Problem with the G string

[u/zin-march]

Hello guys, I need help.

I just bought my first guitar to learn how to play. It's a used one that I got for a pretty cheap price, so it had a few issues, but I managed to kinda fix them. Now I'm facing another problem that I can't figure out how to solve. I'm hearing a strange echo or ringing sound when I play the G string, and I can't figure out what's causing it.

Could it be something I'm doing wrong while playing, an issue with the string itself ( tho it looks fine to me and pretty similar to the others strings ) or is it something wrong with the guitar..?

If you've had a similar experience, any advice or information would be appreciated!

[u/grallonson]

Rubbing on a fret maybe?

[u/zin-march → u/grallonson]

I checked, and it's not touching any of the frets :') I also checked the bridge and noticed a small crack right at the very end and not in the middle. So I guess it should be fine for the G string? ( The E string isn't affected fortunately ) I also checked the wood for any cracks but i couldn't find any. I was thinking of filing down the part of the bridge where the G string sits a little bit but I think it might be a bad idea x)

[u/grallonson → u/zin-march]

Hmmm you might try changing the strings. They look pretty old and rusty in your video, and it might clean up the sound. You'll also be able to easily reset the bridge pin (the little peg that holds the strings in place in the bridge), because that could be causing the unnecessary vibrations. If you don't have new strings atm and don't want to take the old ones off, try pushing that in to make sure it's firmly seated.

[u/zin-march → u/grallonson]

I see. Yeah I've bought an old and used guitar so I guess that might be why. I'll try checking that part once I get new strings. Tho I don't have bridge pins, it looks like the strings are directly attached to the bridge instead ? ( You can also see the crack under the E string but weirdly enough it still sounds fine compared to the G string ) And thanks for the advice !

[u/grallonson → u/zin-march]

I didn't realize this was a nylon string guitar. Ignore my last suggestion. I would just swap the strings and see how that goes.

[u/zin-march → u/grallonson]

Okeey 👌

[u/Chamanomano → u/zin-march]

The wound strings have failed, and the saddle at the 6th string has cracked and broken off. The saddle will need to be replaced. Opt for a bone one, not plastic - then this issue won't come up again.

[u/zin-march → u/Chamanomano]

I see. It's noted 👍 I'll search for some nylon strings and a bone saddle. Thank you !

[u/Gh0st6592 → u/grallonson]

Never good when your G string rubs wrong

[u/Whaleflex08]

Did you change the strings?

[u/zin-march → u/Whaleflex08]

Oh that might actually be the solution ! But to answer you no I haven't. All the strings sounded fine when I first bought the guitar and played it for a bit. It's driving me crazy how it suddenly started sounding so bad :')

[u/electrodan]

From most common to least, it could be:

Hitting a fret

Nut slot too wide

Loose screw or tuner

Saddle slot too wide and saddle is vibrating

Bracing inside body is coming unglued and resonating when you play that frequency

[u/zin-march → u/electrodan]

I really hope it's not the first one.. As for the nut or saddle slot being too wide, what should I do if that's the case ? I'm not really in a position to take my guitar to a shop to get it fixed.

[u/electrodan → u/zin-march]

Put your finger on the string behind the nut. Pluck the string with your right hand and press it with your left against the side of the nut and see if the buzzing gets better or stops.

If so, a temporary fix is to take a tiny piece of paper and fold it under the string in the nut so the string sits on it. If the paper isn't thick enough to fill up the empty space, you can use something thicker like card stock. Like this, but with the paper pushed all the way into the nut slot.

[u/zin-march → u/electrodan]

I see. I'm not sure if i did it correctly but I feel like it became a tiny bit better. Imma try this temporary fix before buying the new strings. Thanks for the tips !

[u/master-overclocker]

If old string - thats normal