How to Fix Noise from Electric Guitar

16 Practical Ways to Reduce Electric Guitar Noise

Here’s my expanded, real-world list of noise-fighting strategies. Some are quick fixes, some require a little elbow grease, and some might surprise you. Combine a few, and you’ll notice a real difference.

1. Move Around to Find the “Null Point”

Ever see a guitarist slowly spinning in a circle, guitar in hand, looking like they’re searching for a lost pick? They’re actually finding the spot with the least noise. Electromagnetic and acoustic fields interact with your pickups, creating zones of higher and lower noise. Sometimes, the quietest spot is in the weirdest place—like facing into a corner or standing next to a window. It won’t eliminate noise, but it can reduce it dramatically.

Pro tip: Try this with your amp volume up and your guitar plugged in but not playing. Move slowly and listen for the spot where the hum drops off.

2. Shield Your Guitar Cavities

A little DIY goes a long way. Shielding the inside of your guitar with copper or aluminum tape can block a lot of unwanted interference. I’ve even shielded the back of my Telecaster’s pickguard. It’s not glamorous, but it works. Kits are available online, and there are plenty of tutorials if you’re comfortable opening up your guitar.

3. Try a Hum Eliminator

Devices like the Morley Hummo or Morley Hum Exterminator can help tame ground loop hum. Plug your amp into one and see if it helps. Sometimes it’s a game-changer, sometimes it’s not—you just have to try. These devices are relatively inexpensive and can be a lifesaver in a pinch.

4. Plug Everything Into the Same Outlet

Keep your pedalboard and amp on the same electrical outlet. This helps prevent ground loops, which are a major source of hum. If you’re using extension cords or power strips, make sure they’re high-quality and properly grounded.

5. Watch Out for Noisy Appliances on the Same Circuit

Even if your fridge or air conditioner is in another room, if it’s on the same circuit as your amp, it can add noise. Unplug or turn off noisy devices when recording. If you’re not sure what’s on the same circuit, a little trial and error (or a circuit tester) can help you find out.

6. Use a Gate Pedal

When you crank up the gain, the noise floor rises too. I use a Revv G8 gate pedal for high-gain tones. It’s more sophisticated than old-school gates and does a great job of keeping things tight without killing your sustain. Gates are especially useful for metal and hard rock players, but even blues and indie players can benefit when using fuzz or overdrive.

7. Noise Reduction Plugins

Sometimes, software is your best friend. Izotope’s noise reduction plugins are powerful tools for cleaning up tracks after the fact. It’s a balancing act—you want to remove noise without making your guitar sound weird or artificial. But these plugins keep getting better and less noticeable. Use them sparingly and always compare before-and-after to make sure you’re not losing the magic in your tone.

8. Use an Isolated Pedal Power Supply

Daisy-chain power supplies are noise magnets. Invest in a unit like the Strymon Zuma, which provides isolated power to each pedal. It’s a game-changer for quieting down your board. If you’re running a lot of pedals, this is one of the best upgrades you can make.

9. Move Your Amp Around

Just like your guitar, your amp is sensitive to EMI. Try moving it to different spots in the room—sometimes even a few feet makes a difference. Keep it away from computers, power strips, and anything else that might emit interference. If you’re in a small space, experiment with different orientations and heights.

10. Faraday Fabric

This one’s a little out there, but it works: Faraday fabric can be draped over amps to block interference. Someday studios will need to start building Faraday cages (metal enclosures that block electromagnetic fields) around their gear. It’s not always practical, but if you’re desperate, it’s worth a shot. You can buy Faraday fabric online and cut it to fit your needs.

11. Noiseless Pickups or Ilitch Systems

If you’re really struggling, noiseless pickups or an Ilitch system can help. Personally, I’m not a fan of the tone changes these bring, but for some players, they’re the only way to get a usable sound. If you play a lot of clean or high-gain music in noisy environments, it might be worth the trade-off.

12. Upgrade Your Guitar’s Wiring

Don’t assume the factory wiring is perfect. High-quality pots, jacks, and wiring can make a surprising difference in noise reduction. If you’re handy with a soldering iron, this is a rewarding project. If not, a good tech can do it for you.

13. Dedicated Studio Circuits

If you own your space, hire an electrician to install dedicated circuits and outlets for your studio. Ideally, have one for amps and another for studio gear. It’s an investment, but it pays off in cleaner power and less noise. This is especially important if you’re running a lot of gear or recording professionally.

14. Airplane Mode for Phones

Keep your cell phone in airplane mode and out of reach from your guitar and amp. Phones are notorious for causing weird interference, especially when they’re searching for a signal. Even a phone in your pocket can add noise if it’s too close to your pickups.

15. Keep Bluetooth Devices Away

Bluetooth headphones, speakers, and other gadgets can add noise. Keep them away from your recording setup whenever possible. If you need wireless gear, look for systems designed for professional audio use—they’re generally better shielded.

16. Battery Power

Use batteries in fuzz pedals and gain pedals if possible. There are occasions where running fuzz, overdrive, or distortion pedals with a power cable, even from a good power supply, introduces noise. This isn’t always possible, as nowadays some pedals don’t offer battery options.

The Anatomy of a Quiet Guitar Rig: Putting It All Together

You don’t have to do everything on this list to get a quiet signal. Start with the basics—like moving around to find the null point, shielding your guitar, and using an isolated power supply. Then, add more advanced steps as needed. Every room, guitar, and amp is different, so experiment and see what works for you.

Final Thoughts: Chasing Quiet Tone in a Noisy World

I record a ton of electric guitar, often with vintage-style pickups and amps, which are notorious for picking up noise. But with some patience, a little experimentation, and the right combination of these strategies, I can get things quiet enough for a great take. Sometimes, you just have to accept that a bit of noise is part of the electric guitar’s charm. However, with these tips, you’ll be able to control it, rather than the other way around.

If you found this helpful, check out more on my blog, Anatomy of Tone. Got your own noise-fighting tricks? Drop them in the comments—I’m always looking for new ideas to keep the signal clean and the music flowing.

Remember: The fight against noise is ongoing, but it’s one you can win. Keep experimenting, stay patient, and enjoy the journey—because great tone is worth the effort.