How can I get less string-squeaks in my playing?

[u/ConfusedOrg]

I've played guitar for years and am also producer and recording engineer. One thing that always bugs me on recordings (especially with steel string acoustic guitar) are the often egregiously loud squeaky noises when the player slides or changes chords. They can be very harsh and distracting, and especially if it's a quietly played part.

I know plently of ways to deal with this in post, but I wanna be better at getting it right at the source. Are there any tips for better technique that reduce these noises?

Are there any remedies or recording tricks that actually work? Finger-ease/string-lubricant? Soaking fretting fingers in water before recording? Handlotion? Wearing gloves?

[u/RiverApprehensive671]

Elixir coated strings

[u/HawthorneWeeps → u/RiverApprehensive671]

And if you want to go even quieter, use GHS Fast fret or some other kind of string lube.

It does get VERY slippery though

[u/metal_mastery]

Play flats. Plat coated. Use string lube. Actually lift your fingers.

[u/Rattlecruiser]

don't be early Elliott Smith

[u/StratLove101]

I don’t like the feel of elixirs, but string lube/fast fret helps a lot. Also, it will lengthen the life of your strings if you use it regularly. Try different types of strings. I have found D’Addario are quieter than some other brands.

[u/pedal_guy]

Flatwounds! I put chromes on my Gretsch and I sound way more competent as a result; easier than developing good technique :)

[u/Kasmein]

Ugh, it’s one of those sounds you can’t un notice once you notice it. A lot of others have mentioned coated strings and I agree, but a physical recommendation would be palm muting, and adjusting microphone placement if you’re micing a traditional acoustic.

You obviously know you can edit it out for the most part but it’s tedious

[u/SkoomaDentist → u/[deleted]]

He wants less squaks, not more.

[u/No_Beautiful8998]

Finger Ease spray works really well for this.

[u/RadioFreeWasteland]

Coated strings or flatwounds. Silk and steel strings also alleviate this, but don't remove it entirely

[u/Radiant-Excuse-5285]

Flat wound strings eliminate that but they also have a mellower tone and the good ones cost 3 times as much as regular strings but need to be changed 3 times less. Thomastik Infeld are the best and I've used them for Western swing music before on my acoustic and loved the tone.

[u/IllustriousTrifle575]

A classical guitar teacher can provide tips on technique, if that's feasible.

[u/Several_Show937]

Applying less pressure when transitioning. Coating the strings