Muting Open Strings

[corwin3083]

Say you're picking two open strings in succession, the high G first, and then the D. How do you mute the G string to avoid a muddy sound? I've tried avoiding open strings, as I was taught when I played the violin, but that's not as practical on the bass. :-)

What I'm really looking for is a number of options that I can experiment with. Anybody?

Thanks,
corwin3083

[jive1]

The thing I like (and dislike) about these threads is that it makes me analyze what I do. Anyway, three things come to mind.

1) I use my fretting hand to mute the G string after playing it. Takes practice though.
2) Use a pick. You can pick the G string on an upstroke and play the D on the downstroke. After playing the downstroke, let the pick rest on the G string to mute it. Repeat as necessary. You can do this with your thumb too, but I find it harder than with a pick.
3) This one is a little harder to describe. I pluck the G string with my middle finger. Then as I pluck the D string with my index, I move my middle finger back into the "ready" position. As the middle finger moves back to ready position, I graze the G string to mute it. This take synchronization between your index and middle finger.

Hope this helps.

[OldDawg]

I think this is one of those questions where "it depends" is the answer.

For me it depends on what strings you're dealing with. Sometimes I mute with my right hand fingers, other times my left hand fingers are muting. If going low string to high string I will tend to use right hand. To add to the mess if I'm going from a high string jump down a couple strings I may just use the lower part of my finger by the palm of my hand to mute. Then sometime to slowly quiet a note I use my thumb. Oh for a whole other approach check out Gary Willis and how he mutes. He uses more a guitar approach using the palm of his hand, combined with right hand fingers. One of his instruction videos shows his method. He mutes A LOT.

Bottom line get some music with lots of open strings and practice it slowly insuring notes are being cut off/muted properly. After awhile you start using what works for you. Then you will just do it subconsciously.

[mikemulcahy]

I use a form of palm muting. I use the pisiform bone (the one on the bottom of the palm that sticks out a little). I have become quite accurate with it and can do it on any string and stick pick another.



Mike

[dakine]

I would mute the G string with my left hand.

Simultaneously press on the G string lightly (LH) while plucking the D string (RH).

It feels weird at first, but easy to get the hang of because they happen simultaneously.