Acoustic Guitar Buzz? Tighten Your Tuning Machines

Suffering from a hard to diagnose acoustic guitar buzz? Guitarists often attribute string buzz to fret issues, particularly if the buzz has a metallic sound to it. However your tuning machines can also cause a metallic buzz. Your guitar’s tuning machines are typically attached to your guitar’s headstock with nuts at the bottom of the string pegs. String vibration can cause these nuts to slowly loosen over time. When loose enough, these nuts can even cause subtly buzzing against the washers, which might sound like fret buzz.

Check Once Per Month

To avoid this peculiar acoustic guitar buzz, check the tightness of your guitar’s tuning machine nuts once per month. If needed, tighten the nuts as well. To tighten, use an open (non-adjustable) wrench of the correct size and tighten until snug. Do not overtighten as this can dig into your headstock’s finish.

Do Not Use Needle Nose Pliers

Do not use needle nose pliers for this adjustment. Needle nose pliers have sharp ends and can easily slip and cause damage to your headstock.

Still Have a Buzz?

After doing the above, does your guitar still have a buzz? Find more tips at our Why You Have a Buzzing Sound from Your Acoustic Guitar article.

Disclaimer: The guitar technical information on this site is provided for general information and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional guitar repair advice. The use or reliance of any information contained within this site is solely at your own risk. Always take personal safety precautions, including the use of a dust mask, ear protection, and eye protection.