Guitar feedback can be a double-edged sword for guitar players. It can be a desirable effect, adding sustain and texture to your sound, or an unwanted annoyance that ruins your performance. At guitarplayers.net, we understand the nuances of guitar playing, and we’re here to provide you with the ultimate guide on how to control and eliminate guitar feedback. Whether you’re battling squeals at your next gig or trying to tame your amp at home, understanding the causes and solutions is key to mastering your tone. Dive in to discover practical tips, expert advice, and proven techniques to banish unwanted noise and harness feedback for creative expression.
1. Understanding Guitar Feedback
Guitar feedback occurs when the sound from your amplifier is picked up by your guitar’s pickups and re-amplified, creating a loop. This loop can quickly escalate, resulting in a loud, sustained squeal or howl. But what exactly causes this phenomenon? It’s primarily due to the interaction between your guitar, amplifier, and the surrounding environment.
1.1. The Feedback Loop Explained
The process starts with the guitar’s strings vibrating, which the pickups convert into an electrical signal. This signal is then amplified, and the sound waves produced by the amplifier cause the guitar’s strings and body to vibrate again. If the amplified sound is strong enough, it can sustain the strings’ vibration, creating a self-perpetuating loop.
1.2. Positive vs. Negative Feedback
Not all feedback is bad. Positive feedback is a controlled, musical sustain that many guitarists intentionally create. According to research from the Berklee College of Music, understanding the resonant frequencies of your guitar and amp can help you manipulate feedback for creative expression. Negative feedback, on the other hand, is the uncontrolled squeal that is undesirable and distracting.
1.3. Factors Influencing Feedback
Several factors can influence the likelihood and intensity of guitar feedback:
- Volume: Higher volume levels increase the energy in the feedback loop.
- Gain: Overdrive, distortion, and fuzz pedals boost the signal, making feedback more likely.
- Proximity: The closer your guitar is to the amplifier, the stronger the feedback loop.
- Guitar Type: Electric guitars are more prone to feedback than acoustic guitars due to their magnetic pickups.
- Room Acoustics: Reflective surfaces can amplify sound waves, increasing the likelihood of feedback.
2. Identifying the Types of Guitar Feedback
Understanding the different types of guitar feedback can help you diagnose and address the issue more effectively. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:
2.1. Microphonic Feedback
Microphonic feedback occurs when loose or vibrating components within your guitar’s pickups act like a microphone, picking up sound and amplifying it. The wires in the pickup are thin, so they easily fluctuate at a much higher density with an equalizer when you play, leading to unwanted noise.
2.1.1. Causes of Microphonic Feedback
- Loose Pickup Windings: Over time, the windings in your pickups can become loose, allowing them to vibrate and generate unwanted noise.
- Poorly Potted Pickups: Pickups are often “potted” in wax to dampen vibrations. If the potting is insufficient, the components can vibrate and cause microphonic feedback.
2.1.2. How to Fix Microphonic Feedback
- Turn the amplifier down: Reducing the volume can minimize the vibrations that trigger the feedback.
- Keep your guitar at a distance: Moving your guitar away from the amp reduces the intensity of the sound waves impacting the pickups.
- Repot Your Pickups: If the issue persists, consider having your pickups repotted by a professional.
- Replace Pickups: In severe cases, replacing the pickups may be necessary.
2.2. Acoustic Feedback
Acoustic feedback happens when the sound from your amplifier is picked up by the guitar’s body, particularly the soundhole of an acoustic guitar or the resonant body of an electric guitar. This creates a loop that amplifies the sound until it becomes an uncontrollable squeal.
2.2.1. Causes of Acoustic Feedback
- Proximity to Amplifier: Being too close to the amplifier allows the guitar’s body to easily pick up the amplified sound.
- High Volume Levels: Louder volumes increase the intensity of the sound waves, making feedback more likely.
- Room Acoustics: Reflective surfaces can amplify sound waves, exacerbating the feedback issue.
2.2.2. How to Fix Acoustic Feedback
- Change Your Positioning: Angle your amp towards the neck to prevent feedback.
- Use a Feedback Buster: Covering the soundhole with a rubber disk can reduce the amount of sound entering the guitar’s body.
- Piezo Pickups: Opt for piezo pickups instead of microphones, as they sense vibrations directly from the bridge.
- Lower Volume: Reducing the volume can minimize the vibrations that trigger the feedback.
