• Registered: 2009-02-17
  • Posts: 8

Topic: Buzz

Morning chaps.

I've been playinhg about nine month's or so, self taught.

I've got strumming and open chords sorted (mostly) and I'm a big fan of picking.

The last few weeks / month I've started on Barre Chords. I've got the shapes sorted well for the F's etc and the Bm etc, and I'm aware of the changes down the neck (from learning power chords).

The only problem I encounter is I get a bit of buzzing. Is this down to the lack of strength in my barreing finger? It's not really painful anymore.

Is it simply a case of practice the barre and put up with the buzzing a bit until my finger "pops" and It's strong enough?

Or could it be something more sinister?

Cheers!

  • Zurf
  • Zurf
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  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
  • Posts: 7,522

Re: Buzz

It's probably a lack of consistent pressure across the neck, and nothing more sinister than that.  Except the B chord, of course.  The B chord is sinister in and of itself. 

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude
  • Registered: 2007-03-24
  • Posts: 1,108

Re: Buzz

Zurf wrote:

Except the B chord, of course.  The B chord is sinister in and of itself. 

- Zurf

I'll second that. B has and always will suck in it's official form no matter what Russell Harding may say....Again B bar on 2-4 frets sucks. I play it on 7. Or use 2 fingers and mute the high E on 2-4

I used to be disgusted; now I try to be amused.
Elvis Costello
  • From: Almancil, Algarve, Portugal
  • Registered: 2006-09-02
  • Posts: 6,205

Re: Buzz

Zurf is very probably correct (apart from his phobia with the B chord lol).

To confirm this first look along the fret board to check that it is not bowed (truss rod adjustmant can correct this if it is bowed).

Then pluck your high e string starting open and then going up the fretboard one fret at a time pluck each note going to the highest fret ensuring that each note rings clear with no buzz. Then do the same for the other 5 strings. This will ensure you do not have a raised fret.

If both these check are OK then I am afraid it is operator error and not an equipment fault so more practice or maybe reviewing the way you are playing the barre chords is in order. (The finger that does the barring should be rolled slightly on it's side as it is straighter there and can exert even pressue on all strings).

Hope that helps,

Roger

"Do, or do not; there is no try"

Roger Guppy's Website

  • Registered: 2009-02-17
  • Posts: 8

Re: Buzz

I'm sure it is user error smile

Will try the note test.

Also, when you say bowed, do you mean like  -^- ? only not so severe......

Onto the B, I have to say that out of the lot, this one is actually the clearest, Somehow I have rather bendy fingers, and lifting as not to mute the top string comes with no problems!

  • From: Renfrewshire, Scotland
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 1,359

Re: Buzz

Zurf wrote:

Except the B chord, of course.  The B chord is sinister in and of itself. 

- Zurf

Just out of interest, Zurf, how do you play chord A major?

Sorry for hijacking big_smile

Is anything really made up of zeros and ones??

alvee33's Website

  • Zurf
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Re: Buzz

Index finger on g string, middle finger on d string, ring finger on b string.  I am working on doing the same structure, but moving it down one finger to free up the index finger to do a barre.  It's not easy.  So I don't do it enough to matter.  That makes the B chord evil. 

I can not do the double barre form because of some previous damage to the top knuckle of the ring finger on my left hand.   I recently displaced the top knuckle on my pinky finger too (and probably broke it).  I reset it, but that's not working as well as it should either during the healing process (which is no doubt prolonged by playing guitar).   Not much to do about it, just thought I'd mention it for some reason. 

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude

8 Reply by alvee33 (edited by alvee33 2009-02-17 18:59:00)

  • From: Renfrewshire, Scotland
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 1,359

Re: Buzz

I still tend to avoid B but am not as scared of it as I used to be. I started off as you are trying to do and really just practiced it A LOT. I'm now fairly "comfortable" with either that way or a double barre. Face your fear.

It's like driving in Edinburgh. I really don't like to but I will if I have to.

And, Doctorzoidberg, I'm afraid you got it spot on. It's ALL about practice and patience.

Is anything really made up of zeros and ones??

alvee33's Website

  • From: Western Oregon,US
  • Registered: 2008-07-22
  • Posts: 2,498

Re: Buzz

Hi Brother Zurf,

  Well it seems to me that you are doing it right. (just another way to say the way I do!) Play your A in that form without the index whenever you can get away with it, and pretty soon the barre addition will be no problem.  I've been doing it that way awhile now because it makes the transition to the Maj7th barre or 7th "natural".  That darn wimpy pinkie that got mangled during a raquetball match years ago really resisted for awhile though, but finally got rewired enough to do what it is told.  Omit the index finger for your open E for awhile and I'd bet the "effen" F gets a bunch easier too!

Take Care;
Doug

"what is this quintessence of dust?"  - Shakespeare
  • Zurf
  • Zurf
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  • From: Virginia, USA
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Re: Buzz

Thanks for the encouragement Doug.

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude