Can anyone tell me how to get rid of fret buzz on an electric guitar?

Question

I raised the strings but its easier to play when the strings are lower. so if u know how to get rid of fret buzz without having to raise the strings so much tell me please?

Answer 1

I assume you reset the string height (the "action") with the truss rod (the bar in the neck) if that's untrue, then add that to your details and I'll give you some different advice.

First, make sure the buzz is really coming from the fret, and not from a short in the signal chain (any of the electronics from your pick-ups to your amp speaker).  Does the guitar still buzz when unplugged?  You might also make sure that all of the pieces of the guitar are screwed in tightly, and are not vibrating (especially the bridge plate on a guitar with a whammy bar).

Make sure the strings are seated properly in the grooves at the top (nut) and bottom (bridge) guides.  If the guitar is old, these grooves can get worn and cause problems.

Check your pickup height. If a pick-up is set too high it can make contact with the strings.  Usually you can adjust the pickups with the little screws on either side.

If the guitar is new or has a new neck, you might look at having your frets leveled.  Sometimes this is not done properly, and one fret may be higher than the others.

Keep in mind that all guitars have a limit to how low you can take the action before they start to buzz.  This depends on a number of factors including the type of guitar, how hard you play, and the string gauge (thickness).

If none of these steps help you, you might consider bringing your guitar to a local guitar shop and having a pro look at it.  In many cases, having your guitar professionally set up will improve the sound a surprising amount, and is relatively cheap.  If the fix is as simple as a truss-rod adjustment, they might even do it for free (Usually it won't be more than $5 or $10)!  They can also give you good advice.  Watch carefully, and you can learn how to do some of it on your own.

Answer 2

Raising the strings really is the only way I can think of removing string buzz. You could get the neck set up, but that will change string height too.