2.3. Harmonic Feedback
Harmonic feedback is a more controlled and often desirable type of feedback. It occurs when the guitar’s strings vibrate at specific frequencies that create harmonic overtones, resulting in a sustained, musical sound.
2.3.1. How to Create Harmonic Feedback
- Turn Up the Volume: Optimum energy is needed to produce vibrations when you pluck the strings.
- Positioning: Keep the direction of your guitar opposite to the amp.
- Use Gain-Based Effects: Guitar pedals like fuzz or distortion can increase volume and gain, making harmonic feedback easier to achieve.
2.3.2. Controlling Harmonic Feedback
- Experiment: Mastering harmonic feedback requires experimentation with different techniques and equipment.
- Wah Pedal: This pedal can be used to emphasize certain frequencies, making it easier to create and control harmonic feedback.
3. Practical Tips to Get Rid of Guitar Feedback
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into practical tips and techniques you can use to eliminate unwanted guitar feedback.
3.1. Positioning and Setup
Your physical setup plays a crucial role in managing feedback. Experiment with different positions to find what works best for your gear and environment.
3.1.1. Amplifier Placement
- Avoid Corners: Placing your amplifier in a corner can amplify sound waves and increase the likelihood of feedback.
- Tilt Your Amp: Tilting your amp upwards can direct the sound towards your ears and away from your guitar.
- Isolate Your Amp: Use an amplifier stand or isolation pad to reduce vibrations and prevent sound from transferring to the floor.
3.1.2. Guitar Positioning
- Angle Away from the Amp: Pointing your guitar away from the amplifier reduces the amount of sound that is picked up by the pickups.
- Distance Matters: The further you are from the amplifier, the less likely you are to experience feedback.
- Experiment with Angles: Slight adjustments to your guitar’s angle can make a big difference in feedback control.
3.1.3. Room Acoustics
- Dampen Reflections: Use rugs, curtains, and acoustic panels to absorb sound waves and reduce reflections.
- Avoid Empty Rooms: Empty rooms are more prone to feedback due to the lack of sound absorption.
- Bass Traps: Install bass traps in the corners of your room to absorb low-frequency sound waves.
3.2. Volume and Gain Control
Managing your volume and gain levels is essential for preventing feedback. Be mindful of how these settings affect your overall sound and adjust accordingly.
3.2.1. Master Volume vs. Gain
- Master Volume: Controls the overall output level of your amplifier.
- Gain: Controls the amount of signal boost applied to your guitar’s signal.
3.2.2. Finding the Sweet Spot
- Start Low: Begin with your master volume and gain levels set low, then gradually increase them until you reach your desired tone.
- Adjust Incrementally: Make small adjustments to your volume and gain levels to avoid sudden spikes in feedback.
- Listen Carefully: Pay attention to how your guitar and amplifier respond to different settings.
3.2.3. Using a Volume Pedal
- Quick Adjustments: A volume pedal allows you to quickly reduce your guitar’s volume if feedback starts to occur.
- Smooth Transitions: Use a volume pedal to create smooth transitions between different volume levels.
- Expression Control: Some volume pedals offer expression control, allowing you to shape your tone in real-time.
3.3. Guitar and Equipment Modifications
Sometimes, the best way to get rid of guitar feedback is to modify your guitar or equipment.
3.3.1. Shielding Your Guitar
Shielding the electronics cavity of your guitar with copper foil can reduce interference and prevent unwanted noise.
- Disassemble: Remove the strings, pickups, and electronics from your guitar.
- Apply Foil: Cover the inside of the electronics cavity with copper foil, ensuring that all surfaces are covered.
- Grounding: Connect the foil to the ground wire to create a Faraday cage that blocks interference.
3.3.2. Upgrading Pickups
- Higher Output Pickups: High-output pickups are more prone to feedback. Consider switching to lower-output pickups for better control.
- Wax-Potted Pickups: Ensure your pickups are properly wax-potted to dampen vibrations and prevent microphonic feedback.
3.3.3. Using a Noise Gate Pedal
- Threshold Control: A noise gate pedal cuts off the signal when it drops below a certain threshold, eliminating unwanted noise and feedback.
- Attack and Release: Adjust the attack and release settings to fine-tune the pedal’s response.
- Placement: Place the noise gate pedal after your distortion or overdrive pedals in your signal chain.
