"flat" Notes

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"flat" Notes, Hmmm... Dunno why it does this...

CathShadow View Member Profile	Apr 6 2009, 01:37 PM
Apr 6 2009, 01:37 PM	Learning Apprentice Player Posts: 383 Joined: 5-August 08 From: South Africa	Hey guys, so here's the thing: when I play sometimes and I press the strings down some of the notes come out sounding quite flat (a sound that irritates my ears).... They're on the correct frets, and the guitar's in tune... Any ideas why it happens or how to fix it? Pierre You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! --------------------

Bogdan Radovic View Member Profile	Apr 6 2009, 01:40 PM
Apr 6 2009, 01:40 PM	Bass & Beginner Instructor Posts: 15.614 Joined: 30-November 07 From: Belgrade, Serbia	I'm not sure what you mean by "flat".But you should try to fret strings just behind the appropriate frets for best sound. You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! This post has been edited by Bogdan Radovic: Apr 6 2009, 01:40 PM -------------------- For GMC support please email support (at) guitarmasterclass.net Check out my lessons and my instructor board. Check out my beginner guitar lessons course! ; Take a bass course now!

CathShadow View Member Profile	Apr 6 2009, 01:48 PM
Apr 6 2009, 01:48 PM	Learning Apprentice Player Posts: 383 Joined: 5-August 08 From: South Africa	QUOTE (Bogdan Radovic @ Apr 6 2009, 02:40 PM) I'm not sure what you mean by "flat".But you should try to fret strings just behind the appropriate frets for best sound. Hehe yeah I'm not sure how to discribe it... but the best is to say the tone of the note is just a little lower than it should be or something to that effect.... You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! --------------------

Storm Linnebjerg View Member Profile	Apr 6 2009, 01:51 PM
Apr 6 2009, 01:51 PM	Learning Rock Star Posts: 7.676 Joined: 14-June 08 From: Odense, Denmark	Could be an intonation problem as well. What frets are flat and how did you tune your guitar? If it is an intonation problem, proper setup might solve it. If you don't have any experience in this, I suggest you see a guitar luthier. From you reply to Bogdan, I think it could be something to do with how the bridge is set up. Have you changed strings recently or have you at some point gone from like .010 to .009's or something similar (maybe the other way around)? You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! -------------------- Check out my TikTok! - or check out my GMC video comments on YouTube

CathShadow View Member Profile	Apr 6 2009, 01:52 PM
Apr 6 2009, 01:52 PM	Learning Apprentice Player Posts: 383 Joined: 5-August 08 From: South Africa	QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Apr 6 2009, 02:49 PM) Could be an intonation problem as well. What frets are flat and how did you tune your guitar? If it is an intonation problem, proper setup might solve it. If you don't have any experience in this, I suggest you see a guitar luthier. Hmmm maybe... it's the e, B, and sometimes G strings.... on around 4-8th frets... the guitar gets tuned via my pedal (which has chromatic tuning) and the lights are all green when I pick each chord, and they sound good when test it out.... You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! --------------------

Storm Linnebjerg View Member Profile	Apr 6 2009, 01:56 PM
Apr 6 2009, 01:56 PM	Learning Rock Star Posts: 7.676 Joined: 14-June 08 From: Odense, Denmark	QUOTE (CathShadow @ Apr 6 2009, 02:52 PM) Hmmm maybe... it's the e, B, and sometimes G strings.... on around 4-8th frets... the guitar gets tuned via my pedal (which has chromatic tuning) and the lights are all green when I pick each chord, and they sound good when test it out.... I see. Well, what happens if you try and tune with harmonics (http://www.get-tuned.com/harmonics.php)? Are the same frets out of tune? And once again - have you changed strings recently or are they fairly old? That said, a guitar will always be slightly (that's VERY little) out of tune. You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! -------------------- Check out my TikTok! - or check out my GMC video comments on YouTube

DeepRoots View Member Profile	Apr 6 2009, 02:25 PM
Apr 6 2009, 02:25 PM	Get to da Chopper! Posts: 2.700 Joined: 18-March 07 From: South Wales, UK	Have you tried using your tuner to see how flat those notes are? But sounds like your intomation is off to me.. You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

