shell - Modify permissions of a directory in linux -

how can modify write/read/execution permissions of already-made directory in linux shell? need install libsnd library installation gives error failed create directory during process.

chmod u+rwx,g=rx,o-rwx /the/directory/already/existing 

would give user owning 'existing' basic permissions (the plus sign says "additionally ones user has now"), including write permission, needed creating directories, too. members's of group owning directory have (=) rights read , enter directory while rights read, write , enter directory revoked every other user if existed far. (see man chmod details).

but description of problem assume different problem. let me guess, compiled , trying install system wide? make sure either switch root user prior issuing make install using su command (see man su details) or - better - execute sudo make install if sudo installed (and should be). chmod command above not in case, either, presumably not have write permissions directories already , existing.