Why does my guitar sometimes sound like a Sitar?

Why Your Guitar Sometimes Sounds Like a Sitar

(What’s actually causing that buzzy, sitar‑like overtone)

The Most common culprit of this problem.......

1. The Nut Slot Is Too Low, Too Wide, or Poorly Shaped

This is the #1 cause of sitar‑like buzzing, especially when the sound happens on open strings only.

• If the nut slot is too deep or the bottom isn’t shaped correctly, the string vibrates against the front edge of the slot.

• This creates the exact “sitar” effect players describe

Clues it’s the nut:

• Buzz happens on open strings but disappears when fretted.

• A capo on the first fret eliminates the sound.

If the Sitar sound is still there even after using the Capo, then proceed to the next steps.

2. Pickup Height Too High (Electric Guitars)

Pickups set too close to the strings can cause magnetic pull, which disrupts the vibration and creates strange overtones — including sitar‑like sounds.

Clues it’s the pickups:

• The sound changes depending on how hard you pick.

• It may only happen on certain strings (often the high E or B).

• Lowering the pickups slightly makes the problem disappear.

3. Neck Relief Issues (Truss Rod Too Tight or Too Loose)

If the neck has developed a back‑bow or insufficient relief, the string may lightly touch a fret ahead of the one you’re playing.

• This creates a buzzing overtone that can sound sitar‑like.

• Techs often recommend checking relief first.

Clues it’s the neck:

• Buzz occurs on multiple frets or strings.

• The guitar recently experienced humidity changes.

• The neck looks unusually straight or slightly back‑bowed.

4. A High Fret or Uneven Frets

Even a single high fret can cause the string to “kiss” the metal ahead of it, creating a sitar‑like buzz.

Clues it’s a fret issue:

• Buzz happens only on certain frets.

• Fretting above the problem area makes the buzz disappear.

5. Bridge or Saddle Issues

On electrics (especially Floyd Rose systems), a low bridge or uneven saddle contact can cause sitar‑like tones.

• Floyd Rose guitars are particularly prone to this, as noted by repair techs.

Clues it’s the bridge:

• The sound changes when you raise the action.

• It happens on multiple strings at the bridge end.

6. String Not Seated Properly

Sometimes the string simply isn’t sitting cleanly in the nut, saddle, or locking nut (Floyd Rose).

• This can cause uneven vibration and sitar‑like artifacts.

Clues it’s the string:

• The sound appears right after restringing.

• Loosening and reseating the string temporarily fixes it.

Closing thoughts...

A sitar‑like sound is almost always a setup issue, not a catastrophic problem. The good news is that every cause is fixable — and most are simple adjustments.