Why are my guitar string buzzing, and what can I do to fix it?!
Question:
Why are my guitar string buzzing, and what can I do to fix it?
Hi,
I need help with my guitar! I changed the strings this morning, and now there's this horrible buzzing sound coming from my guitar when I play chords (individual notes are fine, though). There was a buzz coming from my old strings, but I just assumed that they were old it was time to change them (i've had them since late April) - and the buzz coming from my new strings is 10x worse.
I'm new with the guitar. I've changed a string successfully once before, so I know how to change the strings. Aside from 'string', 'fret', 'nut', 'neck' and 'sound hole', I pretty much know nothing about guitar parts - please either be very descriptive when using guitar terms or provide a picture or diagram.
My guitar is a Godin Norman model B15 Brown, if that helps.
I would normally take it to the shop, but I can't today, and I have to use my guitar tomorrow, so any helpful advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you all so much! Additional Details
9 hours ago
forgot to add that the strings are "Ernie Ball" strings, and my guitar is an acoustic guitar
9 hours ago
Forgot to add - this is my guitar model:
http://www.normanguitars.com/modelb15.ht...
http://www.normanguitars.com/details.htm...
Answers: 9 hours ago
forgot to add that the strings are "Ernie Ball" strings, and my guitar is an acoustic guitar9 hours ago
Forgot to add - this is my guitar model:
http://www.normanguitars.com/modelb15.ht...
http://www.normanguitars.com/details.htm... Usually, a string will buzz because it is catching (rubbing) against a fret somewhere along its length. This can be adjusted by either tightening the neck rod (there should be a threaded nut at the base of the neck, visible if you look in the soundhole) OR filing back the fret which the string is catching on (get an expert to do this)
HOWEVER
Since you only experience this when playing chords (barre chords, or any chords?), then it may just be an improper fingering of the chords. Are you applying plenty of pressure to hold the strings against the frets? Are your fingers properly situated on the frets or slightly behind them (correct), as opposed to being some distance from the fret (incorrect)? Because improper fingering may also be a cause for string buzz. Source(s):
experience Hold it with both hands at the top of the neck.
Raise it above your head.
With all your mite, slam it onto a parking curb as hard as you can.
Problem solved. It's very common for lower priced gutiars to have some fret buzz. Even some of the high ends have a lot of fret buzz when you first get them. This is usually because the action on your guitar is either too low or too high. The action of a guitar is how high the strings are from the fretboard. When a guitarist gets a new guitar and it buzzes they usually have to "set it up," which means they fix the buzz. THis is done by adjusting the bridge of the guitar. Many guitarists know how to do this themselves, but a lot just take theres to a shop and they will gladly set it up for you for a small price. New strings stretch alot when first used and it may depend on the brand you are buying as to the buzzing intensity. Mine do buzz when the strings are old. That was the first thought that popped into my head but since you clarified that they are new, that idea went out the window. Are you playing acoustical or are you amped? If amped, it could be your amp. I am unfamiliar with the make of your guitar so I cannot say if the problem lies there or not. I've been playing for over 20 years, if you have had buzzing noise before your not pressing the strings down close enough to the frets. When you play a chord or finger the strings, trying pressing the string down as close to the fret as possible, if you press in the centre, you will get string buzz.