A buzzing sound in your guitar pickups can be a frustrating problem, but there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot and fix it. Here are some of the most common causes of pickup buzz and their solutions:
1. Grounding issues
One of the most common causes of pickup buzz is a grounding issue. This can be caused by a loose or broken ground wire, or by a problem with the ground connection in your guitar’s output jack. To check for a grounding issue, try plugging your guitar into a different amp. If the buzz persists, it’s likely a problem with your guitar’s grounding.
To fix a grounding issue, you’ll need to open up your guitar and check the ground wire. Make sure it’s securely soldered to the back of the output jack. If the wire is broken or damaged, you’ll need to replace it.
2. Pickup height
If your guitar’s pickups are set too high, they can be more susceptible to feedback and buzz. To adjust the height of your pickups, use a small screwdriver to turn the screws on the pickup rings. Raising the pickups will make them louder, but it will also make them more susceptible to feedback and buzz. Lowering the pickups will make them quieter, but it will also reduce the amount of feedback and buzz.
3. String height
If your guitar’s strings are set too low, they can buzz against the frets. To adjust the height of your strings, use a truss rod wrench to turn the truss rod. Turning the truss rod clockwise will raise the strings, and turning it counterclockwise will lower the strings.
4. Pickup type
Single-coil pickups are more susceptible to hum and buzz than humbucker pickups. If you have single-coil pickups in your guitar, you may need to use a noise gate pedal to reduce the amount of noise.
5. Other causes
Other possible causes of pickup buzz include:
- A loose or broken string
- A damaged neck
- A problem with the bridge
- A problem with the electronics in your guitar
If you’ve checked all of the above and you’re still getting pickup buzz, it’s best to take your guitar to a qualified guitar tech to have it diagnosed and repaired.
Here are some additional tips for troubleshooting and fixing pickup buzz:
- Try plugging your guitar into a different outlet. If the buzz goes away, it’s likely caused by a grounding issue in your original outlet.
- Try using a different cable. If the buzz goes away, it’s likely caused by a problem with your cable.
- Try shielding your guitar. Shielding is a thin metal layer that is placed inside the guitar to reduce noise. Shielding can be done by a qualified guitar tech.
- Try using a noise gate pedal. A noise gate pedal is an electronic device that reduces noise when you’re not playing.
If you’re not comfortable troubleshooting and fixing pickup buzz yourself, it’s best to take your guitar to a qualified guitar tech.