3.4. Utilizing Feedback Suppressor Pedals
Feedback suppressor pedals are designed specifically to eliminate unwanted feedback. These pedals use various techniques to detect and suppress feedback frequencies, allowing you to play at high volumes without the risk of uncontrollable squeals.
3.4.1. How Feedback Suppressor Pedals Work
Feedback suppressor pedals typically work by analyzing the incoming signal and identifying the frequencies that are causing feedback. Once these frequencies are identified, the pedal applies a notch filter to attenuate them, effectively suppressing the feedback.
3.4.2. Key Features to Look For
- Automatic Feedback Detection: Look for pedals that automatically detect and suppress feedback frequencies.
- Notch Filters: Ensure the pedal has multiple notch filters to target different feedback frequencies.
- Transparent Operation: Choose a pedal that operates transparently, without altering your guitar’s tone.
3.4.3. Popular Feedback Suppressor Pedals
- TC Electronic Sentry Noise Gate: Offers advanced noise reduction and feedback suppression.
- ISP Technologies Decimator G String II: Known for its transparent operation and effective noise reduction.
- Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor: A versatile noise suppressor with a wide range of applications.
4. Advanced Techniques for Feedback Control
For experienced guitarists looking to take their feedback control to the next level, here are some advanced techniques to explore.
4.1. Controlled Feedback Techniques
- Finding the Sweet Spot: Experiment with different positions and angles to find the “sweet spot” where feedback is easily controlled.
- Using Your Body: Use your body to dampen or amplify feedback by touching the guitar’s body or strings.
- Wah Pedal Control: Use a wah pedal to emphasize certain frequencies and create controlled feedback effects.
4.2. Utilizing Effects Pedals
- Fuzz and Distortion: These pedals can enhance feedback by increasing the gain and sustain of your guitar’s signal.
- Delay and Reverb: Experiment with delay and reverb to create unique feedback textures.
- Modulation Effects: Chorus, flanger, and phaser can add movement and complexity to your feedback sounds.
4.3. Working with Your Amplifier
- EQ Settings: Adjust your amplifier’s EQ settings to shape the feedback frequencies and create a more musical sound.
- Tube Amplifiers: Tube amplifiers are known for their natural feedback characteristics. Experiment with different tube types to find the sound you like.
- Power Scaling: Use a power scaling device to reduce the output level of your amplifier without sacrificing tone.
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced guitarists can fall victim to common mistakes that exacerbate feedback issues. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.
5.1. Ignoring Room Acoustics
Failing to address the acoustics of your playing environment can make feedback control much more difficult. Take the time to dampen reflections and absorb sound waves.
5.2. Overusing Gain
Excessive gain can lead to uncontrollable feedback. Use only as much gain as you need to achieve your desired tone.
5.3. Neglecting Guitar Maintenance
Loose components and worn-out strings can contribute to feedback issues. Keep your guitar in good condition to prevent these problems.
5.4. Not Experimenting
Feedback control is all about experimentation. Don’t be afraid to try different techniques and equipment to find what works best for you.
6. Famous Guitarists Known for Their Feedback Techniques
Many famous guitarists have used feedback as a creative tool to shape their signature sounds. Here are a few notable examples.
6.1. Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix was a pioneer of feedback techniques, using it to create otherworldly sounds and textures on his guitar. His innovative use of feedback helped to define the sound of psychedelic rock.
6.2. Pete Townshend
Pete Townshend of The Who is known for his aggressive guitar playing and his use of feedback to create chaotic, explosive sounds. His feedback-laden performances helped to make The Who one of the most exciting live bands of all time.
6.3. Billy Corgan
Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins is a master of controlled feedback, using it to create lush, atmospheric soundscapes. His use of feedback is a key element of The Smashing Pumpkins’ signature sound.
7. Guitar Feedback vs. Guitar Buzz
It’s important to distinguish between guitar feedback and guitar buzz, as they have different causes and solutions. Guitar feedback is a loud, sustained squeal or howl caused by the interaction between your guitar and amplifier. Guitar buzz, on the other hand, is a rattling or buzzing sound caused by the strings vibrating against the frets.
7.1. Causes of Guitar Buzz
- Low Action: If the strings are too close to the frets, they can vibrate against them and cause buzz.
- Uneven Frets: Uneven frets can cause the strings to buzz against the higher frets.
- Neck Relief: If the neck is too straight or back-bowed, it can cause the strings to buzz.
