Something thats been bothering me for a while!!

As some of you already know I own an acoustic westfield guitar that I am happy for learning on, but there is something thats really been bothering me. Whenever I move up the fretboard for a barre chord, during the move between chords I get this weird kinda squeaky noise. What is this? I have heard it in some songs but they seem to be mainly acoustic songs. Does this just happen with acoustic guitars? Or does it happen on electrics as well. if so, is there any way to mute it?

That's your hand sliding down the strings. Whenever two things that aren't perfectly smooth rub against one another, they cause slight (usually high pitched) vibrations. Think about running your nails down a chalkboard, or peeling out tires, or dragging a cardboard box across the floor. It's unavoidable, but can be reduced by using a lubricant such as "Finger Ease", or using Elixir strings (they're coated strings). String talk is more commonly heard on acoustics because of the more sensitive pickups.

So it happens to everyone? I was worried for a minute there. I used to think it was my fingers. So just buy some lubricant?

Yeah, that should help. Good right hand muting is probably the best solution in the long run. Whenever you're about to reposition your left hand by sliding it up the neck and you're not sustataining a note, gently place your right hand palm on the strings near the bridge. This prevents unwanted noise and works quite well when you get good at it.

Thanks for the great advice dude :)

I can strongly recommend Elixier strings - they sound great, last long, and have very little fretnoise....and are damn expensive *LOL* - nevertheless i use them exclusively - lately i talked to the manufacturer and he said that there will also be acoustic strings from elixier soon.

I'm pretty sure that Elixir already makes acoustic strings... They're available here. Where are you located, Azrael? The rhythm player at the church I attend uses them exclusively, I believe. Then again, I have a memory comparable to a common housefly, so there's really no telling...

No dont kill the string noise!
I like it, it gives the sound that unique acoustic feeling.

Originally posted by u2fanmatty
...Whenever I move up the fretboard for a barre chord, during the move between chords I get this weird kinda squeaky noise. What is this? I have heard it in some songs but they seem to be mainly acoustic songs...
is there any way to mute it?

No offence,but you really are a beginner,huh?Why would you want to mute,I really like that sound(I know,I'm not you!).
You remind of this story a buddy once told me.He was having sex with this really green girl,and when they were well on there way,the girl was like "I gotta take a piss."So he gets off her,and she goes and comes back,and reports she didn't have anything to piss.They resume,and after a while again she's like"Now I really gotta take a piss".Again he get's off,and she goes and comes back,again there was nothing,homey is a bit pissed off coz this back and forth,up and down,on and off,as you might realise,is not entirely plesant.The third time she starts saying she gotta piss,dude slaps her on the face(slightly) and yells
"Stay there!You're having an orgasm!!!"
:D

I read something similar in this magazine somewhere :)

Honest to god though, I HATE that sound. I know that it can't really be avoided on acousitc but, jesus, to i hate it.

1) yes, they do make elixr strings for acoustic guitars.. a buddy of mine uses em' and swears by them
on that note - I asked my local store gurus and they pointed me in the direction of the d,addario exp's. haven't tried the elixrs yet but I have plans on giving them a shot after the exps are dead (do like the exp's tho, nice feel and sound)

2) I have to agree with most of the posts.. the slight squeak of the guitar kind of gives the music a natural feel and a personality that makes the acoustic sound what it is. However, those really loud noisy squeaks, yeah, I'm thinkin chalkboard when I hear those...
As you learn more and start to develop your own style of playing you probably won't even notice the string noise and come to appreciate it...

To try and minimize the real ear breakers, try the palm mute deal but be sure to let go of the fretboard enough so you don't break glass when you slide up and down -it'll take time but the end result should be well worth your effort.

Good luck!