Unwanted String Noise Cause

So when I first started bending strings I had unwanted noise, so I started muting with my picking hand, and the problem was solved. But now lately I've noticed that whenever I release a bend on my high E string I get a muted plink from the G string. I can get rid of it by using my index finger to mute on the release, but I lose strength and control and accuracy and speed and, well, my playing overall suffers.

And so I'm hoping to find out what specifically could be the cause, or at least get pointed in the right direction. I've read that string action could be a problem, but I've been fiddling with the action for a few days and it isn't helping. I've also read that some people get more unwanted noise when their strings are in poor condition, and mine are pretty overdue for a change. Lastly (and most likely) is the possibility that my technique is off. I never have had a lesson, so there could easily be something I'm doing wrong. Any help anyone can give would be greatly appreciated.

I'll be interested to see the replies when they arrive. I have a lot of trouble with sounding the adjacent string on bends and it seems like there should be a way to avoid it without muting.

Try muting the strings on the headstock, sympathetic vibration.

The G is prone to vibrating in the nut and sitaring. Cure is to file the slope on the back of the nut, or an extra string tree for that one.

Fret buzz (action) doesn't normally cause "muted plinks"

Check the frets for little burrs and grooves. The stings slipping over these can cause muted plinks. Cure is to polish the frets. Ideally fret dressing i.e. a light levelling and re-crown/polish.

Sometimes Fender leaves poly finish over the top of the frets, this makes them feel rough in the same way. Cure for this is to slip a razor blade along the sides of the frets and peel/scrape the finish off the sides of the frets (the top will be bare metal). And then polish the frets. I use automotive paint polish (mild ultrafine abrasive) on a rotary foam pad on maple/poly.

If you are releasing a bend on the high E and getting a muted "plink" on the G string, my guess is that you have a fairly loose floating trem and the G is moving within the nut slot when you bend any string, and the slot is a little too tight, grabbing the string and it plinks as you release the bend but you just don't hear it unless you bend and release the high E. Clean up the G string nut slot and I bet your problem disappears.

I did have some binding at the nut in the past, though it went away when I put some pencil graphite in there. I hope it's something simple like that. I'd hate to have to get my frets dressed. Though I should probably specify that I don't have a floating trem. I don't know if that makes a diference or not.

Also, it seems to be pretty much gone when I switch to the bridge pickup. Not sure if that matters either.

Yeah, if you don't have a floating trem, my idea is incorrect. Not sure what would cause your plink.

Ah, well thanks anyway. I'll check into Jefrs' suggestions. Might try to play another guitar or two and see if the same thing happens. That'd likely tell me if it's my technique or not.

Well, I tried playing on my dad's 335 for a bit, and it seems like it's doing the same thing. It's almost like my callouses are catching on the string or something, but I have no idea what I'm doing wrong. I guess I'll just see if I can find a teacher to try and help me with my technique.

Is it massively noticable? Could it be that you have noticed this and are listening out for it? Its inevitable that we are going to catch an adjacent string when bending but I don't know if there is an unconscious technique I employ to remedy this. I will have to pick up a guitar later and analyse what I'm doing.

My theory, before I get a chance to pick up a guitar, is that the string(s) you are bending are the ones being picked and the sound they make is going to be way louder than any accidental noise. It may be there if you listen for it but only in the background. Consider it part of the character of your playing style perhaps...

In short, make sure your pick attack is strong and confident. You don't have to hammer the hell out of it but play it like you mean it. This, in my opinion should make any accidental noise pretty negligible.

Personally, I actually get a kick out of hearing accidental noise on recordings. It shows the human element in the music which is often lacking in these days of perfect record production.

Hope this helps.

