I'm sure there's an easier way to explain this problem...

SyndeyBlah · #1 03-09-2011, 04:29 PM

I'm still working on muting things, but I think I'm getting there.

Anyway, so I'm getting much better at muting, but still beginning, and I just wanted to know if there is some simple, maybe even easy way to mute the three other strings not being played while playing on one string for awhile (for example, just playing several notes on the E string, but keeping the other strings quiet at the same time)? I mean, how can you keep the other three strings quiet when you have to constantly switch which fingers mute which other strings? I'm having a lot of difficulty trying to move my fingers quick/smooth enough so it sounds clear. It's taking forever for me to figure it out, though I'm guessing I'm missing something obvious... Please point me to another thread in case it's been said before, because I think I've seen something like this before in the past, but I have looked and haven't found anything.

Please, please ask me questions if you don't know what I mean, because I don't think I explained it well.

Thanks.

James Judson · #2 03-09-2011, 04:33 PM

I mostly mute with my fretting hand. That can become real tricky cuz it may not mute out the harmonics (if placed say over the 12th fret). I do mute some with my pick hand but not so much.

mambo4 · #3 03-09-2011, 07:00 PM

Muting is a fuzzy term: for some it means playing muffled notes, form some it means preventing unwanted string vibration, also called "damping". You sound like you mean the latter.

I play fingerstyle, & mute (damp) my strings with both hands depending on the string I am playing. Usually, Strings below(in pitch) the one I pluck are muted with any unused RH fingers resting on the string. Strings higher I mute by flattening my left hand a little so that. The meat of my fingers naturally rest on them. Also not unusual to do the opposite at times...really whatever is convenient.

Pick players can mute (muffle OR damp) with the base of their right palm -if they sling their bass high enuff.

ChasBass · #4 03-09-2011, 07:41 PM

Do you play with a pick or finger style?

Which hand are you muting/damping with?

fearceol · #5 03-10-2011, 02:33 AM

Have you checked out the "Floating Thumb" technique ?

YouTube - Todd Johnson Bass Guitar : Floating thumb technique

Two advantages here, muting, and keeps the wrist straight, thus avoiding physical problems at a later time.

Slyonbass · #6 03-10-2011, 08:30 AM

I think you'll find everything you need to start on this thread.

SyndeyBlah · #7 03-10-2011, 02:29 PM

Chasbass:

Currently I'm trying finger style, and I'm trying to mute with my left hand.

What I'm having trouble on is muting the other three strings while only playing on one of them, the E string. I'm sure this is only going to get tougher as I progress. I'm pretty sure I have to use my other three fingers on the left hand to mute the higher strings, but whenever I switch fingers in the left hand (currently index to pinky) it sounds sloppy and just creates more noise in the other strings from my fingers moving, even if they're moving slowly.

I'll try the method mambo4 is suggesting for awhile and see how that goes, but any other suggestions would be appreciated greatly.

Thanks!

puddin tame · #8 03-10-2011, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SyndeyBlah

I'm still working on muting things, but I think I'm getting there.

Anyway, so I'm getting much better at muting, but still beginning, and I just wanted to know if there is some simple, maybe even easy way to mute the three other strings not being played while playing on one string for awhile (for example, just playing several notes on the E string, but keeping the other strings quiet at the same time)? I mean, how can you keep the other three strings quiet when you have to constantly switch which fingers mute which other strings? I'm having a lot of difficulty trying to move my fingers quick/smooth enough so it sounds clear. It's taking forever for me to figure it out, though I'm guessing I'm missing something obvious... Please point me to another thread in case it's been said before, because I think I've seen something like this before in the past, but I have looked and haven't found anything.

Please, please ask me questions if you don't know what I mean, because I don't think I explained it well.

Thanks.

what I do is not touch the strings that i'm not playing!

of course when your technique is starting out that's going to be hard. i've seen dudes like victor wooten have some sort of sweat band looking thing up by the nut to cover the strings, otherwise i'd look into maybe using the left hand to cover problem strings

Atticus · #9 03-10-2011, 06:09 PM

I use the floating thumb for fingerstyle, the palm of my hand for slap, and my fretting hand for pick.

Russell L · #10 03-12-2011, 10:13 AM

I wish I could describe how I do it. It's a combination of left and right hand technique, or sometimes not at all for a lack of a way (for me, that is). It's kinda automatic for me. I mean, it's like how I push the dampening pedal when I play piano. It's just a natural, involuntary response with no particular thinking involved. If I had to write it down, I couldn't. I think that on bass it's something that I eventually became aware of a need for sometimes and just tried the best I could to prevent other notes from bleeding through. Seems like everytime I needed to dampen something each time was kinda unique about what needed to be done.

Sorry, I don't reckon that helped much. Just keep trying.