11 Ways To Control Amp Feedback When Playing Electric Guitar

In both a studio setting and live performance, the management of guitar amp feedback is critically important.

It has the potential to craft an ambiance, or, if uncontrolled, create a cacophony of noise that disturbs your audience.

An electric guitarist must muster a clear understanding of its causes and the techniques to control it.

The tricky part is that balancing between enhancing your tone and creating an unpleasant squeal is very delicate.

This article will aid professionals and amateurs alike in achieving optimal audio performance.

Let’s delve into proven methods that can provide you with the necessary control over amp feedback.

Ways To Control Amp Feedback When Playing Electric Guitar

1. Turn down the guitar or amp volume

To realize the optimal control of amp feedback when playing electric guitar, one significant method to consider is simply adjusting the volume of your guitar or amplification unit.

Volume manipulation is one of the easiest and instant solutions that yields direct results.

It’s important to observe and understand that excessive amp or guitar volume tends to greatly increase the risk of feedback occurring.

The logic here is that high volumes amplify all sounds, including the undesirable feedback noise.

Moderation in volume setting can significantly help in managing guitar amp feedback effectively without compromising the overall sound quality.

This concept aligns directly with sound physics where sound energy significantly correlates with its volume.

Lowering the volume reduces the sound energy being transferred, and in return, minimizes the chance of feedback happening.

Most guitarists tend to crank up the volume in a bid to achieve a louder and more powerful sound, but this often leads to uncontrolled feedback.

Thus, consistently keeping the volume of the guitar and the amp to a balanced moderation can make a substantial difference in your overall sound output.

Moderating your volume does not mean that your performance will be underpowered.

In fact, many professional guitarists often striving for a balanced and clean sound prefer moderate volume levels as it gives them more control over the sound being generated.

10 Ways To Reduce Your Guitar Amps Noise, Buzz or Hum (without a noise gate pedal)

This video will provide you practical insight on how properly adjusting the volume of your guitar or amp can help control feedback.

You’ll also learn various techniques to achieve a solid tone while maintain a feedback-free performance.

Remember, overdriving your amp or guitar unnecessarily can harm not just the sound but also the lifespan of your gear.

Turning your volume down is a practical, cost-efficient, and highly effective method to ensure a feedback-free performance every time you pick up your guitar.

2. Use a Noise Gate Pedal

When looking at strategies to control amp feedback in electric guitar playing, employing a noise gate pedal is an efficacious measure.

This device is built specifically to reduce unwanted noise in your signal path.

Noise gate pedals work by setting a threshold level, which is the volume level that the sound signal must exceed for the pedal to open and let the signal through.

If the signal level drops below the threshold, the pedal ‘closes’ and mutes the signal, this way it eliminates the feedback sound that occurs when the microphone picks up the signal from the amplifier.

They are ideal for playing instances where you need to silence your rig between songs or during pauses.

The noise gate pedal is not only effective but also easy to use with its controls being generally straightforward.

You usually have control over the threshold, or sensitivity level, and the decay, which is how quickly the gate closes once your signal drops below the set threshold.

While some people might fear that using a noise gate pedal might affect their tone negatively, with careful setup and operation, the tone can actually remain unblemished and feedback-free.

This notion is supported by the fact that, in essence, noise gate pedals are designed to be transparent and to impact the guitar tone as little as possible.

They aim to provide a clean and noiseless performance while preserving the timbre of the guitar.

However, it is essential to set up your noise gate pedal correctly, as improper settings can result in a ‘chopped-off’ sound or your notes being cut short.

This process requires patience and careful experimentation with the threshold and decay parameters.

A good starting point is to set the threshold so it’s just above the level of the noise you want to cut out, and then adjust until your sound is as pristine as possible.

Too high a threshold might cut off your sustain while a too low one might not effectively get rid of the noise.

When used properly, a noise gate pedal can be an incredibly powerful tool in the battle against unwanted noise and feedback, making it a must-have accessory in any guitarist’s toolkit.

