Busker John Pincheira regularly plays South American folk music on Swanston Street and said the ban on amplified busking came as a shock.

He said the ban would put a strain on their ability to continue to play music for a living.

"Our playing technique depends on amplification. If there's no amplification, we can't play," he said.

The majority of the public do not seem irritated by their loud music, Mr Pincheira said.

"The public are not annoyed. Shop owners can be annoyed and the occasional comments but that's just people being angry."

He relies solely on the income from busking and said they will have to go back on the job hunt if the three-month trial of unplugged busking becomes a city-wide protocol.

"The city will suffer in the long run," he said.

The city moved to turn down the volume after its officers received 264 formal noise-related complaints from January 2013 to June 2016.

Lord mayor Robert Doyle said busking adds "colour and creativity" but described it as a "noise issue".

Buskers will still be able to go about their business, but within limits, he said.

"People can still busk but they just can't amplify that busking," he said. "There will be spots around the city where amplified busking is allowed, but following these complaints, Swanston Street will be an amplified-free zone."

Cr Doyle alluded to his own experience.

"I think it's that people get irritated by the noise and I must say my office is right on Swanston Street and if I can hear amplified busking really clearly through the thick walls of Town Hall, then I can only imagine what it must be like in immediate proximity," he said.

There are currently 2064 Busking Permit holders in the City of Melbourne.

The area from Flinders Lane to La Trobe Street will be designated a 24/7 non-amplified busking zone.

Amplified busking will be permitted at the Chessboard area near Café L'Incontro (next to the Town Hall) on Sundays from 10am to 6pm.