Originally posted by SirLoin
Sounds like too much relief on the neck(curve)...i adjusted a friend's Godin accoustic last month cause he was saying it was too hard to finger.
Break out the allen wrench and turn counter-clockwise until the neck straightens to the point that u get slight buzzing on the frets...Then turn other way till buzzing gone.
The action should be much lower and the strings much easier to press down when fingering chords.
DO NOT DO THIS UNLESS YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU ARE DOING!
Sorry, but I've seen many guitars that have been completely trashed and/or broken because someone overtightened the truss rod (the actual piece that the allen wrench adjusts). What many don't realize is that it doesn't take much to make a huge difference. When I say much, I mean not even half of a turn. It also won't be an instantly noticeable change. Once the truss rod has been adjusted, it takes a week or so for the wood to settle into its final position.
Many folks just crank and crank until they notice the neck bending. Then, when theyre playing, the neck just snaps right in half.
You're best bet is to take the guitar to your local tech and have him/her do it for you. You'll pay about $60-$70, but its definately worth it in the long run. Even if you don't keep playing, your kids may want to pick it up.