3. Adjust Pickup Height

One major aspect of controlling amp feedback when playing an electric guitar involves critical adjustments of the pickup height.

Your electric guitar’s pickup height plays a significant role in determining the tone and volume producing feedback.

Note, there is a strong correlation between pickup height and amp feedback.

The closer the pickups are to the strings, the higher the volume output, which in turn may lead to more amp feedback.

If excessive feedback is your problem, adjusting your pickups lower can diminish this issue, thus aiding you in getting a cleaner, feedback-free sound from your electric guitar.

Supporting this notion, lowering your pickups further away from the strings can result in a decreased signal, which may consequently reduce the feedback.

However, be mindful that pickup height adjustment has to strike a balance; it should neither be too close nor too far from the strings, as either extreme can lead to tone loss or feedback, respectively.

Striking the balance is the key to ensuring that your guitar produces a clear tone without feedback.

How to set the height of your guitar pickups for optimal tone

For further clarification on how to correctly adjust your pickup height for optimal tone and minimizing feedback, refer to the above video.

Watching this video will provide you with a comprehensive guide that can facilitate you in adjusting the pickup height of your guitar in the most effective way.

Fiddling with your pickup height might sound like a daunting task, but it can be quite easy once you understand how it impacts the sound of your guitar.

Moreover, experimenting with different pickup heights can broaden your knowledge about your gear and help you achieve the tone you are looking for.

Consider adjusting the pickup height as a simple and feasible technique to control amp feedback.

It’s interesting to note how such little adjustments on your guitar can make significant differences in the audible output.

Remember, each guitar and pickup are unique, so there’s no ‘one size fits all’ answer to ‘how high should the pickups be’.

So, don’t hesitate to play around with different pickup heights until you find the perfect balance that curbs feedback while still producing an appealing tone.

4. Stand further away from the amp

When playing an electric guitar, one essential way to control amp feedback is to stand further away from the amp.

Amp feedback often occurs due to the proximity of the guitar to the amp.

Sound waves from the amplifier can interact with the guitar strings in an ongoing loop, causing the familiar feedback screech.

This issue is especially significant when you are using high gain or high volume settings on your amp.

Stand further away from the amp can help to cut this feedback loop, reducing unwanted noise.

This solution is very simple yet effective, and can be applied in virtually any playing environment.

Of course, this means that the practicality of this method depends on the size of the room in which you’re playing.

In smaller rooms or cramped stage situations, it might be difficult to significantly increase the distance between you and your amp.

However, even small adjustments of a few feet can have a substantial impact on reducing feedback.

In addition to standing further away from the amp, you can adjust your position in relation to the amp.

The angle at which the sound waves from the amp hit your guitar also plays a significant role in causing or preventing feedback.

By changing your angle to the amp, such as moving off to the side, it could help to further minimize feedback.

Regardless of your space limitations, you’ll want to experiment with distance and position until you find a setup that minimizes feedback without sacrificing tone.

The last sentence doesn’t imply ‘standing further away from the amp’ is the absolute or best solution to the amp feedback, every musician’s situation is unique and more than likely, it can be a combination of approaches that work best in each case.

This approach must be followed in conjunction with other methods listed in this article, to bring out the optimal result in controlling amp feedback.

But still, it is worth trying to find a balance because the positive impact on feedback reduction can be significant for very little effort.

5. Change the guitar’s position relative to the amp

The placement of your guitar relative to your amplifier can significantly influence the amount of feedback that you experience during your performance.

One way you can minimize feedback is by altering the guitar’s orientation with respect to the amp.

A guitar generates feedback when the sound waves from the amplifier vibrate the strings on the guitar autonomously, and this vibration gets amplified and persists in a loop.

Moving the guitar either perpendicular or at a different angle to the sound wave propagation from the amplifier can substantially reduce this spontaneous string vibration and hence diminish the feedback.

This happens as changing the angle of the guitar changes the path length of the sound waves to reach the strings, hence the waves lose some energy in the additional distance they travel and become less powerful in inducing the strings to vibrate.

