How to Know Your Guitar Frets Are Dying

Playing guitar should feel natural, with every note ringing clearly and smoothly. But sometimes, an unwanted buzz, muted note, or sudden loss of sustain interrupts the music. For many players, this points to one of the most frustrating problems: dying frets. These issues are common, but not always easy to identify, since they can be confused with other guitar problems like dead strings or a poor setup.

In this guide, we’ll explore the signs of dead frets, what causes them, and how to tell them apart from other issues. We’ll also look at whether you can fix them yourself, the tools you’ll need, and the steps to repair them. By the end, you’ll also learn ways to prevent fret problems so your guitar stays in great shape for years to come.

Diagnosing Different Guitar Fret Problems

The first step in diagnosing fret problems is understanding the difference between a dead fret, fret buzz, and a dead spot. Being able to tell these apart is crucial. A dead fret often needs physical repair, while fret buzz or dead spots might be solved with simple adjustments.

Dead Frets

A dead fret occurs when a note on a specific fret fails to ring out clearly. Instead of producing a sustained tone, the sound cuts off almost immediately, leaving a dull thud.

Fret Buzz

Fret buzz, by contrast, happens when the note plays but with an unwanted rattling sound. This usually occurs when the string vibrates against another fret because of low action, uneven frets, or an issue with neck relief.

Dead Spots

Dead spots are slightly different from both. They occur on certain notes, often on the lower strings, where the sound fades quickly due to the way the guitar neck resonates. Unlike a true dead fret, the note still plays correctly but loses sustain faster than expected.

What Causes Dead Frets?

1. Wear and Tear: Dead frets develop for several reasons, but the most common is simple wear and tear. Over time, pressing strings against the metal frets creates flat spots. These worn areas make the frets uneven, and once they lose their smooth crown, notes can choke out instead of ringing.
2. Neck Movement: Another common cause is neck movement. Guitars are extremely sensitive to changes in humidity and temperature. A neck that bends or twists even slightly can throw fret height out of balance. When this happens, one fret may end up higher than the rest, cutting off notes that fall behind it.
3. Loose Frets: Sometimes frets also loosen over time. Because frets are pressed into the fingerboard, heavy playing or changes in wood moisture can make them lift out of place. When a fret isn’t seated firmly, it prevents the string from vibrating properly and creates dead spots on the neck.

Can You Fix Dead Frets at Home?

Whether you can fix dead frets yourself depends on the extent of the problem. In some cases, small issues like a single uneven fret can be corrected with the right tools and careful work. Simple leveling, filing, and polishing are within reach for players who are comfortable doing basic guitar maintenance.

When to Call a Professional

However, larger problems often require professional help. Severely worn frets may need to be replaced, a process that requires skill to avoid damaging the fingerboard. A twisted or warped neck also cannot be corrected at home without specialized knowledge. In these cases, it is usually best to bring the guitar to a luthier. Attempting complex fretwork without training can turn a repairable guitar into one that needs costly restoration.

The Tools Required for Fret Work

If you decide to take on fret work at home, you’ll need a few essential tools:

• Fret rocker or straightedge – used to check for uneven frets by comparing their height across the neck.
• Fret file – specially designed to smooth out high or worn frets without damaging surrounding areas.
• Crowning file – reshapes the fret after leveling to keep the string contact point accurate.
• Sandpaper and polishing tools – for smoothing the frets to ensure they feel comfortable under your fingers.
• Masking tape – to protect the fingerboard while you work.
• Neck support or cradle – to keep your guitar steady during repair.

How Luthiers Use These Tools to Repair Guitar Frets

Repairing frets requires a few specific tools. A fret rocker or straightedge is used to check whether all frets are level across the neck. If one fret is higher than the rest, it will show up immediately when tested. Once identified, a fret file is used to smooth down the high spots.

