My guitar is acting weird.?

Question:I got my guitar maybe, 3 months ago, a Yamaha acoustic guitar. In the first few days, the guitar was rattling and I thought that would be normal, but it continued for a really long time. My guitar strings were getting rusty so I changed them and the ratting noises got worse. It's been a few days since I've changed the strings. The first few frets have a very big ratting noise. Whenever I hold down the 2nd fret of the 3rd string, it plays the 3rd fret of the third string. Is there any way I can fix this problem? Help.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I got my guitar maybe, 3 months ago, a Yamaha acoustic guitar. In the first few days, the guitar was rattling and I thought that would be normal, but it continued for a really long time. My guitar strings were getting rusty so I changed them and the ratting noises got worse. It's been a few days since I've changed the strings. The first few frets have a very big ratting noise. Whenever I hold down the 2nd fret of the 3rd string, it plays the 3rd fret of the third string. Is there any way I can fix this problem? Help.

Sounds like either the neck is warped or the action is too low. If you accidentally changed to a heavier gauge of string, which is quite possible if this is the first time you ever changed the strings, it may have warped the neck, because heavier strings place an increased strain on the neck. Get it to a guitar shop asap and have them look at it.

I can't imagine what is rattling on your guitar except the strings. You should have taken it back to where you bought it, and had it checked. I've been playing since the 60s, and never had rust appear on my strings. Unless you're keeping it outside, you have a major problem. Sounds like the neck is warped.

First, look at the head stock and run your eyes towards the middle of the neck. Their should be 1/16" inch clearance between fingerboard and strings.
If is bowed, the truss rod needs adjustment. Now, if the 2nd fret buzzes as we call it, then the 3rd fret is too high and needs to be filed down.
But first, I suspect the truss rod is too tight and should be loosened 1/4 turn counter-clockwise. If it still rattles a bit, give it another 1/4 turn and that should do it.

Unless you are an expert at setting up your own guitar it is a good idea to let a tech do it before you even play it. I recently bought a Tele and a Gold Top Les Paul, before I ever played the first note I had a really good tech/player set it up for me. It runs $40 where I live and is well worth it. You may need some frets filed, action set, etc. I believe in letting the professionals do what they do best and not let my ego tell me otherwise like many do.