Buzz in the G string

Question

Three months ago, I decided to learn how to play guitar, and I bought a Gomez 001, http://tinyurl.com/mfbmdta.

Since I didn't know anything about guitars, I thought it was pretty good. And my teacher said that it was ok for a beginner.

But last Monday, I started noticing a buzz every time I strummed a chord. I then realized that there was actually something wrong with the G string.

I went to the store, the guy there checked the guitar, said that there was actually something strange and decided to give me another guitar.

Turns all that all guitars of that model he had in the store had the same problem and other guitars had different strings with the same problem.

So I returned that guitar, and bought a better one, a Artesano Sonata RS, http://www.artesanoguitars.com/sonata/sonata.html.

I bought it on Saturday and when I got home and started on my exercises again, I started hearing the same buzz again on the G string.

When I strum the string with my thumb, to check if it's in tune, it seems that the string doesn't vibrate like the other strings, it seems a bit wobbly, like it is vibrating unevenly.

And although my guitar tuner app says that the string is in tune, I found the sound from this string a bit strange.

Here's a little video,

So, am I a lousy guitar player or am I just having bad luck with the G string??

Cheers Rui Martins

Answer 1

I had the same problem with my classical guitar: it buzzed whenever a G was played (open G-string or A and E-string when playing G as well). Turned out that this was caused by the end of the three metal strings (D, A, E) touched the back of the bridge! I pulled these ends away from the back of the bridge and the buzz disappeared. See photo:

Answer 2

This seems odd- I can see why you'd be confused.

Logically, the common element making the G string buzz if yourself, as you've now tried 3 x guitars !

However I'm sure you've tried checking the string open & on the frets on all guitars.

I'd suggest this :

• Try playing just that string, open, and on all frets, to see how hard you have to oluck it before it buzzes.
• Try the same thing on the D string. Does it buzz ? Is it a similar amount ?

If it's behaving significantly differently, maybe there's a problem with this guitar also, although that would be the 3rd guitar and quite unlikely.

Another possibility is that the G string is generally one of the looser strings. That is: It doens't need to be all that tight to get to a G, so so you have the guitar tuned to concert pitch? If it's tune lower, it might be that the G string being one of the loosest is showing up that all the strings are generally a bit loose (tuned low). The thick E string may be susceptible too (depends on string gauge really)

Looser strings tent to buzz a bit more as they are able to flap about more while vibrating.

One possible cure might be to try thicker strings.

Another possibility is that it's not related to "fret buzz" but something else caught on the string. I have had a strange buzz which was a result of a frayed bit of string being caught up in an adjacent string (effectively a bit of muck left after re-stringing), so best check the string from end to end for any anomaly like something caught on it or perhaps a kink/slice in the string.

Finally: It could be your guitar playing. Are you catching the G string on an adjacent finger ? Or not fretting it properly ? If the G string sounds ok as you play it individually but not good when you play a chord, maybe you need to look at your fingering technique.

However it seems if you're trying your 3rd guitar, I daresay you've already considered this.

Answer 3

The G string may sound a bit flat but that's actually how it is voiced on your production model guitar. The only advice I could give someone looking for a production model guitar is to spend some time playing each model you find until you find the "one" that sounds "right" for you. Kremona makes really good affordable guitars. The Cordoba C5 is a high quality guitar that is very affordable. Buzzing is typically a free or bracing problem. Stay away from guitars that buzz with the exception of flamenco models. Their action is lower to accommodate the style so there will be some buzz. Stay away from classical guitars that don't feature a relief (slight concave) in the neck. Perticularly the Ibanez GA models. They all have flat necks and buzz. The pickup is outstanding however.