harmonic problem

[Tubakid09]

So I've been playing a while now, and lately I've been having trouble not playing a harmonic note when I try to mute a string or just playing a moderately fast line. I'm not quite sure how to explain it but when I pull on the string it hits a harmonic pretty much no matter where I'm playing at on the string. Same with muting, though for that I guess I'm just not using enough surface area to stop the vibrations completely?
How can I stop these unwanted harmonics?
Sorry if this doesn't make any sense, and thanks for any help.

[Just J]

if it's ringing, it could be something with setup or the amp. If it's ringing harmonics, you'll need to tweak your technique to eliminate it.

[crazyguy832]

With muting: use 2-4 fingers. I generally mute with my whole left hand when I need to. If you only use one finger to mute, it's easy to get a harmonic.

With fast lines: you're probably just playing too fast. Maybe you're playing too far/close to the fret? (too close seems pretty impossible... I play right up against it...) Try slowing down a little and then speeding back up, might help... you might just be a little sloppy, is all.

[Wootsticks]

If the strings are clicking against the fretboard, then the harmonic is between the last fret on your bass and the fret you're left hand is pressing down.

Or you could just be playing in the exact right spot to hit a harmonic on the string pitched below you. I sometimes have that problem when playing near the neck. I'll be chugging along on the D string, and if I happen to be playing about halfway between the pup and the neck then I'll get the A-string 24th fret harmonic, due to my fingers hitting the A string with the rest stroke.

[Tubakid09]

Originally Posted by Wootsticks

If the strings are clicking against the fretboard, then the harmonic is between the last fret on your bass and the fret you're left hand is pressing down.

Or you could just be playing in the exact right spot to hit a harmonic on the string pitched below you. I sometimes have that problem when playing near the neck. I'll be chugging along on the D string, and if I happen to be playing about halfway between the pup and the neck then I'll get the A-string 24th fret harmonic, due to my fingers hitting the A string with the rest stroke.

This actually makes a lot of sense to me and I think that might be the problem. Should I raise my action a little as well as being more careful not to hit the string into the higher frets?

[nsmar4211]

Double check your intonation too......had a guitar drive me nuts with overtones and it turns out it had settled and needed some tweaking

[Just J]

Originally Posted by Tubakid09

This actually makes a lot of sense to me and I think that might be the problem. Should I raise my action a little as well as being more careful not to hit the string into the higher frets?

yea, might want to practice some of the plucking hand "touch" exercises in the stuck thread as well.