Is using wrist-band mutes cheating?

[Kwesi]

I've been working on some songs that really try the precision of my technique. I'm having problems keeping open strings from ringing and I noticed that I was able to decrease that with a wristband. By using a wrist band to mute strings am I cheating myself out of cleaning up my playing or is it OK?

And just to make myself feel better about my playing may I mention that my muting issues aren't coming from songs that involve "normal" fingerstyle or "normal" slapping but variations of the two.

[remigioremigio]

whatever works for you is ok!

(using a capo is cheating too?)

[tplyons]

Nope. It may be a crutch, but it's not cheating.

Play your bass however you have to to do what you want.

[rockstar744]

i think ive seen victor wooten do it

[spade2you]

Look up floating thumb. It's a little challenging at first, but it works wonders.

[Disraeli Gears]

I've seen Vic Wooten do it..

But I guess whether or not -insert pro name here- does it is beside the point. I'd say it's not a huge deal, but at the same time it can never hurt to hone your technique- after all, it's an opportunity to make you a better player.

And +1 to the floating thumb.

[lindseyp]

I have not seen wrist bands that small. Would a rubber band work?

[Croox]

I do it all the time. and its not cheating, and I've got a nice little collection of wristbands now but I favor my Transformers and my Jackass one the most.

[chicago_mike]

Scrunci.

Hair Bonnet

works wonders. Let snobs and purists get all huffy while you get what you want.

[RMay]

I don't consider this cheating, it's getting the job done. There is 'normal' slap w/palm + left-hand muting and 'normal' fingerstyle w/floating thumb technique. And then there are the few songs that require quick, usually 16th notes, alterations of both techniques that an elastic just past the nut will help to simmer down the ringing of the open notes.

I use a Goody Ouchless hair elastic that can be found at the large chain grocery stores. Pack of 14pcs in various fancy colors. It should never hurt to be stylish!

[Webtroll]

and picks? mutes? digital tuners? if it works for you then i don't see a problem with it.

[lemur821]

Originally Posted by Kwesi

By using a wrist band to mute strings am I cheating myself out of cleaning up my playing or is it OK?

Not cheating in the general sense, but I'd say you're cheating yourself.

Of course when you perform you do what you have to do.

[WarriorJoe7]

doesn't some famous bassist put one of those hair things around the first fret to keep open notes from ringing out? I might even be thinking of someone hogh profile like manring, bailey or wooten

[Dom Phenom]

I think this might be the guy you're thinking of:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6r5g3ZLeAXU

if this is cheating, then i don't want to play by the rules.

i think that until you find that the wristband muting is inhibiting something else you want to do, go with it. all technique is simply a means to an end - making the best music you can.

[tomas_almeida]

Floating thumb