How does one mute a five string?

[Tupac]

I'm curious about buying a five string, so I tried some at GC for the first time. Man! That B string is a monster. I feel like I'm wrestling an alligator to try and get it to stay still. I have enough trouble muting all the strings on a 4 string, 5 string is difficult. What technique do people use to mute it?

[fkh006]

When I am not using the fifth string I us it a a resting spot for my thumb to keep it quiet. Usually I put my thumb on the bridge pickup against the fifth string. This is on a Fender Jazz V.

[chaosMK]

I think many 5 string players end up using the B as a thumb rest.

[Tupac]

But then how would you mute the E string? I always mute it by keeping my thumb on the face of the pickup, and sliding just barely sliding away from it when I strike it, and sliding back. Is that good technique?

[basslinejam]

How do you mute your A on the four string? That's how you mute the E on your 5er.

[Jinro]

If I'm playing the E string I use the B as a thumb rest. When I'm playing the A my thumb rests against both the B and E strings, use my ring finger and/or pinky (never really payed attention to which) to mute the D and G.

[PrietoBass]

I started with the floating thumb technique from day one. Seems very natural to me now.

[michaelandrew]

Have a look at "Floating Thumb" sticky in this forum. I'm learning on a 5-string - rarely get to play a 4-banger - FT works well (for me) on both.

[Jinro]

Floating thumb actually seems very natural and easy to me as well....don't really see the need for instruction guides if it's that easy. Unless I'm doing it wrong.

[Bochafish]

Originally Posted by PrietoBass

I started with the floating thumb technique from day one. Seems very natural to me now.

+infinity. Best way to play a five for me.

[Tupac]

Interesting, I'll look into that! But surely your thumb would be going crazy in some songs that require constantly flipping between strings. Like a metal riff.

[funkybass]

Floating thumb for me too. After I got used to it I can't anchor my thumb.

[mcglyph]

F**AT**G thumb for me too. Simple. Easy. Cool like that.

[P. Aaron]

Originally Posted by PrietoBass

I started with the floating thumb technique from day one. Seems very natural to me now.

4 & 5 string basses, that's how I have always done it.

[henry2513]

I use a combination of floating thumb and fingers to do my muting.

[Lee H]

Muting?you mean we are not supposed to just turn it up to 11, and try to play over the guitar???

[Ronbo61]

I use the floating thumb technique combined with left hand muting.

[Brad Johnson]

Originally Posted by Ronbo61

I use the floating thumb technique combined with left hand muting.

This combination works for me with any number of strings. Left hand muting is as important as right IMO.

[PrietoBass]

Originally Posted by Brad Johnson

This combination works for me with any number of strings. Left hand muting is as important as right IMO.

+1. Indeed.

[rockstarbassist]

I usually just don't hit it and make it move unless I want it to make noise, like I would any of the other 4 strings...??