buzzing sound from strings

[bassdrummer2333]

Ok, so i'ma n00b at putting guitar strings on, I have a squier strat and replaced the strings with a set of D-Addario light gauges, A few notes and strings are buzzing all the time when I play it unplugged and it's bugging me ALOT. I can't play the low E string open without it buzzing intensely. Please help!

[OveriseFan]

You must've changed gauges on it, or else the buzzing was there before?

I assume you don't know how to adjust a truss rod, because you're making this post, so I'd take it to a guitar tech and get it set up.

If you just ask them to set it up, explain the problem, you'll be fine. Shouldn't cost too much, either.

[bassdrummer2333]

I was not using light gauges before, I don't know what size they were my brother put them on. So what exactly happened and how would I fix it if I couldn't afford a guitar tech lol

[eraserhead]

stupid quick fix, but when this happened on my acoustic i folded up a piece of paper and stuck it under the string that was buzzing, up near the nut.

[patrickhowell]

I was not using light gauges before, I don't know what size they were my brother put them on. So what exactly happened and how would I fix it if I couldn't afford a guitar tech lol

Well, what you had before was a heavier gauge string, so it took more tension to tune the string to the same note. Guitar necks are flexible, and different tensions affect their straightness. To compensate for this, guitars are designed with an adjustable metal Truss Rod inside the neck to tighten or loosen it.

http://stratsdot.com/images/relief2.png

Changing to a lighter gauge string has likely moved your guitar from the "C" category in the above image to the "D" category. It costs about $40-$50 to have your guitar professionally "set up" at most stores. If you're patient and careful, you can learn how do set it up yourself. It's really not hard, and taking the time to learn can save you hundreds of dollars in the long run.

http://members.aol.com/TBoling125/trussrod.jpg

If you decide to adjust the truss rod yourself, be careful... don't over do it. It's a long skinny piece of metal in your guitar's neck and if you tighten it too much, it can break.

To check if your truss rod needs adjusted:

If you have a capo put it on the first fret, and hold down the 14th fret with your finger. If you don't have a capo, use your left hand on the first fret and your right hand on the 14th. This is essentially making your string into a ruler to check the straightness of the neck. Now look at the 6th fret. There should be a small gap between the fret and the string. From what you described, the string will probably be touching, or almost touching the fret.

To fix your truss rod adjustment:

Insert an allen wrench (most Fender-style guitars use 1/8") and make sure it fits right. If your string was too close to the fret, then turn it about 1/8 of a turn toward the treble strings. Check your 6th fret again, that should have helped. Try playing the guitar to see if that eliminated the fret buzz. If it didn't make enough of a difference, try the same thing again. A small turn in the truss rod can make a big difference, so try to keep it in 1/8 turn increments and never go over 1/4 turn at a time.

[bassdrummer2333]

Wow. I am so glad that mine "fixed" itself. It just stopped

[lew_1987]

you can also adjust the action by getting an allen key and adjusting the bridge saddles, that sometimes fixes it.

[patrickhowell]

you can also adjust the action by getting an allen key and adjusting the bridge saddles, that sometimes fixes it.

I suppose, but that's not the best way to do it. He said it was fine with thicker gauge strings and started buzzing when he went to lights. The bridge height adjustment shouldn't be affected by string tension and the truss rod adjustment definitely is.

[lew_1987]

I suppose, but that's not the best way to do it. He said it was fine with thicker gauge strings and started buzzing when he went to lights. The bridge height adjustment shouldn't be affected by string tension and the truss rod adjustment definitely is.

I admit, its a bit of a quick fix; but it depends on the situation that you're in. Sometimes it can just be one string that is buzzing.

[patrickhowell]

I admit, its a bit of a quick fix; but it depends on the situation that you're in. Sometimes it can just be one string that is buzzing.

That's true, but it's probably better to go ahead and make the right adjustment. And really a 1/8 allen wrench is generally easier to find than the little ones that you use for the bridge saddles anyway.

[lew_1987]

That's true, but it's probably better to go ahead and make the right adjustment. And really a 1/8 allen wrench is generally easier to find than the little ones that you use for the bridge saddles anyway.

Yeah, good point.

[Just Decent]

Definetly keep and Allen wrench and a spare pack of strings handy.