Guitar buzzes or rattles when played

Symptoms

• Buzzing sound on certain frets or strings
• Rattling noise when a string is played open
• Buzz gets worse on lower frets
• Sound is metallic or sizzling, not a clean tone

Likely causes

• CommonString action set too lowStrings sit too close to the frets, so they buzz against the ones ahead when vibrating.
• CommonLoose tuning peg, strap button, or hardwareA loose screw or nut on the headstock or bridge can vibrate sympathetically and sound like a buzz.
• PossibleWarped neck or uneven fretsHumidity or age can bow the neck slightly, creating high or low spots that cause buzz.
• PossibleWorn or grooved fretsFrets flatten with years of play, lowering the string's clearance in that spot.
• Less commonLoose truss rod cover or pickupUnrelated loose parts near the neck or body can rattle and sound like fret buzz.

What to do

1. Play each string one fret at a time to find exactly where the buzz starts; note the fret and string.
2. Check all visible hardware (tuning pegs, strap buttons, pickup rings, truss rod cover) by gently wiggling each one; tighten anything loose with the right size screwdriver.
3. Look down the neck from the headstock like a rifle sight to check for an obvious bow or dip.
4. If the buzz happens only on one or two frets everywhere on the neck, suspect a high or worn fret rather than the setup.
5. Try raising the string height (action) slightly at the bridge/saddle if your guitar allows easy adjustment.
6. Restring with a fresh set if the strings are old and dull; old strings can buzz more than new ones.
7. If buzz is present on many frets across the whole neck, the truss rod may need a small adjustment.

Tools and parts

• Small screwdriver set
• Guitar tuner
• Capo (optional, for isolating the neck)

When to call a pro

If buzz persists after tightening hardware and changing strings, or if you're not comfortable adjusting the truss rod yourself, take it to a guitar tech for a setup; truss rod adjustments done wrong can damage the neck.

Safety