Squeaky Noise when I slide up and down fret board.

[RicLytham]

When I slide my fingers up and down fret board, it produces a squeaky sound. I am trying to improve my technique so I lift off more before I slide, but I was wondering if dirty strings might contribute. Do the strings get coated in dust and grease from your fingers after a while and need cleaning? Any recommended products for cleaning, is there any everyday household products that can used or is it specialist stuff?

[leftybassman392]

Squeaking does kind of come with the territory on a guitar, especially if you play in a style that requires high gain settings (remember that an amplifier amplifies every noise you make on the guitar, even the ones you don't want it to), and most especially if you play a lot of barre chords

That said, there are a few things you can do to control it (not eliminate it; that requires more drastic intervention - see below):

1. Yes, keeping your strings clean is a big deal. You should rub down the entire fretboard with a soft absorbent cloth before and after every session. Don't be afraid to go right up to the bridge.

2. There are a number of companies that sell you products to rub onto your strings that lubricate them and help your fingers to run smoothly. The one I'm familiar with is 'FastFret' but there wil be others.

3. Try doing everything with a slightly lighter touch. Takes time and practice to develop, but if can manage it, it will certainly help.

 

Other thoughts:

As I said, string squeak is an issue for all guitarists. Two other approaches might be worth thinking about:

Embrace it - many guitarists learn to ignore it, some even use it actively as part of their playing style. May not be for you but just so you know...

Kill it. If it worries you that much it is possible to buy a bit of kit called a noise gate that will (mostly) eliminate it. That's money though, plus time spent setting it up so it works the way you want it to; also, despite the name, noise gates make their presence known, and experienced players can usually hear one being used a mile off. I'm not a metal player myself, but I believe it's required kit for that style of playing.

Hope this helps.

Edited August 9, 2020 by leftybassman392

[Dad3353]

Lefty is right (if that's not a contradiction...), it's part and parcel of playing the guitar. Having clean hands should be a 'given', of course, and rubbing down the strings after every session with a lint-free cloth is Good Practise, too. Personally, I don't think there's any benefit from string lubes such as FastFret, but you may find differently. The main thing is to play lightly when sliding up or down the strings, and let it happen if you can't avoid it. There are so many tracks out there with string noise on 'em; most decent 'virtual' guitar software even allows for adding it in for a more realistic effect. Concentrate more on the sounding of the notes, and their timing, and ignore the squeaks; they're not that important, and most listeners don't even consciously hear them. 

[christhammer666]

unavoidable really especially on an acoustic. listen to some very light acoustic stuff you can really notice between sliding to chords

[RicLytham]

Thank you all for the comments. Plenty of useful advice. I definitely need to get in the habit of cleaning my guitar regularly. Think I will also give FastFret a go as well, see what happens.