This angle adjustment also alters the way the strings interact with specific frequencies, which tends to attenuate feedback.

Another approach to tackle feedback is by increasing the distance between the guitar and the amp.

Similar to the angle adjustment, increasing the distance allows the sound waves to lose more energy before they reach the guitar, hence reducing the vibration of the strings and the subsequent feedback.

However, keep in mind that this approach would need considering the size of the stage or the room you are in.

**THE ULTIMATE Guitar Feedback Lesson AND Demo**

You will gain more insights on how to control amp feedback when playing an electric guitar by watching this video.

It illustrates and demonstrates numerous techniques, including altering the guitar’s position, that could significantly improve your control over unwanted feedback.

That being said, finding the sweet spot between your guitar and the amp isn’t an exact science and may require you to experiment and adapt with various positions and angles till you find what works best for you and your gear.

Crucially, it’s worth mentioning that the changes in positions should also be done in a way that doesn’t compromise on the expected sound output or the convenience of performance.

As a part of the great guitarists’ repertoire, effectively controlling feedback is an essential skill that could really add depth to your musical proficiency when used deliberately.

6. Use a high-quality shielded cable.

One of the most effective approaches to control amp feedback when playing the electric guitar is the utilisation of a high-quality shielded cable.

This type of cable is specifically designed to minimise the level of interference that can cause unwanted noise and feedback.

While no cable can entirely eradicate background interference, a shielded cable can significantly dampen it.

A high-quality shielded cable can phenomenally improve your overall sound quality by cutting down the unwelcome noise and interference.

This quoted statement is remarkably accurate as the shielding in a shielded cable serves the critical function of diverting any disruptive electrical noise away from the core signal.

Shielding essentially functions as a buffer zone, impeding the intrusion of external sound disturbances.

Thus, using a shielded cable can lead to a more unadulterated and clearer sound output from your electric guitar.

The quality of the cable manipulates the feedback control to a significant extent.

Despite being an often overlooked aspect, choosing a high-quality cable can make a noticeable difference when it comes to controlling amp feedback.

It’s the internal construction and materials used within the cable, such as better copper, gold plated connectors, and high-quality shielding material, which can impact the sound quality and feedback control, justifying a higher price tag.

Furthermore, the way the shielding is designed in a cable can also make a notable difference.

Braided shields, foil shields, and serve shields, are a few examples of different types of cable shields, each having their unique benefits.

Thus, you may want to examine your own needs and budget whilst choosing a shielded cable, as not all shielding types may be suitable for every situation or environment.

With minimal background interference and noise, you can focus more on your music and less on troubleshooting irritating feedback issues.

To sum up, investing in a high-quality shielded cable will not only help you control amp feedback, it will also enhance your overall sound experience, making every performance worthwhile.

While other techniques and tactics certainly aid in feedback control, the role of a shielded cable should not be underestimated in the pursuit of a pleasing and feedback-free performance.

7. Control room acoustics with padded surfaces

Controlling the acoustics of your room can play a significant role in reducing amplifier feedback when playing your electric guitar.

One effective way of achieving this is through the use of padded surfaces.

Padded surfaces, also known as acoustic treatment, work by absorbing sound waves that would otherwise bounce around the room.

When sound waves bounce around, they can re-enter your amplifier and cause feedback.

Therefore, by minimizing these reflections, you can reduce the chances of experiencing feedback.

Choosing the right type and amount of padding is crucial for effective acoustic treatment.

This is because different materials will absorb different frequencies of sound to varying degrees.

For example, thicker materials are typically more effective at absorbing lower frequencies.

You also need to consider the size and shape of your room when deciding how much padding to use and where to place it.

It’s generally recommended to start with the corners and large flat surfaces of your room, as these areas tend to cause the most reflections.

Demo of the effect of acoustic treatment for recording acoustic guitar

By watching the above video, you could gain an understanding of how acoustic treatment works in a practical, real-life situation.

