New guitar strings. very hard to get a good barre chord.?

Question

I have recently changed the strings on my electric guitar. i have been playing for quite a reasonable amount of time and would consider myself an intermediate player. but i am finding it really hard to get a good sound from a barre chord. i also am getting a slight buzz from the fret where the root is. i never had this problem till i changed my strings. could this be to do with the action? or just the wrong strings? thanks in advance.

Answer 1

I would make sure your strings are compatable with your guitar first. Make sure they are not too heavy of a gauge. Then check your action press the chord check where the string meets the fret. If you know how to adjust your neck do that, if not take it to a luthier and get them to do the adjustment.

Answer 2

If you changed to lighter strings your neck bowed upward and that could account for the buzz. Heavier strings, neck bows downward (concave) and the buzz could be caused by the strings being harder to press. In any case, if you changed the gauge of your strings the neck needs to be straightened. If you've never done it before take it to a guitar store. Should cost around $20 including adjusting the action if it needs it. Check the neck before you leave the store. It should bow (concave) ever so slightly. Play it to check the action and if it doesn't feel right have them redo it until it does. Good luck.