How to Fix Guitar Buzz/Rattle

Introduction

• Presenter: Nate Savage
• Focus: Diagnosing and fixing string buzz/rattle in guitars, especially acoustic guitars.
• Tips may apply to electric guitars as well.

1. Guitar Technique

• Importance of refining guitar technique for cleaner sound.
• Key points for technique:
  • Ensure fingers are positioned right behind the fret, not in the middle or back.
  • Proper finger pressure is essential to avoid buzz.
  • Example: A bar chord played incorrectly can result in buzz due to improper technique.

2. Truss Rod Adjustment

• Understanding the truss rod:
  • Adjusting the truss rod can help fix string buzz.
  • Common fear: messing up the guitar by adjusting the truss rod.
• How to check neck relief:
  • Fret the neck where it meets the body and the first fret.
  • Tap the string to check for space between string and frets.
• Ideal neck relief:
  • If there's no gap, the neck may be too straight or back bowed.
  • Adjust the truss rod until you find a comfortable relief.

3. Fret Dressing

• Cause of buzzing: worn frets with divots due to continued play.
• Material: Guitar frets are usually made of nickel, which can wear down.
• Solution:
  • Level frets using a fret leveling beam and sandpaper.
  • After leveling, crown the frets for an even surface.
  • Consider hiring a professional if uncomfortable.

4. Nut Slot Height

• Cause of buzzing: Nut slots being too low or needing replacement.
• Test for nut slot height:
  • Use a capo on the third fret.
  • Tap the first fret on each string to check for a ping sound.
  • If any string has little to no sound, the nut is likely too low.
• Example: Older guitars may need new nuts (e.g., Alvarez Yari GY1).

5. Saddle Height

• Last resort for fixing buzz: Check the saddle height.
• Measuring action:
  • Use a string action gauge to measure height at the 12th fret.
  • Recommended height: 2 to 2.5 mm on the bass side, 1.5 to 2 mm on the treble side.
  • If action is too low (e.g. under 1.5 mm), consider replacing the saddle.
• Replacement ease:
  • Modern companies (e.g., Graph Tech) offer easy-to-install nuts and saddles.

Conclusion

• Summary of diagnostic tips to troubleshoot string buzz issues.
• Encouragement to share additional tips in the comments to benefit the guitar community.