Muting the E string with the middle finger...

[Ethyls]

Hey there !

I have a question regarding a habit of mine.
Whenever I don't play the E string, I put my right hand's middle finger on it. It comes in quite handy, because it mutes it and it gives my right hand a better "grip" on the bass.

I just wanted to know how bad that habit was. It's never been a problem, and I'm perfectly fine playing that way. But if it's really bad, I guess I should know so I can try and get rid of it (although it'd be quite hard).

What d'you think ?

[spaz21387]

If it works do it. I often mute my E string with the thumb on my left hand my fretting hand. I have been told its a bad technique but it works for me.

[refbassist]

if it suits you and you still can play with no restrictions or pain then it's perfect,.. i tend to mute the A Stringwith my pinky while anchoring my thumb on top of the E,when playing on the D-G strings never bothered me!

[funkstag]

If it's never been a problem, how can it be a bad habit? Play to your individual needs, and what feels good for you!

[enricogaletta]

I use to stop the e strings with my third/fourth finger, just depending from where I'm playing, it's a great solutions to keep you playing more clean possible, I don't have any problems with it.
it's a great habit, just play a lick that include more strings crossing, first slow and than faster, check where you hear sound that you don't like and try to fix right over there.
Cheers. Enrico
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[Rob22315]

Floating thumb FTW