Fingerstyle Question

[BAG]

I'm a pick player who has been practising fingerstyle for quite a while now and play the odd slower song without the pick but i'm concerned that my technique is not good.

When I pluck a note I tend to pluck up and hit the lower string....eg plucking a D note on the A string I follow through and sort of rest on the E string. Generally I don't find it a problem unless i'm wanting that previous lower note to sustain.

Is this correct or should I be plucking in such a way as to avoid following though to the lower string.

 

[bholder]

If you want the lower note to continue sustaining, let it, but otherwise, muting the notes not being played is an important part of technique.

 

[JRA]

yeah BAG , i think bholder has it right: muting can be crucial...sounds like you're onto it in a natural way! good luck with the fingers thing.

(i'm the opposite = thinking about learning how to use a pick!)

 

[BAG]

Thanks guys. I'm so used to being able to mute with the side/heel of my hand, and being able to damp the notes in varying degrees, that not having that available feels unnatural. At least playing the notes with fingers is starting to come more naturally and it's good to know I'm not developing bad habits...... well, no more than i already have.