I'm afraid that I have to dissagree with those who say that "proper" set-up will keep your guitar from hurting your fingertips or that there is no need to depress a string firmly....to an extent, action height equals volume.....get that action too low and you lose volume!....now, to those who will now argue that volume doesn't equal tone, all I have to say is horse shit....maximum (or near maximum) volume from your instrument will insure maximum tone....without maximum volume, there little way to emphasize a softer passage...I will even add that firm depression of a guitar string is essential to maximum volume and tone....build up your finger strength and build your calouses.....this will make you a better sounding guitarist.....and this newly acquired strength and hardening of your fingertips will allow you to play with little discomfort....