Any recommendations on how to mute the b string in a 5 string bass?

[Daniel Panus]

I, like many bass players primarily play 5 string basses and enjoy the added range it gives. But there are times in which the added b string is not necessary and just gets in the way, having to mute it and all.

I've been trying to find ways to have the b string muted so that I don't have manually mute it when I'm only playing the top 4 strings. Here are the things I've tried so far: Simply de-tuning the b string doesn't work because it messes up the tension of the neck and creates fret buzz. I've tried using a capo to dampen the b string but it just doesn't get in the right position to do that. Of course I can just bring a second bass to gigs, but it would be much easier if I only had to bring the one.

Any Thoughts?

Thanks, Dan

 

[Groove Doctor]

Plucking hand:
Tip of thumb.
Base of thumb.

Fretting hand:
Lightly Resting fingers over the strings.

 

[Daniel Panus]

Plucking hand:
Tip of thumb.
Base of thumb.

Fretting hand:
Lightly Resting fingers over the strings.

I was thinking more so of an external device that does the muting for you, like a fret wrap but one that only mutes the b string

 

[Daniel Panus]

I, like many bass players primarily play 5 string basses and enjoy the added range it gives. But there are times in which the added b string is not necessary and just gets in the way, having to mute it and all.

I've been trying to find ways to have the b string muted so that I don't have manually mute it when I'm only playing the top 4 strings. Here are the things I've tried so far: Simply de-tuning the b string doesn't work because it messes up the tension of the neck and creates fret buzz. I've tried using a capo to dampen the b string but it just doesn't get in the right position to do that. Of course I can just bring a second bass to gigs, but it would be much easier if I only had to bring the one.

Any Thoughts?

Thanks, Dan

Edit: I'm specifically looking for an external device that does the muting for you, like a fret wrap that only mutes the b string instead of all of them.

 

[Lesfunk]

Floating thumb technique
Otherwise, remove the B string. You’ll be all set!


Piece of foam under the B string. It’ll cost $.50
Or a hair tie scrunchie.
I actually used one for a while before I learned how to handle B string properly

 

[Leigh Semmens]

Easier just to use your thumbs for muting and does not require ANY effort if you want to go for that low B C Db D or Eb.

 

[Adam Wright]

floating thumb and a gruv gear fretwrap

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

I was thinking more so of an external device that does the muting for you, like a fret wrap but one that only mutes the b string

The fret wrap is utterly useless except for tapping. It only mutes open strings, and blocks access to the first fret. If you have it far enough back to not block the first fret, it does absolutely nothing. Utterly useless.


The only thing you can do is play a four string. The fifth string really does just get in the way. You never use the B string enough to need one.

 

[Blueinred]

I would go to your local hardware store and look for a thick enough rubber washer to slide under the B string next to the bridge. Buy a handful of them for a couple bucks and see if that doesn't silence it. Switch it in or out depending on the song. Very dense foam may work well, too.

 

[LBS-bass]

I was thinking more so of an external device that does the muting for you, like a fret wrap but one that only mutes the b string

Why would you only want to mute the B string? Any wrap you use at the headstock will only mute (or, to be more precise, dampen) the open strings that you are not fretting at any given time.

I've been playing with first fret wraps on mine and I'm not unhappy with it so far. For songs that require sustain on an open string, I can push the wrap back, but I can leave it at the first fret most of the time and get most of what I want without worrying as much about muting. Makes me a happy player.

 

[ComeHomeShane]

I'm a recent convert to 5 strings, figuring out muting has been the biggest challenge. I've always said that muting is different for everyone. The same is true for 5s. While I'm no pro, I've found what helps me the most is doing scales or arpeggios across the entire board really slowly while letting me hands discover their natural muting tendencies. I find myself using my left hand thumb and right hand side of my pinky more often.

 

[Ihaveshingles]

The fret wrap is utterly useless except for tapping. It only mutes open strings, and blocks access to the first fret. If you have it far enough back to not block the first fret, it does absolutely nothing. Utterly useless.


The only thing you can do is play a four string. The fifth string really does just get in the way. You never use the B string enough to need one.

Agreed, I spent $40 on a 3 pack to find out a 1$ hair tie works better than the wraps, plus the Velcro doesn’t stick to the material very well at all

 

[LBS-bass]

Agreed, I spent $40 on a 3 pack to find out a 1$ hair tie works better than the wraps, plus the Velcro doesn’t stick to the material very well at all

Oh, don't spend money on some product someone made. Just use a hair tie, a shoestring, or a headband tied around the neck so it's tight enough to do the job. The advantage of the headband or shoestring is that you can adjust the tension to create just the amount of dampening you need.

 

[5StringBlues]

Quit using the B string for just the low notes , move your positioning up the neck, and play the B string.


B strings are not there just for the 5 extra low notes.

 

[Ihaveshingles]

Oh, don't spend money on some product someone made. Just use a hair tie, a shoestring, or a headband tied around the neck so it's tight enough to do the job. The advantage of the headband or shoestring is that you can adjust the tension to create just the amount of dampening you need.

Yes if you read my comment you will see that I found the hair tie to be superior , it is what I used for years but then I thought hey maybe I’ll get something that’s adjustable like fret wrap but then I realized the wrap was crap

 

[Element Zero]

Lemme ask you this... On a 4 string, how do you mute the E string if you’re playing on the G?

 

[el murdoque]

Reading this, I cannot help to translate it in my head to "I have a five string but don't want to bother with learning to play it properly so I'm looking for a device that let's me skip that".

That device does exist: It's a six string bass. Get one of those and learn to play and mute on it. Once that has settled in, go back to your 5 and muting will be a breeze.

 

[monkeyland]

If you have good technique on the 4, it will transfer. Just play the 5 a lot, even exclusively. It’s not really any different from muting the E on a 4. Floating thumb really does work well. Also focus on using the B instead of muting it. There’s lots of music between the 5th and 12th fret

 

[gidbass]

I, like many bass players primarily play 5 string basses and enjoy the added range it gives. But there are times in which the added b string is not necessary and just gets in the way, having to mute it and all.

I've been trying to find ways to have the b string muted so that I don't have manually mute it when I'm only playing the top 4 strings. Here are the things I've tried so far: Simply de-tuning the b string doesn't work because it messes up the tension of the neck and creates fret buzz. I've tried using a capo to dampen the b string but it just doesn't get in the right position to do that. Of course I can just bring a second bass to gigs, but it would be much easier if I only had to bring the one.

Any Thoughts?

Thanks, Dan

This video was the most helpful for me when I was moving from 4 to 5 strings. It took me about a month of practice to adapt my technique as I use to rest my forearm on the bass. Not anymore.

Good Luck!

 

[Dirk Diggler]

You are the mute, there are no devices to do this for you.

As a matter of a fact, it's your job.
Dirk