How to troubleshoot guitar signal problems

How to troubleshoot guitar signal problems
(Image credit: Future)

We've all had the problem at one stage, where we switch everything on, plug in, hit a tentative opening chord to see what's what and... Silence. The heat flushes to your cheeks. The electric guitar is not supposed to be like this! Something's wrong. 

But this is no time to panic. Take a deep breath and work through the problem. More often than not it's something simple. Just start with your guitar and work down the signal chain and you'll be back in business in no time. Here's our step-by-step guide to troubleshooting signal problems.

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month**

Join now for unlimited access

US pricing $3.99 per month or $39.00 per year

UK pricing £2.99 per month or £29.00 per year 

Europe pricing €3.49 per month or €34.00 per year

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Prices from £2.99/$3.99/€3.49

Chris Bird

Chris has been the Editor of Total Guitar magazine since 2020. Prior to that, he was at the helm of Total Guitar's world-class tab and tuition section for 12 years. He's a former guitar teacher with 35 years playing experience and he holds a degree in Philosophy & Popular Music. Chris has interviewed Brian May three times, Jimmy Page once, and Mark Knopfler zero times – something he desperately hopes to rectify as soon as possible.