You’ll also be able to see the effects of applying padded surfaces or acoustic treatment firsthand.

Implementing these techniques into your playing environment could lead to a noticeable reduction in amplifier feedback.

Remember, controlling your room acoustics is not a foolproof solution.

It needs to be combined with other strategies to ensure consistent results.

It’s also worth noting that while padding can be effective, it’s not the only form of acoustic treatment available.

Different techniques will be more effective in different situations, so it’s worth researching and experimenting to find what works best for you.

8. Use Humbucker Pickups Instead of Single Coils

One of the most effective ways to control amp feedback when playing an electric guitar is to use humbucker pickups instead of single coils.

The design of humbucker pickups allows them to cancel out the hum or buzz that is common with single coil pickups.

The difference in operation between these two types of pickups can dramatically affect the level of feedback you experience when playing your electric guitar.

It should be noted that the problem of feedback is not solely due to the use of single coil pickups.

However, their construction makes them more susceptible to picking up electromagnetic interference, which can lead to unwanted feedback.

Single coil pickups create their sound by using a single magnetic coil to convert the strings’ vibration into an electrical signal.

The limitation of this setup is that it can also pick up other electromagnetic signals in the environment, leading to a buzzing or humming sound.

This is where the humbucker pickups come in as a solution to control amp feedback.

Humbuckers use two coils instead of one, picking up signals from two different points.

The ingenious aspect of humbuckers is that the two coils are wound in opposite directions and electrically out of phase, essentially cancelling out the hum or interference usually picked up by single coil pickups.

This unique design not only helps to eliminate unwanted noise, but it also creates a distinct tone that many guitarists prefer.

Although changing to humbucker pickups might require some modification to your guitar, the benefits in terms of controlling amp feedback are generally worth it.

Of course, the choice of pickups will depend on your personal taste and the type of sound you are looking for from your electric guitar.

While single coils are known for their bright, crisp tone, humbuckers produce a warmer, fuller sound.

By replacing single coil with humbucker pickups, you are not just managing feedback but also opting for a difference in your guitar’s tone and sound.

Remember, it’s important to choose the right tools and methods that will minimise the feedback while enhancing your overall playing experience.

9. Replace Tubes in Tube Amplifier

One amazing way to control amp feedback when playing the electric guitar involves dealing with the very nuts and bolts of your amplifier.

For those who use tube amplifiers, replacing the tubes can have a tremendous effect on controlling unwanted feedback.

Tubes, also known as vacuum tubes or valves, are at the heart of the amplifier, and they influence the amp’s tone and responsiveness.

Over time, these tubes can wear out, degrade, or even break, leading to issues including excessive amp feedback.

Replacing worn-out tubes with new ones can help refresh the sound quality, maintain the amplifier’s overall performance, and most importantly, control feedback.

Keep in mind that replacing tubes isn’t just about buying new tubes and swapping them in.

Each type of tube has its unique sound character and they are not universally interchangeable, so knowing what type of tube your amplifier needs is vital.

Most commonly, you’ll find 12AX7s in the preamp section and EL34s, EL84s, 6L6s, and 6V6s in the power amp section.

How to Replace Tubes in Your Guitar Amp

In the linked video, you’ll get a step-by-step guide on how to safely replace the vacuum tubes in a guitar amp, making it an invaluable resource to any guitarist who uses a tube amplifier.

Additionally, the video will guide you on how to adjust the bias–a crucial step to ensure that the new tubes will operate efficiently.

If you’re hearing excessive noise and feedback from your amp and you’ve ruled out other issues such as guitar pickup type and room acoustics, worn out tubes could be the culprit.

Listeners usually describe this type of feedback as a humming or buzzing noise that persists even when not playing.

It’s worth investing in quality tubes and spending the time to properly install and bias them because an amp with well-maintained tubes will produce a better sound quality with less feedback.

Even if you’re not experiencing major issues with your amplifier, periodic tube replacement might be a good preventive measure.

