Warranty & Product Support

Why do my guitar strings squeak?

Quick Answer

String squeak comes from your fingertips sliding along the ridges of wound strings when you shift positions. It's most noticeable on acoustic guitar and on recordings. You can reduce it with technique, by lifting your fingers slightly when shifting, or by using semi-flat or flatwound strings with a smoother surface, like our SL1046, GL1252 or NRL45105L Silencers.

Roundwound strings have a ridged outer surface. Drag a finger along it and you get that squeak. It's louder with new strings, a heavy fretting hand and a close microphone. Technique fixes:

  • Lift fingers just enough to clear the string when shifting.
  • Keep fingertips clean and dry.
  • Lighten your fretting pressure during slides.

String fixes:

  • Semi-flat strings: the wrap is polished or compressed smoother, cutting squeak while keeping a roundwound's brightness.
  • Flatwounds: a completely smooth surface, with a warmer, mellower tone.

S.I.T. options:

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