How To Fix Buzzing on High E String? (Low Frets & High Frets)

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Buzzing on a High E string is a very common problem. If you play guitar, there is a high chance that you would have encountered this problem. There can be numerous reasons behind this buzzing, such as too deep nut or low string action.

Sometimes, the climate you are living in also plays an important role in causing the buzz, as low humidity can be an important reason behind this issue too. However, the good part is that this issue can be resolved with some quick tips and tricks.

You can fix buzzing on a high E string by either replacing the nut or making the action a bit higher. There are some of the simplest solutions you can try. However, if the problem still persists, you might need to try playing guitar in a different environment with less humidity, it can also work out for you.

Throughout my seven-year guitar journey, I have had my fair share of buzzing issues. In this article, let’s focus specifically on the High E string buzzing. And by the way, the high E string is the first string which is the thinnest string, it is located at the top of the fretboard and is often victim to many troubles.

Common Causes Of High E String Buzz (With Fix)

Here are some of the common causes of high E String to buzz and their solutions;

1. Nut is too deep

A nut is a piece from which the string passes, it can be either made from bone or plastic. The purpose of the net is to keep the strings at a distance from each other to avoid unnecessary touching between the strings. If the nut becomes too shallow or deep over time, it can result in the buzzing on the high E string.

If you want to solve this dilemma, you either need to get the nut changed or you can mix baking powder with super glue and fix the groove if it is shallow or deep. It is always suggested to go for reliable and durable solutions.

Also Read: Do Bone Nuts Sound Better? (Advantages & Tone Difference)

2. String action is too low

Low-string action is good if you are not fond of applying too much pressure on the strings, but you need to keep in mind that it can also cause the high E string to buzz. Lower action can be a pivotal reason behind the strings catching on a fret higher up the neck.

So, if your action is too low, you can solve the buzzing by making the action slightly higher and checking if the high E string is still buzzing. If your new strings are also buzzing, it can be a problem.

3. Low Humidity

For proper functioning, guitars also need a suitable temperature and climate. It is suggested to keep a guitar at 40% to 50% to avoid any buzzing. When the air becomes too dry, it can damage the guitar. You might also experience sharp fret ends if low humidity is the reason behind the buzzing.

To fix the buzzing on the high E string, you can use a guitar humidifier. It is one of the best solutions available. Otherwise, you’ll have to change the region you live in, which is pretty much a hard task to do.

4. Improper Neck relief

The neck of the guitar should be in the right position and shape, and should only have a minimal dip around the 8th fret as it is the neck relief that is essential for its proper functioning. If the neck relief is incorrect, it can cause the neck to bow forward or backward more than it is required, which can lead to buzzing on high E strings.

To solve this problem, you need to adjust the truss rod properly. It is one of the simplest ways to stop the buzzing if your guitar has improper neck relief.

Also Read: Guitar Neck Reset 101: What, Why & When To Do It (With Cost)

Buzzing Only On Lower Frets: The Fix

Sometimes, your guitar string buzzes only on higher or lower frets. Let’s talk about each of them specifically.

Why Is High E String Buzzing Only On Lower Frets?

The high E string is likely to buzz even on lower frets if the frets are uneven or your guitar neck doesn’t have the perfect neck relief adjustment. Any troubleshooting causing the distance between the strings to change can cause a buzzing sound. Even on the lower frets, the strings can vibrate against a fret, which can certainly cause a lot of buzzing.

How To Fix E String Buzz On Lower Frets

To fix E string buzz on lower frets, you need to slightly bow away the neck from strings and also make sure that the frets are not uneven. Uneven frets are a major perpetrator behind the excessive buzzing on E strings, make sure you set them up properly.

Buzzing Only On Higher Frets: The Fix

Why Is High E String Buzzing Only On Higher Frets?

E string buzzing can also occur on higher frets if your guitar neck is warped or if the fret is set too high. You should keep the fret height according to the length of the neck. The type and thickness of the strings also play an important role. If the frets are set higher than they should or if the neck is twisted, it can cause buzzing in high E string.

How To Fix E String Buzz On Higher Frets

To fix E string buzz on higher frets, you need to adjust the fret in the right place and make sure there are no uneven frets. Once your fret is in the right place, you need to apply the right amount of pressure, but don’t strum too hard, as it will also cause E strings to buzz even on higher frets.

The best way to avoid buzzing is by keeping the frets in the right place. Also, make sure that your guitar is set up properly as there’s nothing more irritating than a guitar making buzzy noises all the time.

Is It Common For E String To Buzz?

It is common for the E string to buzz more than other strings, as it is the thinnest and the 1st string, it is highly responsible for causing the buzz. Moreover, it is also vulnerable to different kinds of damage too. If the strings are old or not in proper condition, they can buzz all the time.

Moreover, if there’s an issue with the guitar’s bridge or neck, the E string is likely to buzz the most. If your strings are too old, you need to get them replaced as soon as possible to avoid any buzzing in the future.

How To Fix Buzzing on High E String? (Low Frets & High Frets)