Note Duration

[Maruto]

I am just starting play bass and I'm having trouble with note duration. For example, with a rather simple song (Clint Eastwood), you play an open E, then the first fret of A and the first fret of D. The problem is how do you efficiently and properly make sure the strings ring the proper amount of time. I can't figure out the best way to play one string while muting the other. If anyone has any useful advice or links, I'd really appreciate it.

[AmazingGracePlayer]

Well, first make sure your sleeves aren't touching the strings. Secondly, try to play between the end of the neck and the first pickup. If you play near the bridge, the note won't last long. And if you think that's still not long enough, you could always use Chorus Effects.
Hope this helps.

[Jeff Moote]

Originally Posted by htotheh

Secondly, try to play between the end of the neck and the first pickup. If you play near the bridge, the note won't last long.

That's not true at all - playing along the entire length of the string you can get good sustain.

The issue here is more in just controlling the bass. If you develop good technique, this sort of issue becomes a non-issue. Since the OP just started it's natural that he doesn't have full command of the instrument yet. My advice is just to keep working at it, and to develop the fundamentals (hopefully with the help of a teacher). The rest will come.

[lemur821]

In this particular instance you can probably let your next pluck land on the E string to mute it, then stop the note on the A string by simply lifting your fretting finger a little. When you need to mute an open string and can't do it from your pluck, then it's usually easy to use your thumb.