Playing Staccato

[Fishheadjoe]

I'm taking lessons again and my teacher has shown me a technique he uses to create staccato notes, using only the right hand (plucking hand).
I play the note and quickly apply my other plucking finger to the string to stop the vibration. I am currently only using open strings and find myself putting my right hand in my pocket, to stop it from doing what it's been doing for years, dampening the string.
Probably old news to many of you, but I have found this to be something of a revelation! Now, if I could only do it!
I've started at 60 bpm, playing 1/4 notes, but find it very difficult to maintain timing, even on 1/4 notes! I can go for maybe ten bars and them it seems like the whole thing goes to heck in a hand baseket.
Also, when I stop the string from vibrating, it creates a very high frequencey harmonic that is ringing through my amp. I tend to pluck right over the neck p/u. I';ve tried to pluck over the bridge p/u, but always find myself right back to what feels right.
Do I just need to keep practicing this technique or do any of you have some suggestoins.
thanks,
Fishheadjoe

[seacouch]

I think it's best to be able to damp with both/either hands, so yes I'd recommend you keep practicing the right hand damp so you have that technique available to you when you need it, thereby maximizing your versatility and expanding your overall technique.

[kr0n]

I tend to use two different techniques together when playing staccato notes.

One is the right hand one where you immediately after plucking rest your next finger on the string you wish to mute. Slight problem with this is that if you hop strings you have a long way to go with the same finger that just plucked and of course the harmonics issues in certain positions.

With open notes I just rest my left hand near the nut to dampen them, just the right amount.

I also use my left hand to create staccato by pressing the string down, pluck a note and lift the finger just enough for the string to leave the fret, keeping my finger on it. This can create unnecessary fretbuzz but seems to suit my needs. Also the harmonics problem is present but not at all places along the neck. I haven't had a teacher myself so this might be a 'frowned upon' technique. I usually rest my left hand on the strings after plucking so the harmonics get damped.

Just my opinions and styles, I'm mainly internet taught.

[Fishheadjoe]

Thanks guys... it looks like a simple matter of time put in to get this down.
Regards...
Fishheadjoe