I am having a very hard time getting my action close to as low as you guys recommend

[Damani311]

Nowhere close. As of two days ago my strings were at least 1/4" off the fretboard, which made playing a fluid technique impossible.

I lowered my action, and BUZZZZZZ every string hits the fretboard or buzzes like hell.

I know this is not right........my relief is proper, maybe even a bit excessive, but that's the only thing I can think of.

I can play cleanly by barely brushing the string or tapping it gently, but I cannot exercise even the slightest bit of Dynamic Play.

Here is a picture of how high my strings still are, and yet I cannot play with any effort or it clacks and buzzes.

Please help!

Let me know if I need to add a ruler next to this, but it's still between 1/8" and 1/4" and almost unplayable to me.

[Beta]

Maybe you need to have your frets leveled. Maybe your nut is adjusted too low.

Also, maybe you have a twisted neck. I never had a problem like you're describing with my Thumb until the neck developed a twist.

[fryBASS]

From those pictues, I'd say your action is just fine

Maybe your fingers aren't strong enough

[Fetusyolk]

aww man clean that fretboard

[MindSpark]

You might want to have a look at this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GKqiTzACwA

Cheers

[DanRJBrasil]

Originally Posted by Beta

Maybe you need to have your frets leveled. Maybe your nut is adjusted too low.

Also, maybe you have a twisted neck. I never had a problem like you're describing with my Thumb until the neck developed a twist.

+1

[dmusic148]

I would bet that you need a truss rod adjustment(tighter). If you sight up the neck and can see the relief, there's probably too much. The correct amount is barely visible when looked at this way. I'd want about .010".015", but most folks will recommend more than that.
I keep mine around .010", but this is only possible with really good fretwork.