How to avoid unwanted scratching/squeaking/hissing noise from the fretting hand when playing hi-gain electric guitar?
How to Avoid Unwanted Scratching/Squeaking/Hissing Noise from the Fretting Hand When Playing Hi-Gain Electric Guitar
Introduction
Playing a hi-gain electric guitar can produce unwanted scratching, squeaking, and hissing noises from the fretting hand. These noises can be distracting and affect the overall sound quality. In this article, we will explore some expert techniques to avoid these unwanted noises and achieve a clean and professional sound.
Reduce Friction Between the Strings and Fingers
One of the main causes of unwanted noise from the fretting hand is the friction between the strings and fingers. To minimize this friction, you can apply a light coating of a product like Fast Fret or Dr Duck’s Axe Wax to the strings and neck. This creates a smoother surface, allowing your fingers to slide over the strings without catching on them and producing noise.
Focus on Muting Techniques
Muting techniques play a crucial role in minimizing unwanted noise. There are two types of muting techniques: left-hand muting and right-hand muting.
Left-hand Muting
Left-hand muting involves ensuring that there is no unintended glissando (moving up or down the neck on a single string) in your playing. Practice playing at stage volume and pay attention to the moments between position switches. Recording your sessions and listening to the extraneous noise can help you identify when and where it occurs.
Right-hand Muting
Right-hand muting is also important in reducing unwanted noise. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you. One effective approach is to rotate your wrist out towards the audience, allowing a fleshy part of your right hand to rest on the strings. This technique can be more or less effective depending on where you pick. The goal is to mute the noise caused by the amplified strings by coming up more on the string.
Consider the Condition of Your Strings
The condition of your strings can also contribute to unwanted noise. Dirty or worn-out strings can produce scratching and squeaking sounds. Regularly changing your strings can help maintain a smoother surface, reducing friction and minimizing unwanted noise.
Conclusion
Unwanted scratching, squeaking, and hissing noises from the fretting hand can be a common challenge when playing a hi-gain electric guitar. By following the expert techniques mentioned in this article, such as reducing friction between the strings and fingers, focusing on muting techniques, and considering the condition of your strings, you can effectively minimize these unwanted noises and achieve a clean and professional sound.
FAQs
How can I reduce scratching and squeaking noise from the fretting hand?
Reducing scratching and squeaking noise from the fretting hand can be achieved by reducing friction between the strings and fingers. Apply a light coating of a product like Fast Fret or Dr Duck’s Axe Wax to create a smoother surface, allowing your fingers to slide over the strings without catching on them and producing noise.
Are there any specific muting techniques to minimize unwanted noise?
Yes, there are specific muting techniques to minimize unwanted noise. Left-hand muting involves ensuring there is no unintended glissando during playing. Pay attention to the moments between position switches and practice playing at stage volume. Right-hand muting can be achieved by experimenting with techniques such as rotating your wrist out towards the audience and resting a fleshy part of your right hand on the strings.
Can the condition of the strings affect unwanted noise?
Yes, the condition of the strings can contribute to unwanted noise. Dirty or worn-out strings can produce scratching and squeaking sounds. Regularly changing your strings can help maintain a smoother surface, reducing friction and minimizing unwanted noise.
How can I ensure I fret in the right place to avoid unwanted buzzing?
To avoid unwanted buzzing, make sure you’re fretting notes at the proper spot just behind the fret. If your fingers are too far behind the fret, you’re likely to hear some unwanted buzzing. Practice fretting notes accurately to achieve clean and clear sound.
What can I do if I’m not pressing down on the strings hard enough?
If you’re not pressing down on the strings hard enough, the strings won’t make good contact with the frets, resulting in unwanted noise. This is especially important for barre chords. Work on building finger strength and stamina to ensure all the strings make good contact when fretting.
Can strumming too hard cause unwanted noise?
Yes, strumming too hard can cause the strings to vibrate up and down excessively, leading to unwanted noise. Practice controlling your strumming force to avoid excessive string vibration and minimize unwanted noise.
Is it necessary to check the setup of the guitar to reduce unwanted noise?
Checking the setup of the guitar can be beneficial in reducing unwanted noise. A properly set up guitar ensures the strings are at the correct height and the intonation is accurate, which can help minimize buzzing and unwanted noise. Consider consulting a professional guitar technician for a proper setup.
Are there any additional tools or techniques to reduce unwanted noise?
In addition to the mentioned techniques, you can also explore using noiseless pickups, which are designed to minimize unwanted noise and hum. Additionally, experimenting with different playing techniques and adjusting your amplifier settings can also help reduce unwanted noise.