Seismic wave attenuation in rocks was studied experimentally, with particular attention focused on frictional sliding and fluid flow mechanisms. Sandstone bars were resonated at frequencies from 500 to 9000 Hz, and the effects of confining pressure, pore pressure, degree of saturation, strain amplitude, and frequency were studied. Observed changes in attenuation and velocity with strain amplitude are interpreted as evidence for frictional sliding at grain contacts. Since this amplitude dependence disappears at strains and confining pressures typical of seismic wave propagation in the earth, we infer that frictional sliding is not a significant source of seismic attenuation in situ. Partial water saturation significantly increases the attenuation of both compressional (P) and shear (S) waves relative to that in dry rock, resulting in greater P‐wave than S‐wave attenuation. Complete saturation maximizes S‐wave attenuation but causes a reduction in P‐wave attenuation. These effects can be interpreted in terms of wave induced pore fluid flow. The ratio of compressional to shear attenuation is found to be a more sensitive and reliable indicator of partial gas saturation than is the corresponding velocity ratio. Potential applications may exist in exploration for natural gas and geothermal steam reservoirs.