Can't stop lower strings from ringing

[Twistad]

I've been having this problem with my latest bass. Every time I play on the strings DG, I always get the other strings to ring. I've carefully looked at my right hand and I'm not even touching the B or E strings.

It's so weird, I have good technique and I've never had any problems with muting. I have tried lowering the pickups but it doesn't change anything, I still can't keep the lower strings from ringing. My action is pretty low if that matters, I play a Human Base 5 string and I have a ramp between the two humbuckers.

It's like as soon as I touch the g-strings, the lower strings will start to vibrate quietly. Needless to say it's really annoying in a studio or juste a quiet environment.

I guess I could play floating thumb but I really don't like that technique + I've never had this problem on any other basses.

Anybody have any ideas?

thanks

[Stumbo]

Try putting a hair band around the neck at the nut or wherever it stops the ringing. Mute it just enough to stop the sympathetic vibrations.

[walterw]

Originally Posted by Twistad

I've been having this problem with my latest bass. Every time I play on the strings DG, I always get the other strings to ring.

It's so weird, I have good technique...

sorry, i don't intend to be mean, but

[sleepytime]

I tried various damping methods and didn't really like any of them. Eventually, I wound up trying floating thumb, and was surprised how quickly it became second nature. Worrying about ringing open strings is a thing of the past now.

[dtiii]

Originally Posted by sleepytime

I tried various damping methods and didn't really like any of them. Eventually, I wound up trying floating thumb, and was surprised how quickly it became second nature. Worrying about ringing open strings is a thing of the past now.

agreed

[Bruce Lindfield]

Yup - muting is part of good technique!

[PDavyduck]

Originally Posted by Bruce Lindfield

Yup - muting is part of good technique!

what he said.

[MNAirHead]

The difference between hacks and pros is muting..

This does sound like a good time to check out some youtube.

Floating thumb works.. you can do stellar work with a pinky.. you can use it to thud.. it takes a bit of practice, but can also mute all other strings.

Tim

[killersdude]

Originally Posted by Twistad

I've been having this problem with my latest bass. Every time I play on the strings DG, I always get the other strings to ring. I've carefully looked at my right hand and I'm not even touching the B or E strings.

It's so weird, I have good technique and I've never had any problems with muting. I have tried lowering the pickups but it doesn't change anything, I still can't keep the lower strings from ringing. My action is pretty low if that matters, I play a Human Base 5 string and I have a ramp between the two humbuckers.

It's like as soon as I touch the g-strings, the lower strings will start to vibrate quietly. Needless to say it's really annoying in a studio or juste a quiet environment.

I guess I could play floating thumb but I really don't like that technique + I've never had this problem on any other basses.

Anybody have any ideas?

thanks

Look up sympathetic vibration/resonance.

[Twistad]

Originally Posted by walterw

sorry, i don't intend to be mean, but

I understand how it may seem like my technique's the problem but I never had muting problems when I had my 6 strings or my Elrick or my P-bass for that matter.

The E and B strings are ringing and I'm not even touching them. I've tried the hairband and it works, think I might give floating thumb a try again.

Could it be the pickups that are too sensitive?

[warnergt]

Originally Posted by sleepytime

Eventually, I wound up trying floating thumb, and was surprised how quickly it became second nature.

Another +1

Not only does it quickly become second nature; it instantly solves the problem.

Floating thumb technique thread

[lunarpollen]

Some basses are more prone to it than others. If you've been honing your technique on basses that are less susceptible to it, when you play a bass that is more susceptable to it, your technique will need improvement.

[Marley's Ghost]

Floating thumb is the single most important technique I have learned. I have watched talented players who sound like a$$ cause they never unhook the thumb from the pickup. And the more strings, the more important FT becomes. Check out Todd Johnson's Eletronic Bass Technique Bilders DVD for some stellar lessons.

[somegeezer]

Tried muting them with your free fingers? You only have the problem because you make the problem.

[lethargytartare]

Originally Posted by lunarpollen

Some basses are more prone to it than others. If you've been honing your technique on basses that are less susceptible to it, when you play a bass that is more susceptable to it, your technique will need improvement.

+1

[dmusic148]

Originally Posted by Twistad

The E and B strings are ringing and I'm not even touching them.

....And that's why they're ringing. You have to touch all the strings all of the time. Why you didn't have this problem on other basses is a mystery to me- I guess you were just lucky.

[standupright]

aside from all of the great technique advice so far, is your bass properly grounded?

[Steve Clark]

I've had to work to overcome this each time I added a string to a bass. Most noticeable when I went to 6 ers. I don't play 6ers any more since my gigs really don't call for it but I had to get it out of my system. Didn't really notice the issue when moving from 4 - 5. But 6 meant I had to adjust my technique.

As has been mentioned above I also use a combination of floating thumb as well as resting my thumb on the B or E when not in use. Depending on string spacing you might even be able to dampen the B while resting on the E. From there I can even use my thumb to play/pluck a note.

The left hand has a part to play in muting strings as well depending on what part you are playing. I will dampen strings with my left hand and right hand.

I would have to say that using a rubber band/scrunchy on the end of the neck for basic money position bass playing would be a crutch for clean technique.

[Steve Clark]

Originally Posted by Twistad

Could it be the pickups that are too sensitive?

You could drop your pups and see what happens but seems unlikely.

[dlargent]

+1 on people saying use a combination of RH and LH muting. When I play, all strings not being played are being muted in some way or another, at all times. Of course, it's a bit harder on 5 or 6 strings because of the additional strings.