Muting technique on a 4-string

[mbc3512]

I currently use my ring finger to mute the string below the one i play but after reading that floating thumb thread I thought maybe i could ask you guys if my technique is fine.

The ring finger muting came natural to me as soon as i started fingering the bass but it doesn't move much.
For example, if i play something on the D string and some notes on the G, the ring finger does not move up to the D string.
But i found that just my finger picking i actually mute the string below it and most of the time it does ring at all.

I've tried anchoring my thumb on different strings but it didn't work for me at all.

Excluding the fact that the ring finger can be used for picking, do you think it it necessary to change my muting technique?

Also what muting technique do you usually use?

[Willem]

I do movable anchor (takes some getting used to, hang in there) and I also mute alot with my left hand. For example I fret the E string with my indexfinger and mute the B string with my middle finger (4 string BEAD). Floating thumb I tried, but my picking technique is way too aggressive for that.
Good Luck!

[sucho2000]

Well, I am not sure if this would help but....
I do this:

Playing on E string:
My fretting hand muting A, D, G strings: just slightly making contact on them
Plucking Hand's Thumb just floats or anchor on pickups

Playing on A string:
My fretting hand muting D, G strings &
My plucking hand's thumb anchor on E string

Playing on D string:
My fretting hand muting G string &
My plucking hand's thumb anchor on A string and my ring finger is muting E string

Playing on G string:
My plucking hand's thumb anchor on D string and my ring finger is muting A string
and pinky is muting E string

Hope that helps you out

[mbc3512]

Originally Posted by sucho2000

Well, I am not sure if this would help but....
I do this:

Playing on E string:
My fretting hand muting A, D, G strings: just slightly making contact on them
Plucking Hand's Thumb just floats or anchor on pickups

Playing on A string:
My fretting hand muting D, G strings &
My plucking hand's thumb anchor on E string

Playing on D string:
My fretting hand muting G string &
My plucking hand's thumb anchor on A string and my ring finger is muting E string

Playing on G string:
My plucking hand's thumb anchor on D string and my ring finger is muting A string
and pinky is muting E string

Hope that helps you out

Do i have to mute all of the string like you do? I thought that muting was to prevent getting a ring from your picking finger touching the string below while playing.

[Willem]

Yes, when recording it's important to be able to mute all strings.
A producer doesn't like sounds that aren't supposed to be there...

That being said there are other techniques than mine or sucho's. But IMO/IME it's important to mute all strings that aren't plucked.

[251]

Originally Posted by mbc3512

I currently use my ring finger to mute the string below the one i play but after reading that floating thumb thread I thought maybe i could ask you guys if my technique is fine.

The ring finger muting came natural to me as soon as i started fingering the bass but it doesn't move much.
For example, if i play something on the D string and some notes on the G, the ring finger does not move up to the D string.
But i found that just my finger picking i actually mute the string below it and most of the time it does ring at all.

I've tried anchoring my thumb on different strings but it didn't work for me at all.

Excluding the fact that the ring finger can be used for picking, do you think it it necessary to change my muting technique?

Also what muting technique do you usually use?

Do you think it would be useful to have more than 1 muting technique? Have you considered learning 3, 4 or more ways to use your right (picking) hand? Do you ever mute with your left (fret) hand?

In recording situations you will likely be able to plan muting to work best with what you will play. Live, you may ring a note but, timing the mute to syncopate can make it part of the groove. 8-)

[Michael Campbel]

This is for 5 string, but the concepts apply for 4: http://www.freeguitarvideos.com/bass/5/5-muting.html