Muting techniques?

[Switched]

When I play riffs that cover 3 or 4 strings, I find that I get a lot of unwanted tones from the strings I have just moved from as I move across the fret board. It's not noticable when I practice quietly, but when I crank the volume on my amp the ringing strings are really noticable and detract from the riff.

I guess the ringing comes from the fact that I let go of the string and that causes some vibration. I'm just wondering what part of my technique I should be working on to counteract this? Just in case it's helpful for you to know, I have my action set as low as I can get it, I use roundwound strings, and play fingerstyle.

[BoogieNight]

I think some unwanted noise is normal when you play a groove using 3 or more strings. Maybe when you are playing with a band that becomes less noticeable. If you are going to record you'll have to be more careful.

As any other tecnique issue the best way to go is to use a metronome and play very slowly so you can see what could be corrected.

And you should avoid stainless steel strings!

[The Mock Turtle Regulator]

using your right hand thumb to mute the unplayed strings as you move up accross the strings can clean up the sound a lot- do a search for "thumb trailing".

[JMX]

or floating thumb

[Switched]

do a search for "thumb trailing".

or floating thumb

Thanks, will do.

BN. Yes, I think I'll also try a new set of strings, and go back to basics for a while. Thanks

[Biggus_Reddus]

I've seen some bassists use a piece of foam between the bridge and pickup. or you could use Rocco Prestia's left hand muting style. the easiest is the Jaco as described in above replies.

[some14existance]

Originally posted by JMX
or floating thumb

Exactly... I find the bottom part of my thumb (the part where you can see veins) is the best place work the magic.