Eliminating squeek?

[SoyMilkHero]

I play with a lot of High's and Low's but with my high's you can hear my left hand as it moves up and down the strings, and sounds like a squeak. Much like what you'd get playing a acoustic guitar. IS there any way to get rid of this without taking away from my High's?

 

[Nobody]

nickel strings

http://www.amazon.com/DAddario-EXL160TP-Regular-Strings-Long-Scale/dp/B0006IQLF4

Hardly any finger noise with these IME.

 

[SoyMilkHero]

I'm using Nickel Strings. Thanks for the suggestion though

 

[ggunn]

I play with a lot of High's and Low's but with my high's you can hear my left hand as it moves up and down the strings, and sounds like a squeak. Much like what you'd get playing a acoustic guitar. IS there any way to get rid of this without taking away from my High's?

There are two ways to eliminate string squeak.

You can go to flats to eliminate it completely, or half rounds will eliminate it somewhat. Flats, however will attenuate the high end of your sound, and half rounds somewhat less. Half rounds are a compromise.

The other way is with technique, where you lift your fingers and set them down without sliding along the strings. It's not that easy to do.

 

[SoyMilkHero]

Thanks for the suggestion. Yeah i've tried just lifting my fingers. You don't realize until you try that how much you actually slide across the strings until you actually pay attention.

 

[Rugaar]

Sorry, SoyMilkHero, but it's technique. Try using a headphone amp while practicing. It'll let you hear every little nuance of your playing so you'll know what's good and what needs work. Good luck!

 

[ModuMan]

Kind of a long-shot but if you can isolate the frequency range of the squeak you can try to EQ it out or minimize it. I used to play with a lot of highs but then I joined a reggae band. Insert joke as needed.

 

[DeluxeRed]

Keep your thumb on the back of the neck. That'll usually eliminate most of it right there.

 

[sean.1986]

Get flatwound strings.

 

[groovenut57]

Ever since my guitar-playing days way, way back, the problem of finger noise has always been a pet peeve of mine. Then I discovered this thing called "flats".

I've now switched from D'Addario nickel rounds (EXL165) to D'Addario chromes flats (ECB84) and my finger noise annoyance is forever gone - not to mention the fact I love the sound I get from these chromes both on my Fender P and Fender J.

 

[SoyMilkHero]

Does flat wound literally mean they're Flat? Rather than round?

 

[JoeyZ]

No, the strings themselves are not flat. The material used to line the outside of the string is flat and smooth, as opposed to roundwounds which are bumpy and rigid. That'd be weird to have FLAT strings though...

 

[SoyMilkHero]

Haha ooh. Ok. Cool, i'll look into that, Thanks

 

[groovenut57]

Here are a couple of visual comparisons to illustrate what we mean by "flats"...

Can you see how the "flats" can be your ticket to getting rid of the squeaks?

 

[jdieh1]

Just wearing down new strings will make the strings less squeaky as well

 

[DeluxeRed]

IME, most people change from rounds to flats (or v/v) to change the tone they are producing.

In other words, changing to flats will do more than reduce finger noise. It most likely will change your overall sound, as well. Flats tend to be more "round" and "vintage" sounding, with less growl and bite (and the high-end you were trying to preserve).

So if you are happy with your sound otherwise, I'd work on technique and not go changing stuff that's not broken.

If you are still searching for "your" sound, then certainly explore different types of strings.

FWIW

 

[groovenut57]

Maybe I should have clarified what I said earlier about my switching from rounds to flats a little better...

I didn't make the switch solely for the sake of getting rid of the finger noise. Rather, I made the switch to explore the tonal possibilities of the flats first and foremost and discovered I happen to LOVE the way they sound. The fact I've been able to eliminate my finger noise problem was just a bonus.

Ultimately, you need to decide for yourself what you prefer in term of how they sound.

 

[millsbass5]

I also found that using Finger-Ease string lubricant takes away a significant amount of string noise.I'm never w/out a can of it when I'm in the studio.Good stuff.But,the thing that will help you most in the long run?Good technique.

 

[SoyMilkHero]

Haha. I am still searching, for "My" tone. So i'll give it a try, and who knows. Thanks everyone for your input :]

 

[73jbass]

Elixir string help with the finger noise too.