Why Does My Guitar Keep Buzzing?

Few things pull you out of a great playing moment faster than guitar buzzing. While annoying, most buzzing issues are easy to fix.

What is Guitar Buzzing?

Guitar buzzing, often called fret buzz, happens when a vibrating guitar string makes unintended contact with a fret, fingerboard, or another part of the guitar. Instead of ringing clearly, the string produces a rattling, metallic, or buzzing sound. This phenomenon can occur when playing open strings, fretted notes, or across specific areas of the neck.

Some players notice string buzzing noises only when playing unplugged, while others hear it clearly through an amp or pickup.

Does Buzzing Mean My Guitar is Broken or Low Quality?

Buzzing is not always a sign of poor craftsmanship, nor does it only occur with older guitars. High-end, new guitars can also develop fret buzz. The phenomenon happens because guitars are wooden instruments, and wood responds constantly to its environment. In other words, guitar buzzing sometimes just happens due to the nature of the instrument itself.

What are the Most Common Causes of Fret Buzz?

There are several reasons your guitar might be buzzing, including:

1. Low action
2. Neck relief
3. Uneven frets
4. Nut issues
5. String gauge and tension
6. Environmental changes

1. Low Action

One of the most common causes of buzzing is low string action. Action is how high the strings are above the fretboard. Lower action can make a guitar easier and faster to play. If it is too low, however, the strings do not have enough room to vibrate freely and will strike the frets.

2. Neck Relief

The neck of a guitar is not perfectly straight by design. It has a slight forward curve that allows strings to vibrate properly. If the neck is too straight or back-bowed, strings are prone to buzzing against the frets, especially in the middle of the neck.

3. Uneven Frets

Over time, frets can develop flat spots or rise unevenly due to changes in humidity or natural wear. A single high fret can create buzz on one or two notes while the rest of the guitar plays cleanly.

4. Nut Issues

If the nut slots are cut too low, open strings may buzz against the first fret. This type of buzzing usually disappears when you fret the string at the first or second fret instead.

5. String Gauge and Tension

Lighter gauge strings vibrate in a wider arc and are more prone to buzzing, especially if the guitar was originally set up for heavier strings. Aggressive picking or a heavy-handed playing style can exaggerate this effect.

6. Environmental Changes

Seasonal shifts in temperature and humidity can cause the neck to move slightly, altering relief and action. That means that a guitar that plays perfectly in summer may develop buzz during a dry winter.

Other Causes

Loose hardware can also affect how a string vibrates and how the guitar sounds, even if it does not directly cause buzzing.

How Do I Stop My Guitar From Buzzing?

Stopping fret buzz starts with identifying where and when it occurs.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Does it happen on open strings, in the lower frets, or higher up the neck?
• Does it occur on the frets at all, or do the sounds come from another source like the soundhole?
• Is it on one string or several?

The answers to these questions can help you narrow down the cause, so you know just how to correct the issue.

How to Fix Fret Buzz on Electric Guitars

Electric guitars are highly customizable but also sensitive to guitar setup changes, which, in turn, makes them more susceptible to buzzing.

Steps you can take to fix fret buzz on electric guitars include:

1. Checking the neck relief. A truss rod adjustment can add or reduce the slight curve in the guitar neck. A professional setup from a guitar technician can help you adjust your guitar in a way that best protects your instrument.
2. Evaluating the string action at the bridge. Most electric guitars allow you to raise or lower individual saddles or even the entire bridge. Increasing action slightly can often eliminate buzzing without sacrificing playability.
3. Checking the nut slots, especially if buzzing occurs on open strings. Nut work requires precision, and improper filing can make the problem worse. If the nut is the issue, a qualified guitar repair tech can properly cut or replace it.
4. Fret leveling and dressing. If strings sound off despite proper relief and action, uneven frets may be the cause. Fret leveling and dressing can restore a smooth playing surface and extend the life of the instrument. Again, a guitar tech can help fix this issue without damaging the instrument.
5. Considering the set of strings you use. Switching to a slightly heavier gauge can increase tension and reduce buzzy sounds, especially for guitar players with a strong attack.

How to Fix Fret Buzz on Acoustic Guitars

Ways to help control guitar buzzing on acoustic instruments include:

1. Proper humidity control. Acoustic guitars are particularly vulnerable to dry conditions, which can cause the top to sink and lower the action. Using a case humidifier during dry months can prevent many buzzing issues before they start.
2. Action adjustments. Action adjustments on acoustics usually involve the saddle and sometimes the nut. Raising the saddle slightly with a shim, for example, can improve string clearance. These changes should be done carefully to maintain proper intonation and feel, however.
3. Neck relief adjustments. Neck relief adjustments are possible on most modern acoustics via the truss rod. As with any truss rod adjustment, small changes are key.
4. Addressing fret wear. Fret wear and uneven frets can affect acoustics just as much as they do in electrics. Dressing frets can help address these issues.
5. Selecting new strings. Light-gauge acoustic strings are easier to play but can be more prone to buzz, especially for players who favor heavy strumming. Medium-gauge strings may offer better clarity if the guitar can handle the added tension.

Final Thoughts

Guitar buzzing is a common issue, but it is rarely difficult to fix. Learning to recognize the signs of fret buzz and understanding its causes can help you play guitar without annoying buzzing sounds.

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Expert Insight From: Donny Thurmon – Electric & Acoustic Guitar Expert
Donny has over a decade of experience in the music retail industry and a rich knowledge of both electric and acoustic guitars. His hands-on experience helps ensure our recommendations and insights are grounded in real-world expertise.