My acoustic/electric guitar strings vibrate too much!?

Question

Is there a way to stop my acoustic/electric guitar's strings from vibrating so much?
It makes it sound crappy.
The strings are metal, (you know the common strings).
Is there like something to stop them from vibrating so much?

Answer 1

There can be quite a few things you can do but lets start with the obvious first: do you need new strings? Sometimes strings stretch out and wear quickly. Replacing them could improve the playing sound for cheap (I like Martin Marquis for gigs but D'Addarios last/wear longer).
Also, are you pressing down hard enough? I am not sure how long you have been playing but I just wanted to bring that up. If you need to, practice to build up strength in the fingers and wrist and callouses on the fingers.
Next is the tuners and how you wound your strings. Look at how the pro's wind their strings and make sure that you "pinch" the end "in between" to avoid the string to slip and loosen. You will keep the strings tuned and tight.
Next are the string buzzing near certain frets and not others. If so, you can get the guitar repaired to fix the nut or the fret markers that may have raised.
Last is the guitar warping? Are the strings further above the frets near the sound hole and versus the nut. This will make it hard to play (and easy to buzz) and will only get worse. Bring the guitar into a shop and have them check it out to adjust properly (do not attempt this by yourself).
The last thing is deciding if the amount of money (and memories) is worth getting the guitar fixed versus just buying a new one. I have been playing for over 30 years and have made this decision unfortunetly many times.

Good Luck on your repairs and smooth playing!!

Answer 2

D'Addario are good strings. Even if you do not have access or do not want to buy strings from an online supplier, you can use their website to have a quick look at most manufacturers to see what is available. Then buy a set of strings of the same string gauge but different make to see how you like them. For a sound with more low end, use thicker strings. If you are not already doing so, make sure to wipe off your strings with a rag after playing your guitar. It will lengthen the life of your strings and provide you with a better sound. The dirt that gets on guitar strings is mainly from the hands that play them - oils and dead skin.

Answer 3

people answering do you even have guitars? if you did you would know that he is playing too hard. except for susuze2000 good idea Stop playing so hard dude and try thicker strings., or maybe tune your guitar

Answer 4

Tighten them, there should be knobs at the head of the guitar that you can turn to loosen or tighten your strings, they're also used to tune your guitar.

Answer 5

get nylon strings,that's what I did and now it sounds MUCH better.
..and they come in pretty colors!! you can buy them on line @ www.guitarcenter.com or e-bay,,or just go to your local music store and ask the sales guy what they would recommend for your style &guitar.

Answer 6

try a different gauge of strings

Answer 7

You may have to produce caullaces to get them you just have to practice a lot and the skin on your fingers will get dry and the sound wont suck anymore.