How to stop my guitar strings from making noise?

kaiti c: How can I stop my guitar strings from making noise when I slide my fingers across them?
My guitar strings aren’t rusty at all, but I have been using the same strings for about 2 years. However, I didn’t play the guitar much when I first got it. They seem to be holding up just fine, but is there some sort of polish or something I can get to stop my the loud sliding noise when I play guitar? Or, is it perhaps time to get some new strings? Every guitar I have ever played made this noise, but it is becoming more noticeable on my guitar.

Answers and Views:

Answer by Mallory
There’s a sprAy you can get but I forget the name. But the noise comes with the territory it adds authenticity to the sound. It shows ur not using a keyboard 🙂

Answer by Christine
that’s normal if you play classical or acoustic guitar. I play rhythm so doesn’t happen to me. Listen to Eric Clapton playing Acoustic guitar…… you can hear the noise of the slide. It’s nothing, just the way it is. Maybe try using a very small bit of powder on the tips of your fingers. But make sure you wipe your strings afterwards.

Answer by
I love that noise, why would you want to get rid of it?

Answer by Texas Dude
Stop being cheap and buy a new set of strings. Guitar strings should be changed every 4-5 months.

Answer by Marco O
Some possibilites are that your neck to string action is too high, your strings are wayyy too old, or you’re not pressing hard enough. Either change your strings, press harder, or adjust your guitar’s neck relief to adjust your action. I reccommmend you to take it to a professional when adjusting your neck relief.

Answer by Walter
The strings you are using are most likely called round wound strings. There is an inner core and an outer wrapping of string which gives the string a rough feeling. When you slide your finger across the string, that noise is made from the ridges on the string, which is actually the outer coating of the string. Roundwounds are used for their full and bright sound. If you would like to eliminate this sound, they don’t make a spray for it, but they do make a string called flatwounds. This is not a brand, its a production process. Its worth it to give them a try. However, do know that flatwounds are a much darker tone and lack that crisp pop of roundwounds.
Its amazing that you play your guitar with strings that are 2 years old on it. Your strings should be changed routinely, depending on how much you play the guitar, and if you take care of the strings. 1-3 months is a good rule of thumb depending on how dirty they get and how much use you give them.
If you try the flatwounds and don’t like them, try using a coated string like Elixer or Cleartone. They have a coating that helps keep the string from collecting dirt and/or oxidizing. They may not eliminate the noise, but it should help reduce it a little.

Answer by Wendigo
Another option but you won’t have quite as good of a sound, is to go to nylon strings.