How can I reduce unwanted noise while playing guitar?

Question

I have a pretty old, unimpressive guitar (standard looking dean with a humbucker by the bridge, worth around $250), so It's understandable that It's not going to sound great. When I play it however, it's downright muddy. I've been playing for about 4 years, and I've got a pretty well developed technique as far as playing clean, muting, and what-not; I mute with both my hand's fingers and my palm. Still, no matter how lightly I pull my finger off the strings they ring out annoyingly, and the rest ring in response. They vibrate constantly even when at rest & there's a constant hum and a messy garble of noise when I play, even if I'm fully muting and playing perfect. It doesn't sound horrible, per say, but it's definitely annoying. Is it time I bought a new guitar or am I doing something wrong? (Probably both, I'd think).

Also, it bears mentioning that I'm using an equally unimpressive amp that no doubt adds at least a little to the noise.

Answer 1

Sounds like you're using too much gain. Turn down your distortion.

Second, get a new amp. The single biggest thing you can do to sound better is invest in a higher quality amp. I've been really digging the inexpensive tube amps that've come out lately.... I just bought an Epiphone Valve Jr that I just looooove. Would require a distortion pedal if you want to do anything more than a slightly raunchy overdrive, though.

You can also try using a product like GHS Fast fret or Guitar Honey. String lubricants like this can help with string noise and make playing a little ... smoother, I guess.

Saul

Answer 2

One more possibility:

Your pickup may be too close to the strings. Try lowering the pickup bit by bit using the two screws on either side of it.

Having the pickup too close will do all sorts of funky stuff.

And the other guy has a point. have the tone controls checked. And tone down the overdrive too. Humbuckers don't need as much.

Answer 3

sounds like your action is out. and also you might have an earthing problem with the electrics if there's a constant hum.

best thing and cheapest thing i can recommend is take your guitar down to your local music shop and get them to do an overhaul on it.

get them to check the action, and relief on the neck , and also get them to check out the electrics inside. and get them to clean the guitar

, and make sure all the hardware on it is tight.

Do NOT start poking around with the electrics if you don't know what your doing!

some tips for the future though once you get it sorted. if you play regularly change your stings every couple of months.

After you've played your guitar, give the stings a wipe down with a dry clean cloth, this will stop dirt building up on them and keep them sounding fresh for a bit longer.

also give the frets a good regular clean as well, but some fretboard oil from your music store and use it every couple of month.

Answer 4

Hi Andrew

It' s not the amp nor the guitar. It's easy to blame the instrument but, you will sound as good as you can play the guitar. The best technique is to play behind the fret and not in the middle of two frets. Many have that tendency to do just that.

The sound is always cleaner, purer when played directly behind the fret.