Why are my guitar strings buzzing on the first fret?First-fret buzz is almost always a nut cut too low. Alan Ratcliffe says buzz at the first fret points to the nut slots, while buzz from fret 2 up is usually truss rod territory 1. Quick checks first Rule out technique: fretting too softly or right on top of the fret wire causes buzz, especially for newer players 1. Test the nut: play the string open, then fretted at fret 1. If the open note is clean but fret 1 buzzes, the slot is cut too deep for that string 1. Check different strings: if only one string buzzes, try swapping strings before blaming the frets – a dud string is a common culprit 3. Common causes Nut slots too low or worn: strings sit too close to fret 1 and buzz there. Fixing it means shimming or building the nut up, or cutting a new one 1,4. Back-bow / too little relief: an overly straight neck makes low frets buzz too. Weather changes mean truss rods need seasonal tweaks 2. The fix New guitar? Take it back to the shop – first-fret buzz on a recent purchase is a warranty setup issue, and they should sort it free 1,7. Cutting a nut yourself needs feeler gauges and nut files, so if you're unsure, it's a job for a pro 4. Alan's nut setup guide shows how nut action is measured and adjusted with feeler gauges 4. From these forum threadsStrings buzzing on low frets (2015): Alan's diagnosis: fret 1 = nut, fret 2 up = trussFret Buzz (2009): Why necks need seasonal truss rod tweaksBuzz on a particular fret and string (2011): Try another string before blaming the fretsGuitar maintenance 4: Setting nut action (2010): Alan's feeler-gauge nut action walkthroughFret Buzz in the 10th fret, on the D string (2008): Warranty route for a new guitar's fret buzz
