Slap muting with palm

[iwannalearnbass]

Hi,

Most books/websites I've read say you should only mute with your left hand (assuming you're right-handed). Is it strictly a no no to mute with your a palm while slapping with your thumb?

[dDaddybass]

I do it. It feels normal to me. It may change the tone a little. The way I see it, there are no rules. I've never read any books on the style, I've only watched you tube lessons. I say, take what the book says into consideration, but don't be afraid to explore. You may stumble on to something nobody else has.

[iwannalearnbass]

Thanks man. It also feels natural to me as I do it a lot when playing guitar, much more so than left hand muting.

[atheos]

There are only two wrong techniques:
1. A technique that causes pain
2. A technique that sounds bad (in your opinion)

(EDIT: even #1 is not wrong if you're a masochist )

[J Hud]

Man, absorb the info in those books, but take it all with a grain of salt. The insight should give you perspective, but not 100% define your views. Go with what feels and sounds good to you. Find your own technique(s) like all the greats did and the next generation of greats do.

[dulouz]

Originally Posted by iwannalearnbass

Thanks man. It also feels natural to me as I do it a lot when playing guitar, much more so than left hand muting.

+1. I played guitar before bass so right hand muting makes sense to me. I use both left and right hand muting no matter what technique I use.

[UnderTone]

Originally Posted by dulouz

+1. I played guitar before bass so right hand muting makes sense to me. I use both left and right hand muting no matter what technique I use.

right and left is a great technique to master. i've seen youtube videos of people using both and it sounds really good.

[smeet]

Gary Willis has possibly the most refined right-hand technique of any bassist, and he recommends that ALL articulation should come from the right (plucking) hand.

But the foremost thing that he recommends, and what everybody should do, is figure out what the most natural and relaxed way is for YOU.

[bassrique]

Depending on how one positions [straps] on a bass, one may also mute with the right forearm on the lowest string.