5

For a few weeks now I've been noticing that when I play the 7th fret on the 6th string a get a weird squeak mixing into the sound. Here is audio of me playing the 6th string up to the 7th fret and then some frets around it:

I haven't noticed anything l that on other frets and strings an upon visual inspection neither the string nor fretboard appear in anyway different on that fret. What could be causing this?

Improve this question

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
5

Fret buzz - the next fret up is high & the string is hitting it as you play. You could test with a hard steel rule to see if it rocks when placed edge-on to the fret-board.

A luthier could fix it...
...or if you're a) daring b) skilled or c) poor, you could try tapping it down with a small hammer & a piece of wood placed over the frets so as not to dent them, or d) adventurous, a file. [caveat emptor in all the above]

or you could lift the action, overall or just on that string, depending on your guitar bridge/saddle setup, but that would change how the guitar feels.

Improve this answer
2
  • This seems the most likely explanation. I'm not familiar with the "hard steel rule(r)" test. Would this be done at each fret? Presumably one would need to remove all strings before performing the test.
    – gamma
    Sep 16, 2014 at 21:03
  • There's a very detailed guide here - fernandezmusic.com/ClassicalGuitarSet-up.html Pretty much the same applies to an electric, varnished neck or not.
    – Tetsujin
    Sep 17, 2014 at 7:41

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.