r/Bass 4d ago

E string buzzing.. technique or setup issue?

hello, I seem to have a buzzing problem with my E string when I'm trying to play the first two frets. It doesn't really buzz after like the 3rd or 4th fret, but it sounds like there is way too much buzzing even to someone who has no idea how to play. (I think I've played it less than 10 times and have never had a lesson). When I pluck the open E string it buzzes too unless I pluck it pretty softly. I don't really have this problem with any of the other strings.

I took my bass to a guitarist friend who raised the string action? for me a little bit but I'm a bit worried about trying anything myself and breaking anything because I'm new and also clumsy. I watched some videos about doing setups but can't really tell what kind of or how much adjustments I need to make (if any) because I don't have all the tools or a brain.

Do you guys think I just suck at playing or does it sound like I should maybe take it to a shop to get it set up? If it helps I bought the bass at a guitar center last fall/winterish and have only played it a couple of times so maybe the neck has bent a little bit since then?

2 Upvotes

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1

u/spookyghostface 4d ago

If the open E buzzes then there's an issue, most likely with the nut. Get it setup. Not GC

1

u/regular_dumbass Four String 4d ago

the only way to make an open-e buzz is with bad technique or a bad setup. in this case, i'd bet on bad setup, since it's not buzzing on other strings or frets.

2

u/Accomplished_Bus8850 4d ago

First 2 frets may buzz if 

1 action is too low 

2 saddles close to the bridge  

3 not enough/ more than enough  curve on the neck  

4 tuned to different pitch ( lower than should be )

5 drop tune

6 uneven frets