CathShadow View Member Profile	Apr 6 2009, 02:26 PM
Apr 6 2009, 02:26 PM	Learning Apprentice Player Posts: 383 Joined: 5-August 08 From: South Africa	QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Apr 6 2009, 02:56 PM) I see. Well, what happens if you try and tune with harmonics (http://www.get-tuned.com/harmonics.php)? Are the same frets out of tune? And once again - have you changed strings recently or are they fairly old? That said, a guitar will always be slightly (that's VERY little) out of tune. Hmmm.. I'll try tuning it that way when I get home, and let you know, Thanks .... Well, the strings are around .... I'd say 6-7 months old?... and I practice between 1 and 4 hours a day on them You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! --------------------

Dejan Farkas View Member Profile	Apr 6 2009, 02:35 PM
Apr 6 2009, 02:35 PM	Instructor Posts: 3.035 Joined: 27-November 07 From: Sarajevo, Bosnia	QUOTE (CathShadow @ Apr 6 2009, 03:26 PM) Well, the strings are around .... I'd say 6-7 months old?... and I practice between 1 and 4 hours a day on them I suggest you to put new strings first You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! -------------------- http://www.myspace.com/dejanfarkas Check out my video lessons and instructor board!

Marek Rojewski View Member Profile	Apr 6 2009, 02:36 PM
Apr 6 2009, 02:36 PM	Experienced Guitar Lord Posts: 1.671 Joined: 26-May 08 From: Lodz, Poland	I don't change my strings to often, but 6-7 month strings used everyday are to old most probably and should be changed. EDIT: Dejan was faster:) You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! This post has been edited by Marek Rojewski: Apr 6 2009, 02:37 PM -------------------- My Youtube channel My three lyrics: Paintings; Jester; Tiny Arrow

CathShadow View Member Profile	Apr 6 2009, 02:38 PM
Apr 6 2009, 02:38 PM	Learning Apprentice Player Posts: 383 Joined: 5-August 08 From: South Africa	QUOTE (Dejan Farkas @ Apr 6 2009, 03:35 PM) I suggest you to put new strings first New strings? ah okay... I'll give that a bash... I have a fresh set I got for christmas .... hehehe knew that'd be a handy gift QUOTE (Marek Rojewski @ Apr 6 2009, 03:36 PM) I don't change my strings to often, but 6-7 month strings used everyday are to old most probably and should be changed. EDIT: Dejan was faster:) hahahah Great minds You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! --------------------

Artemus View Member Profile	Apr 6 2009, 03:08 PM
Apr 6 2009, 03:08 PM	Learning Tone Seeker - CHALLENGE STAR! Posts: 866 Joined: 6-February 09 From: Manchester, UK	Aye, putting new strings on won't make it any worse You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! -------------------- My Myspace site here My YouTube channel here

CathShadow View Member Profile	Apr 6 2009, 03:23 PM
Apr 6 2009, 03:23 PM	Learning Apprentice Player Posts: 383 Joined: 5-August 08 From: South Africa	QUOTE (Artemus @ Apr 6 2009, 04:08 PM) Aye, putting new strings on won't make it any worse rofl good point.. You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! --------------------

29a View Member Profile	Apr 6 2009, 03:29 PM
Apr 6 2009, 03:29 PM	GMC:er Posts: 356 Joined: 28-December 08	If you play 1-4 hours a day you should change your strings about once a month. If you use coated strings maybe once every 3 months. But you'll probably notice the huge difference in tone and feel yourself as soon as you change them Jonas You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! -------------------- My Website \| My Gear \| Elixir Nanoweb Strings Review \| Installing Schaller Security Locks "If privacy is outlawed, only outlaws will have privacy." - Phil Zimmermann

CathShadow View Member Profile	Apr 6 2009, 03:37 PM
Apr 6 2009, 03:37 PM	Learning Apprentice Player Posts: 383 Joined: 5-August 08 From: South Africa	QUOTE (29a @ Apr 6 2009, 04:29 PM) If you play 1-4 hours a day you should change your strings about once a month. If you use coated strings maybe once every 3 months. But you'll probably notice the huge difference in tone and feel yourself as soon as you change them Jonas Ish that often? You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! --------------------

fkalich View Member Profile	Apr 6 2009, 04:15 PM
Apr 6 2009, 04:15 PM	GMC:er Posts: 2.789 Joined: 12-February 07 From: People's Republic of Lawrence Kansas	QUOTE (CathShadow @ Apr 6 2009, 09:37 AM) Ish that often? I rarely change my strings, and play probably as much as most. Actually, never, unless a wound one goes dead, which never happens, because I attach them properly. It could be a guitar bridge adjustment, but I don't think that is the issue here. What you are hearing is just the nature of the 12 note equal temperament scale. The harmonic intervals are only approximations when the guitar is tuned. Major 4th's and 5th's are close approximations, but others are not so close. This has just been a compromise that was established centuries ago, it is impossible to set up any instrument with set frequencies to play perfectly accurate harmonic intervals in all keys. The major 3rd for example is a bit flat when you tune your guitar. When playing something, such as Hot's Turkish March (Mozart), I actually at the end will bend the 2nd string just a bit. I do this when I hold that interval very long, to get a sweet interval. This is just something that we have to live with. On a Violin it is different, they can put the finger wherever they want, but we don't have that option. edited: correct my saying major 4th when I meant to say major 3rd. You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! This post has been edited by fkalich: Apr 6 2009, 04:18 PM

