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!
