String Muting

[v1paul]

I've been playing bass for just over 2 months and I'm getting better however I have found when I try to play fast bass lines I struggle to mute the strings that I'm not playing on so I get quite a messy sound. Do you guys have any tips for muting the other strings whilst I'm playing?

[billjr]

I use the floating thumb technique, which mutes the strings above the one I'm playing, and I use my left hand fingers to gently mute the lower strings. I kind of just don't curve my fingers all the way, so they gently touch those lower strings.

[v1paul]

Just checked out the floating thumb technique on youtube... it seems quite good and I'll give it a go next time I play... Cheers

[J. Crawford]

Gotta ask, do you play with a pick, or fingerstyle?

With fingerstyle, its just practice. Slow down the bass lines, perfect them slowly, and then speed them up.

With a pick, anchor the side of your hand by the bridge. This should help mute the strings, but it takes practice.


Lots of things take practice my friend!

[85vf500rr]

I've been trying to work with the two. I find that the left hand muting VERY important and that the floating thumb takes care of most of the rest. Just need to find the time to practice, practice, practice.