playing closer to the bridge

dazole · #1 03-27-2010, 10:03 AM

I'm trying to re-learn playing closer to the bridge, mainly because I like the "feel" of how everything meshes while playing there. However, I've noticed one thing different that bugs me. It seems the strings ring more when I play closer to the bridge. i.e. if I pluck (I'm a finger player) anything on the A string, with my finger stopping on the E, the E continues to ring, almost like I was playing an open E. This didn't happen when I played closer to the neck.

Im wondering if this is normal, and I just have to relearn some better muting techniques, or if something else is going on? I'm pretty sure its the former, but before I get crazy with working out some muting techniques, I wanted to check in. I don't have a high quality bass, pickups, or anything else, just a basic starter bass.

Thanks,
David

xxfaux_punkxx · #2 03-27-2010, 12:46 PM

Try muting the E string with your thumb

TheDarkReaver · #3 03-27-2010, 04:42 PM

If you rest your thumb is resting on the E-string then this should effectively mute the string and cease it ringing.

(I.e what faux punk just said

)

JimmyM · #4 03-28-2010, 02:36 AM

ya, that's normal, and +1 to what these guys said to do.

btw, starter basses are really excellent nowadays. way better than what we had when i was starting out.

dazole · #5 03-29-2010, 07:49 AM

Thanks for the tip, I've been working on using my thumb (and other fingers, since all the strings do this) to mute the strings. It just surprised me that there was that much more rogue string action playing this way.

Thanks again,
David

Bassorama57 · #6 03-29-2010, 08:03 AM

+2.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

ya, that's normal, and +1 to what these guys said to do.

fish bulb · #7 03-31-2010, 11:18 AM

Isn't it because you're trying to mute the string right on a harmonic?

Fergie Fulton · #8 03-31-2010, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

ya, that's normal, and +1 to what these guys said to do.

btw, starter basses are really excellent nowadays. way better than what we had when i was starting out.

yip and some of those basses were lam ply dogs sprayed to look good LOL... Zenta where are you now?

floatingaxe · #9 03-31-2010, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fish bulb

Isn't it because you're trying to mute the string right on a harmonic?

Same issue, same conclusion.
Most of the time it isn't heard, but in a quieter passage I'm aware of it.
A slight shift (a finger width) one way or the other seems to make a big difference for me because then I'm not hitting the E (or whatever) in a harmonic area.
Then again, in quieter passages I often move up near the neck pickup to add some warmth and a little more mwah (fretless), I don't have the harmonic problem there.