7.2. How to Fix Guitar Buzz
- Adjust Action: Raise the action of your strings to increase the distance between the strings and frets.
- Level Frets: Have your frets leveled by a professional to ensure they are all the same height.
- Adjust Neck Relief: Adjust the truss rod to add or remove neck relief.
8. Mastering Guitar Feedback: Q&A with Guitar Experts
8.1. Q: What’s the first thing I should do if I experience unwanted feedback?
A: The first thing you should do is lower the volume of your amplifier or move your guitar away from the amp. This will reduce the intensity of the feedback loop and give you more control over the situation.
8.2. Q: Are there any guitars that are less prone to feedback?
A: Guitars with solid bodies and well-potted pickups are generally less prone to feedback than guitars with hollow bodies or poorly potted pickups.
8.3. Q: Can I use feedback to create cool effects in my music?
A: Absolutely! Many guitarists use feedback as a creative tool to add sustain, texture, and atmosphere to their music. Experiment with different techniques and equipment to find what works best for you.
9. Join the GuitarPlayers.net Community
Ready to take your guitar playing to the next level? Join the guitarplayers.net community today and connect with fellow guitar enthusiasts from around the world.
9.1. Access to Exclusive Content
As a member of our community, you’ll gain access to exclusive content, including:
- In-depth lessons and tutorials: Learn new techniques and improve your skills with our comprehensive lessons.
- Gear reviews and recommendations: Find the best gear for your needs with our unbiased reviews.
- Jam tracks and backing tracks: Practice and jam along with our high-quality backing tracks.
9.2. Connect with Fellow Guitarists
Our community is a great place to connect with fellow guitarists, share your music, and get feedback on your playing.
- Forums: Participate in discussions and ask questions in our active forums.
- Groups: Join groups based on your favorite genres, styles, or artists.
- Social Media: Connect with us on social media for the latest news, updates, and exclusive content.
9.3. Explore Our Resources
Take advantage of our wide range of resources to enhance your guitar playing journey.
- Chord Charts and Tabs: Access a vast library of chord charts and tabs for your favorite songs.
- Scales and Arpeggios: Learn essential scales and arpeggios to improve your improvisation skills.
- Guitar Tuner: Use our online guitar tuner to keep your guitar in tune.
Address: 1140 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215, United States. Phone: +1 (617) 747-2261. Website: guitarplayers.net.
10. FAQs About Guitar Feedback
10.1. How can I prevent guitar feedback in a live setting?
To prevent guitar feedback live, position your amp correctly (away from the guitar), use a noise gate, control gain levels, and consider a feedback suppressor pedal.
10.2. What does a feedback electric pedal do?
A feedback electric pedal simulates feedback at any volume, allowing controlled sustain and harmonics without high amp levels.
10.3. Which effect signals or guitar pedals are best for controlling feedback?
Essential pedals include noise gates, equalizers, volume pedals, and feedback suppressors. Overdrive and distortion can enhance feedback but require careful management.
10.4. What immediate actions should be taken during bad feedback?
Quickly lower amp volume, mute strings, or adjust your guitar’s position to break the feedback loop.
10.5. Is guitar feedback the same as fret buzz?
No, guitar feedback is a looping amplified sound, whereas fret buzz is a rattling sound from strings hitting the frets.
10.6. What role does the room play in guitar feedback?
Room acoustics greatly affect feedback. Hard surfaces amplify it, while soft materials dampen it. Adjusting room acoustics can significantly reduce feedback.
10.7. Can changing my guitar cable reduce feedback?
A high-quality, well-shielded cable can reduce noise and interference, potentially minimizing unwanted feedback.
10.8. How does guitar shielding help with feedback?
Shielding the guitar’s electronics cavity reduces electromagnetic interference, preventing unwanted noise that can trigger feedback.
10.9. What are some famous songs that use guitar feedback effectively?
Examples include Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze” and The Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” where feedback is intentionally used for expressive effect.
10.10. Where can I find more resources on guitar techniques and gear?
Visit guitarplayers.net for lessons, gear reviews, and a community forum to enhance your guitar playing journey.
Conclusion
Mastering guitar feedback is a journey that requires understanding, experimentation, and practice. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this guide, you can effectively manage and eliminate unwanted feedback, allowing you to focus on creating great music. Remember to join the guitarplayers.net community for even more resources, support, and inspiration. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, we’re here to help you achieve your musical goals.