CathShadow View Member Profile	Apr 6 2009, 04:23 PM
Apr 6 2009, 04:23 PM	Learning Apprentice Player Posts: 383 Joined: 5-August 08 From: South Africa	QUOTE (fkalich @ Apr 6 2009, 05:15 PM) I rarely change my strings, and play probably as much as most. Actually, never, unless a wound one goes dead, which never happens, because I attach them properly. It could be a guitar bridge adjustment, but I don't think that is the issue here. What you are hearing is just the nature of the 12 note equal temperament scale. The harmonic intervals are only approximations when the guitar is tuned. Major 4th's and 5th's are close approximations, but others are not so close. This has just been a compromise that was established centuries ago, it is impossible to set up any instrument with set frequencies to play perfectly accurate harmonic intervals in all keys. The major 3rd for example is a bit flat when you tune your guitar. When playing something, such as Hot's Turkish March (Mozart), I actually at the end will bend the 2nd string just a bit. I do this when I hold that interval very long, to get a sweet interval. This is just something that we have to live with. On a Violin it is different, they can put the finger wherever they want, but we don't have that option. edited: correct my saying major 4th when I meant to say major 3rd. Hmmm I see.... Its a sound that seriously grates me though... it just sounds bad when you're on the right fret at the right time and your guitar's in tune... You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! --------------------

fkalich View Member Profile	Apr 6 2009, 04:30 PM
Apr 6 2009, 04:30 PM	GMC:er Posts: 2.789 Joined: 12-February 07 From: People's Republic of Lawrence Kansas	QUOTE (CathShadow @ Apr 6 2009, 10:23 AM) Hmmm I see.... Its a sound that seriously grates me though... it just sounds bad when you're on the right fret at the right time and your guitar's in tune... Well, just working on playing better. When your rhythm improves, and your touch, things like this just seem to be covered up. But I understand what you are saying, how something like that can sound bad to you at times. Use of vibrato covers it also. Just keep working on your playing, and things like this just seem to vanish as issues. I think great rhythm really tends to cover it up, just makes it less apparent. Listen to your countryman, Ian. He has great rhythm, and that is one reason he sounds so great. I think a lot of that comes from his relaxed hands, I have never seen such relaxed hands. You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

CathShadow View Member Profile	Apr 6 2009, 04:34 PM
Apr 6 2009, 04:34 PM	Learning Apprentice Player Posts: 383 Joined: 5-August 08 From: South Africa	QUOTE (fkalich @ Apr 6 2009, 05:30 PM) Well, just working on playing better. When your rhythm improves, and your touch, things like this just seem to be covered up. But I understand what you are saying, how something like that can sound bad to you at times. Use of vibrato covers it also. Just keep working on your playing, and things like this just seem to vanish as issues. I think great rhythm really tends to cover it up, just makes it less apparent. Listen to your countryman, Ian. He has great rhythm, and that is one reason he sounds so great. I think a lot of that comes from his relaxed hands, I have never seen such relaxed hands. Hmm.. Ian?.... maybe I'll check some of his stuff out? You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! --------------------

fkalich View Member Profile	Apr 6 2009, 06:12 PM
Apr 6 2009, 06:12 PM	GMC:er Posts: 2.789 Joined: 12-February 07 From: People's Republic of Lawrence Kansas	QUOTE (CathShadow @ Apr 6 2009, 10:34 AM) Hmm.. Ian?.... maybe I'll check some of his stuff out? Look at his Sweeping Arpeggios lesson for sure, he goes all over the neck, all kinds of forms, and is it a nice composition, well played. And look at his picking hand, the free fingers, you can just about see them floating. I think that is something to strive for, that kind of looseness. I really think Ian is quite good. Some guys just look at how fast a guy is, and judge them by that. I don't. Ian is fast enough, but there is a lot more to playing than just how fast or technical you can be. You are at GuitarMasterClass.net Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content! Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

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