You hold a chord, strum – and something sounds odd. One string buzzes (it rattles or fizzes), or it sounds dead and barely rings at all. Don’t worry: it happens to everyone, and the cause is nearly always easy to find.
Check string by string
Hold the chord and pick each string one at a time, slowly. That way you can hear exactly which string is the problem. Then look closely at the finger on that string – and the fingers next to it.
If the string buzzes
- Too far from the fret: place your finger just behind the metal fret wire, on the side towards the body – not in the middle of the space and not on top of it.
- Not enough pressure: press a little harder, but only as much as needed.
- Out of tune or a slack string: sometimes it isn’t you at all. Tune up first.
If the string sounds dead
- A neighbouring finger touches the string: this is the most common cause. Fret with your fingertip, not the flat pad, and keep your fingers nicely arched, like little bridges.
- Your palm is touching: on ukulele and guitar, the base of your hand sometimes rests on the highest string. Leave a little space between your palm and the neck.
- Thumb position: with your thumb behind the middle of the neck, your fingers can arch more easily.
- Nails too long: long nails on your fretting hand stop the tip from landing straight. Trimming them helps instantly.
Let the app listen
In the Chords tool, every chord diagram has a “Check me!” button. You play the chord, the microphone listens, and the app tells you which string isn’t ringing yet. The analysis happens only on your device. Without a microphone, just compare string by string and let the app play the chord for you.
All chordsAnd if your fingers hurt from all that pressing, read Sore fingertips? – it’s just part of starting out.