone.

Heavier gauge strings usually sound way better, overall. Listen to Kenny Burrell, he has a beautiful tone that probably would be impossible to achieve with light gauge strings. Heavier gauge strings also last longer before going dead, and requiring a new set of strings.

It's all extremely personal. There's no need to rush your decisions. Take your time. Experiment with different brands and weights of strings, at various heights.

The very best thing you can do is practice and work your ass off to become the very best player you can be. Develop your overall playing ability, your ear, your musical knowledge. Setup, strings, guitar quality, etc., won't matter if you play like shit.

B.B. King played very light gauge strings. He could probably stretch them all the way around the guitar's neck. While I enjoyed his playing, overall tone was not his high point.