Some advice on fretting noise

harley_biker · #1 08-22-2011, 11:22 PM

For a man, have smaller hands. End up doing a lot more sliding to reach the notes. Even in slow practice sessions, just lifting my fingers straight up causes fret noise. Have small amounts of ringing (same note once lifted) while playing. How do most people deal with noise after lifting your finger off, then touching a different note on the neck?

skychief · #2 08-22-2011, 11:43 PM

maybe try muting strings with the heel of your right hand. This might stop the ringing.

Russell L · #3 08-23-2011, 06:17 AM

Put on some flatwounds. Poof! Fret noise all gone!

LOL, well, it's true. But, otherwise, try playing a piece at a slow tempo and concentrating on how your hands move. I have found that just by thinking of it I can stop most of the zinging. Clicking on the frets is another matter. Usually, turning down some highs will help, too. But, if you don't have any success I really would consider flats. They sound great, too, like a bass oughta, lol.

harley_biker · #4 08-23-2011, 10:13 AM

Which brand of flatwounds do you like? What is the sound difference from ernie ball (2834) to flatwounds? It's so annoying to constantly hear a ringing echo after certain notes. It's hard enough to learn to play, then think about muting with everything else going on!

Russell L · #5 08-23-2011, 02:51 PM

Well, I just put my first set of flats on only about two weeks ago, so I can't say what's good or bad about different ones. These are Fender 9050L because they were available locally. Many folks recommend D'Addario Chromes while others recommend many different other ones. I don't know yet. But, I do like the sound I get from these Fenders, as a start at least. They are a tad less bright and maybe ring a little less long, although not by much, if at all. I like the sound myself. I especially love the feel of them. Anyway, just an idea.

chaosMK · #6 08-23-2011, 04:46 PM

I don't mind fret noise. I was happy that a little bit came through on my last recordings- made things human and immediate. It's easy to cut those frequencies in a mix too and with a band it's not even noticeable. I've never gone to a show and found myself distracted by fret noises. I wouldn't stress about it.

Buxtehude · #7 08-23-2011, 06:13 PM

Don't lift up the finger you just played until after you've put the next one down

harley_biker · #8 08-23-2011, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buxtehude

Don't lift up the finger you just played until after you've put the next one down

Thanks guys. Sounds logical to keep my finger on the note a tad longer. Just have to retrain my brain

Ordered a set of flats.

Jay2U · #9 08-24-2011, 04:09 PM

When I started playing the bass, I discovered that muting is one of the the most important issues.

So deal with it first. There are many techniques. It depends on playing style and preference. If you're picking, your left hand has to help you out, assisted by the palm of your picking hand. Finger style is a little easier. I prefer to place my thumb accross the unused lower strings. But, whichever style you use, muting should be practised until you don't notice you're muting.

Then it is much more fun

to concentrate on playing itself.

Russell L · #10 08-25-2011, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harley_biker

Thanks guys. Sounds logical to keep my finger on the note a tad longer. Just have to retrain my brain

Ordered a set of flats.

Well, there goes all fret noise. What set did you order?

bolophonic · #11 08-25-2011, 08:46 AM

Fret noise is part of playing. I make it part of my sound. Most of it will never be discernible in a mix, anyway. If you really want a perfectly fret-free sound, I would recommend buying a keytar.

Russell L · #12 08-25-2011, 08:51 AM

BTW, harley biker, what Harley do you ride? I have a 2007 Road King and a 2003 Sportster.

Extrinsic · #13 08-25-2011, 09:21 AM

maybe you're a closeted fretless player who needs to be unfettered

BigDanT · #14 08-26-2011, 09:44 PM

I use the D'Adarrio Legends. They sound fantastic and do help cut down on the fret noise considerably but I also like their fat thumpy sound. The Fender flats are good too and a little cheaper but the D's are better IMHO.

PluckyThump · #15 08-26-2011, 10:00 PM

You just need to have a finger or palm on the string when you fret it and the fret clank is muted. Play through headphones, that will help you learn to mute and clean up your playing.

Antoanto · #16 09-01-2011, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell L

I have found that just by thinking of it I can stop most of the zinging.

True. I had the same amazing experience. I also noticed that the noise is greater at the beginning of a session and then fades away once my hands have warmed up. This has to do with concentration/ relaxation and with technique. If you have worked out your technique regularly the body has "learnt" it for you. Whenever you play with the necessary concentration (of the mind) and relaxation (of the body) it will unconsciously adjust itself to the right moves even if you don't necessarily realize how.