Jack, one of the main causes of unwanted string noise is something you've already mentioned - old strings. Please change your strings and have your guitar set up by a competent tech. You won't believe what a difference that'll make in your playing. A good set up by a competent tech is roughly $40 to $60 and worth every penny. You can get back to what you need to be doing which is playing and practicing. Also you don't mention string guage. It takes very strong fingers and grip to bend 10's. If this is what you are using, then the strength it takes to bend may account for grabbing the g string. Also you don't mention it but judging from your age, it just takes time. Steve Vai didn't get to become Steve Vai in a day. Great technique is the product of practice and time. So don't get discouraged. Bending, vibrato, rhythm, phrasing, understanding theory, etc. all take time. And you will find that it really and truly a never ending journey. Good luck.

Try muting the strings on the headstock, sympathetic vibration.

The G is prone to vibrating in the nut and sitaring. Cure is to file the slope on the back of the nut, or an extra string tree for that one.

Fret buzz (action) doesn't normally cause "muted plinks"

Check the frets for little burrs and grooves. The stings slipping over these can cause muted plinks. Cure is to polish the frets. Ideally fret dressing i.e. a light levelling and re-crown/polish.

Sometimes Fender leaves poly finish over the top of the frets, this makes them feel rough in the same way. Cure for this is to slip a razor blade along the sides of the frets and peel/scrape the finish off the sides of the frets (the top will be bare metal). And then polish the frets. I use automotive paint polish (mild ultrafine abrasive) on a rotary foam pad on maple/poly.

The "g" string always rings out up in the headstock of my Teles. It's not merely sympathetic, as it will ring even when I mute all of the strings and just strum them. I haven't gotten around to finding an unobtrusive mute yet. Maybe, a rubber grommet (like those used to mute mandolin strings below the bridge)?

It takes very strong fingers and grip to bend 10's. If this is what you are using, then the strength it takes to bend may account for grabbing the g string.

Them 10's are like rubber bands boi!!!

10s are easy to bend. Your problem may be the result of technique, finger position. Make sure you're keeping your bending fingers as "arched" as possible. Don't "flat-finger" bend. Your finger may flatten out some at the first knuckle as you bend, but make sure it returns to the arched position as you release your bends.

[QUOTE][/QUQuote:
Originally Posted by Charlesinator
It takes very strong fingers and grip to bend 10's. If this is what you are using, then the strength it takes to bend may account for grabbing the g string.

Them 10's are like rubber bands boi!!!
OTE]

Maybe to you. And you don't mention whether or not you tune down either. So to you I'd say don't be a skeerd of light guage. Page, Gibbons and May play obscenely light guage ... and if I'm not mistaken Jerry Donahue plays 9's.

"if I'm not mistaken Jerry Donahue plays 9's."

He just might, but i never had a problem playing "The Beak and The Claw" with a standard set of 10s.

Maybe to you. And you don't mention whether or not you tune down either. So to you I'd say don't be a skeerd of light guage. Page, Gibbons and May play obscenely light guage ... and if I'm not mistaken Jerry Donahue plays 9's.

I play in standard tuning at all times (too much of a newb to use any others lol) :razz:

I guess I just have strong ol' hands, I have no problems executing 'huuuuuge' (I exaggerate) bends, it's personal preference - I meant no offence.

James

Yeah, I plan on changing my strings as soon as I can. Of course my local shop never seems to have the strings I'm looking for. I'll just order some Elixers off Musician's Friend in a day or two. Anything else I pretty much melt in a week or so.

As for setup, I had it setup about six months ago when I got some compensated saddles put on. Though I'm sure it's not impossible that it could use another adjustment, especially considering temperature changes.

I do use .10s, though other than the high E they never seemed too terribly hard to bend. I don't know if it's from playing around with the action or just focusing on bending so much lately, but the high E is a little easier to bend.

From what you describe in your original post, I'm thinking as you bend the high e upwards, your finger end is getting caught up possibly underneath the G. When you release the bend you are "plucking" the G with your left hand finger (the one bending) and as you are muting with your left hand it translates to a "plunk" sound.
You could adjust your action to eliminate this as much as possible, try a lighter gauge string for easier bends. You could try to play aware of the problem and try releasing your bends with the aim to make the release as smooth as possible.

If I've interpreted your original post correctly then I hope this helps, if not, skip this.