Just remember that replacing tubes in a tube amplifier isn’t just about fixing a problem; it’s also about maintaining optimum performance and articulating the best possible sound from your electric guitar.

10. Use a feedback suppressor device.

One of the most effective tools when dealing with amp feedback when playing an electric guitar is a feedback suppressor device.

Feedback suppressor devices are specifically designed to tackle signal feedback, making them a vital part of a guitarist’s arsenal.

These technological marvels are carefully built with features that analyze the audio signal and apply corrective measures where necessary to prevent feedback.

The essence of their operation lies in their ability to monitor the frequencies at which the feedback occurs and subsequently apply adequate suppression.

This operation mechanism is possible because feedback often occurs at specific frequencies when the amp starts to act as a microphone, amplifying the guitar’s vibration and leading to feedback.

The feedback suppressor then applies either a notch filter or a phase inversion to counter the feedback frequency by selectively suppressing it or causing it to cancel out with an inverted signal.

This allows the rest of your playing to continue uninterrupted and clear, lending to a much more enjoyable listening and playing experience.

Feedback suppressors are user-friendly and typically come with automatic detection and suppression features, which make them easy to set up and use, even for novice users.

They can be implemented as standalone units that connect directly to your signal chain, or as built-in features in high-end amps and sound systems.

However, like all things, feedback suppressors are not without their limitations.

The depth of suppression they offer might affect your tone, especially when you’re playing at high gain.

That is because they work by reducing the levels of particular frequencies, which could color your tone somewhat.

Therefore, it’s essential to find a balance between the feedback suppression you need and the effect it has on your desired tone.

Using a suppressor does not mean you can neglect other factors such as the quality and condition of your equipment, your stage positioning, and the overall control of your playing.

Remember, the goal is to create a situation in which you have a handle on things before they escalate to the point of requiring a suppressor.

In sum, the use of a feedback suppressor device can be a huge aid in controlling the feedback issue, provided it is used appropriately and in conjunction with other practices.

11. Physically muting the strings not being played.

When playing the electric guitar, amp feedback often occurs due to a loop created between the amplifier and the guitar.

This situation can be very annoying especially during live performances or recording sessions.

One effective way of controlling this unwanted feedback is by physically muting the strings that are not being played.

This technique essentially breaks the loop that induces the feedback.

It should be noted that physical muting of strings requires a certain level of skill and agility.

This is because you have to swiftly move your fingers to mute and un-mute strings while played a tune.

However, with consistent practice, any guitarist, beginner or professional, can master this technique.

It’s a skill that not only handles amp feedback but also enhances the clarity of your guitar playing.

String muting technique can be either complete or partial depending on the situation.

Complete string muting involves pressing all the unused strings while partial string muting involves pressing only some unused strings.

Both techniques are effective but it’s up to the guitarist to choose which one suits them the best.

It’s important to remember that string muting should be smooth and natural.

How to STOP Muting Strings When Playing Guitar Chords

The above video offers useful insights on how to effectively mute strings while playing.

Watch it carefully and you’ll get to learn some practical techniques and tips that would assist in controlling amp feedback through string muting.

In addition, physically muting the strings that are not being played requires patience and dedication to master.

But once grasped, it becomes a powerful tool in every guitarist’s amp feedback controlling arsenal.

Ultimately, it’s about being able to balance between playing the notes correctly and keeping the amp feedback in check.

Remember, practice makes perfect.

The more you practice physically muting the strings, the better you will become at controlling amp feedback during your guitar sessions.

The Bottom Line

Mitigating guitar and amplifier noise intrusions requires the application of a variety of methods ranging from reducing the volume levels to using superior shielded cables, humbucker pickups, noise gate pedals and feedback suppressor devices, to name a few.

Standing further away from the amp and adjusting the guitar’s position relative to it can also serve to minimize annoying interference.

Lastly, physical actions like muting unused strings and adjusting room acoustics can significantly diminish excessive noise, resulting in a more defined and clearer sound.

Every guitar player should experiment with these techniques to find the optimal mix that works best for their unique setup and playing style.