After filing, a crowning file restores the proper rounded shape so the string makes clean contact with the fret. Sandpaper and polishing materials are also needed to remove scratches and create a smooth, glassy surface. Protecting the fingerboard is important as well, so masking tape is usually applied around the frets before any filing or sanding begins.

Finally, keeping the guitar stable is essential. A neck support or cradle holds the instrument steady during the repair process, ensuring even and accurate work. While these tools are not overly expensive, they require patience and practice to use correctly.

Step-By-Step Guide to Fixing Dead Frets

Fixing guitar frets usually follows a careful process:

1. Inspect the frets: Use good lighting and a fret rocker to find high or uneven frets.
2. Mark problem areas: Use a marker to note which frets need work.
3. Level the frets: Carefully file down high frets until they match the others.
4. Re-crown the frets: Use a crowning file to restore the curved shape for proper string contact.
5. Sand and polish: Smooth the frets with fine sandpaper and polish for a glassy finish.
6. Check the setup: Restring the guitar and adjust the action or truss rod as needed.
7. Play-test: Ensure the notes ring clearly without buzz or dead spots.

This process can take hours for beginners, but once done correctly, it restores clean, playable frets.

How to Prevent Fret Damage

The best way to deal with dead frets is to prevent them from happening in the first place. 

Regular Guitar Maintenance

• Keeping the guitar clean is one of the simplest steps. Wiping down the strings and fretboard after each playing session reduces the buildup of oils, sweat, and dirt that wear down frets. See more tips on cleaning an acoustic guitar.
• Changing strings regularly also helps. Old, corroded strings are rougher and harder on the frets than new ones. Environmental control is equally important. Watch our beginner’s guide to restringing a guitar.
• Store your guitar safely. A room that is too dry can cause the neck to shrink and frets to protrude, while excess humidity can warp the wood. Using a case humidifier or storing the guitar in stable conditions will extend fret life. Learn how to monitor guitar storage humidity.

Good Playing Technique

Finally, playing technique plays a role. Pressing down on the strings too hard increases unnecessary wear. Developing a lighter, more controlled touch not only improves tone but also protects the frets from early flattening.

Other Problems Commonly Mistaken for Dead Frets

It is easy to mistake other guitar problems for dead frets, which is why careful diagnosis is important. By testing each possibility, players can determine whether the problem lies in the frets or somewhere else on the guitar.

Worn Down Nut

Buzzing that occurs between the first and fourth frets often points to a nut that has worn too low. In this case, the string sits too close to the fretboard and vibrates against the frets instead of clearing them.

Neck Relief

If buzzing is concentrated between the seventh and seventeenth frets, the issue is usually neck relief. When your truss rod is too tight, the neck of your guitar can become back-bowed. Alternatively, if it is too loose, the neck may bow forward too much. This often results in high action, making it difficult to fully press down notes.

Low String Action

Buzzing that only happens on the higher frets can also be caused by action set too low at the bridge.

Dead Strings

In some cases, what seems like a dead fret is simply a dead string. Dead or worn-out strings often cause poor tone and reduced sustain, making it seem like the frets are at fault. Replacing the string often solves the issue immediately. 

Other Structural Issues

A poorly fitted bridge or incorrect saddle height can throw off intonation and mute sustain. In more severe cases, a warped or twisted neck can cause widespread problems across the entire instrument, making it difficult to play cleanly no matter what adjustments are made.

Fixing Dead Frets May Require Technical Training

Dead frets can be frustrating, but they are not a sign that your guitar is beyond repair. With the right tools and techniques, many fret issues can be addressed at home, though more serious cases should be left to professionals.

Learn From Renowned Guitar Luthiers at Musicians Institute Nashville

Students at Guitar Craft Academy gain the hands-on skills, industry knowledge, and professional credibility needed to stand out. Don’t just dream about building and repairing guitars, make it your reality. Apply today and start your journey towards a career in guitar craftsmanship.

Join us for our next Open House and see what life is like on campus.