Help!

[HetfieldRules]

okay, my guitar is making this horrible noise, it's almost like a buzzing, but it's only when i go past the 11th or 12th fret when i get to the 15-17 frets it's unbearable it sounds horrible in my solo's. could it be like dirt and stuff built up under the strings? i need to change the strings, but other than that i cant think of nething that would make my guitar do that, it's really only on the High E string. ne help would be greatly appreciated.

[Hoss]

Re: Help!

maybe your string/pup height...does it do it on all the strings...?

[Davey]

Re: Help!

hmm.. does raising the action make it better?
if you had that much dirt on the fretboard so it dampens your sound that much it's be very noticeable
try raising the action a bit before you do anything else

[some_dude]

Re: Help!

Are your frets worn in that area? I have string buzzing problems on my one Strat, and it's because the frets need filing

[7th Hell]

Re: Help!

No- dirty strings wouldn't do that. Satriani is a notorious dirty string player- he says the oxidation and crud actually lend to his tone! I don't think it's a neck-relief problem, since you're only experiencing it on the high E string. It is possible that you have worn out frets. When you go to fret a note on the neck, the other frets higher up on the neck may be coming into contact with the vibrating string. Have you been playing that guitar to death? I'd try raising the action on that side of the bridge a hair before anything else. If that doesn't work, check the neck to make sure you have enough relief. Fret your guitar on the first fret with your index finger and with the other hand, press down on the string just past your last fret. With your left hand pinky, stretch and fret the furthest fret you can reach. The string should travel down a little before contacting the fret. If the fret is already in contact without pressing down on it, you need to adjust your truss rod (loosen it). Check your neck for warpage- look down the length of the neck from the nut. The frets should be fairly straight, and equidistant from each other. Hope this helps!

[HetfieldRules]

Re: Help!

well the E sring jsut snapped so im gonna change it to see if that helps. i gues you could say i play the guitar to death, i play it for about 3 hours per day everyday and i play metal so theres plenty in the key of Em so i am constantly playing and bending in that general area. my action is pretty decent. i am hoping that it's just the string or the action becuase i am really broke so i dont have the money for fret work.

[HetfieldRules]

Re: Help!

well i changed the strings and the sounds is gone so i guess all is well, there was no fret damage, i checked them and they were fine...so i guess they were just old strings w/ a lot of build up on them cause my hands get very sweaty

[Guitarist]

Re: Help!

well i changed the strings and the sounds is gone so i guess all is well, there was no fret damage, i checked them and they were fine...so i guess they were just old strings w/ a lot of build up on them cause my hands get very sweaty

Yep. Strings CAN do that. My E string on the high B kept losing its sustain and buzz to an end when bending... I, too, got worried about the possibility of having to do a fret-job on my axe, got some common sense and tried cleaning the string and problem was solved! It was surprising to me, because I don't build up much rust/grime...guess I was a lil' salty that day! Anywho, glad you found the problem.