DON'T USE FRETWRAPS! | Guitar Talk

I have a different perspective on this topic compared to many people. This is because I see more negative aspects than positive ones in this tool. I hope my explanation makes sense to you too.

I'd also like to hear your thoughts about this.
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[barisbenice]

It would have been better if I had mentioned in the video: Some friends gave the examples of Guthrie Govan in the comment section. It should be remembered that the noise from the open strings and the vibration noise from the guitar's hardware are different things with different solutions. The sounds from the open strings can be prevented during playing with correct techniques. However, unwanted sounds from hardware (headstock string noises after the nut, string vibrations, whammy bar & bridge noises) can only be prevented with tools such as these. When we look at guitarists like Guthrie Govan (except for rare moments), we see that they use these tools to cut them off after the nut. Some guitarists can also solve this by placing a sponge underneath the string instead of using fretwrap.

[xttocx]

97% of the guys who have them use them as post nut dampeners for extreneous string noise for stop start type staccato type things, not for this application.

[joeking]

You sound a LOT better with the fret wrap! What kind is that?

[HEAR_Instrumentals]

Fretwraps make it easier getting the perfect take without worrying too much about the other strings. But yeah using them when practicing definitely isn't a good idea. I've only used a fretwrap once and that was a sloopy hairband from my girlfriend xd, but yeah can't say I liked it that much. I prefer playing without one.

[yeserguitar]

I use FretWrap always when I'm tracking, and took it out whenever I practice. I totally agree your points. I wouldn't mind using it in streaming live as well, just for the listeners sake :D This is the way

[Spikehead]

Wait, isn't the fret wrap supposed to go on the part of the strings between the nut and the tuners? It looks extremely wrong and will just mute any open strings that you're playing though...

[djuka]

I have 2 demons fighting inside me:
-Use fretwraps and not worry about muting when tapping difficult stuff.
-Not use one because it makes things easier, and tell myself EVERYONE does it.

But tbh...i don't think it matters as long as the music is good.Greg howe uses it, Guthrie govan uses it, a lot of these players rely on it and who am i to say it's a gimmick

[IshredGuitar]

I use fret wraps when I'm recording a track with tapping, and I also love to not use them on my metal shred runs because I can control staccato muting with my right hand and it just sounds better.

[donbourbon]

Fully agree, especially on the 3 tips at the end of the video \M/

[zerochan]

fret wrap can also get rid of the noise from the LEFT side of your finger while tapping. That part of the string is unmutable without a fret wrap.

[raserapps]

I am not an amazing player but I’m learning and I love to mess around with little riffs and melodies i Crete and record them on the laptop. As soon as I started recording myself I really started noticing my flaws and especially unwanted noise when using high gain tones, I’m getting better at keeping the noise under control though and I kinda feel like playing plugged in isn’t just about making noise, it’s equally about not making noise too and keeping it nice and crisp. I wanted to research these wraps before buying one, and to be honest I would consider using one when I’m recording a tricky section and am struggling to not make unwanted noise. Like for that situation and while I’m still learning and getting better it’d really help in some areas but I don’t want it to become an easy way out and something I can’t play without, I’d like to be able to grab any guitar anywhere and be confident to pick it up and play without having to be like ‘ooh wait while I drive home and get my fret wrap’

[jamess.]

They are an absolute necessity when playing a Midi Guitar, such as the Triple Play and any other Midi pickup guitar. Also during recording it stops a lot of extra notes and harmonics that can slip into the mix. The only time I could see this being a problem is if you plan to use a lot of open strings while you are playing.

[BeatsbyTheHuman]

I deal with unwanted string noise constantly from clients. Often times I'll just use one for my own peace of mind and to move the session along. But while putting it on I'm usually giving a gentle suggestion to "practice your string muting a little more so we don't have to do this next time." I only use one at the top of the neck behind the nut to remove string resonance that no amount of control can fix. I personally never use one above in front of the nut.

[tylergreen]

So….the fretwrap will make me …….faster? Would have been a good time to play the same thing, with and without wrap….

[DarlinGuitar]

I think there is also a reason why you shouldn't have a compressor pedal on constantly. Because you must be used to the picking hand making a sound loud or quiet, soft or hard.

[swissarmyknight]

I'll just throw this out there: I had a bass that had ringing at the headstock (I play bass and guitar). I got a fretwrap, put it above the nut, and it cured the problem. I always keep them on hand in case of another instrument ringing at the headstock or like at a stop tailpiece. I also use them at the first fret for a very specific exercise; practicing to force myself not to play open strings (doesn't do anything, but it prevents me from using those notes). I would theoretically use them without remorse if I was recording a specific part that needed to be really clean or if I wanted to get rid of certain overtones in legato, but its never come up. I don't understand people recommending them to beginners for practice as beginners really need to master muting technique.

[whatchamccallumstudios]

As someone who has owned recording studios for years… and has been a recording artist for 27 years… they are a god send. Sure beats using a bandana like we did back in the day. Also, use them on the nut not the fret if you don’t want the overtones.

[liamartinproductions]

I play fingerstyle so wraps help. I dont use them when i use a pick

[abraxas_realm]

Exactly. I use fretwraps, I have been recording music for years and I already have technique I requiere for my music. When I record, mix, and master without the fretwraps I know what I am doing and I am confident in my technique, sounds clean. I use guitar just to make music, for production, which is basically what you are saying here, its for production. I just simply want everything sound as clean as possible, knowing already that without it it will sound clean as well. I mean fretwraps are usefull but at the end of the day if you don't have a good technique and dynamic control riggages and solos will sound bad no matter what. This might be dangerous for beginners as you said, which won't even develop a proper technique of muting strings, and controlling dynamics overall specially with high gain. This tool is for someone who already makes music and understand music making. When I started making music, I was still ignorant about many stuff, so I took it seriously to become better at everything and I haven't even got to the point yet in which I say, I am prepared enough to release my music. My point is there are no shortcuts. Not about the ingredients but about the chef. When I was just starting out researching for gear for example googling best studio monitors 2024 type of stuff, everyone says, you still have to develope your ears to that monitors. They can have the best flat response you still have to develope your ears, your technique. Good analysis

[rmcaudio]

With or without fretwrap, your playing is excellent anyway.