Action
Anatomy & Gear
The distance between the strings and the fretboard — how high the strings sit.
Action refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. It's typically measured at the 12th fret. Low action means the strings are close to the fretboard, making it easier to press down notes. High action means the strings are farther away, requiring more finger pressure.
Ideal ukulele action at the 12th fret is roughly 2.0–2.5mm on the G string and 1.5–2.0mm on the A string. Action that's too low causes fret buzz; action that's too high makes playing difficult, especially for beginners.
Action is determined by the nut height, saddle height, and neck relief (bow). If your ukulele feels hard to play, a setup adjustment by a luthier or experienced player can make a dramatic difference. Many inexpensive ukuleles benefit significantly from a proper setup.
Put this into practice with Pocket Uke's free tools