low B ringing out

Low B ringing is a common problem and there are several ways you can fix this the two I know of is to get a low B string that allows you to have it at a tighter tension or simply to raise your action. If you want you can also practice resting your thumb on the B string while you are playing the higher strings(thats what I do).

 

thats what i do too. you just have to play lighter i think.

 

then its definetly an action problem raise your action 1/8' of an inch and you should be fine .

 

You should be able to mute it somehow. Try anchoring your thumb on the b if you play fingerstyle, or palm-mute it if you plec.

 

You have to use the floating thumb technique or some variation of it. When playing on the E-string, you can rest your thumb on the B-string. When you are playing on higher strings than that, you can rest your thumb on the E-string, but you have to also rest the side of your thumb on the B-string so you are muting both at the same time. It will take a while to get used to, but it's something you need to do to play cleanly.

 

Get a plain hair 'scrunchy' and slip it over the head onto the strings just past the nut. It doesn't stop the strings sounding out when plucked, but deadens the open strings from droning.

I've seen some pros use this idea.

 

Seriously, try the floating thumb technique. It is an important technique when playing an ERB.

 

You really have to re-think your muting technique when going to a 6 string bass. (From 4 or 5). You need to use both your left and right hands to mute, but mostly you need to find away to keep your right hand on the low strings when playing high.

Have alook at some John Pattituci videos on youtube and note his right hand position. It might feel a bit weird at first, especially if you've come from 4 strings, but laying your thumb down across the strings like John is probably the most effective way.

Btw, this has absolutely nothing to do with action and whislt I use a scrunchy when playing palm muted I wouldn't recommend using one until you can nail muting withour one. Cobtrary to what has been said above, having a scrunchy resting on your strings does alter the sound of open strings.

 

Check out Todd Johnson here on TB. He is a master of the floating thumb technique and is very willing and able to teach!

 

the problem is your muting technique. not your bass, or setup etc...

do a search on muting technique. you may need to adjust your playing a bit...

 

Yep. It's called 'sympathetic vibrations', and there is no easy fix to make it stop. You just have to learn to mute all the strings that you're not playing, whenever you're not playing them. Using a combination of both hands. Takes a lot of work, but that's one of the most important aspects of playing bass (especially an extended range bass), being able to play cleanly by keeping the bass from making any unwanted noises

 

To add a bit more about the floating thumb technique, I noticed how relaxed my right hand became when I used it and that because it was more relaxed I gained some speed. I have been using the technique for a long time now and now playing with out it when playing finger style feels very wrong and tight. Start slow and work your way up to speed. It really does work, even on 4's

 

I've always rested my thumb on the low B, but occasionally I still have my B string ring a little.

 

+1.

 

+1 on the floating thumb. Since I just bought Todd Johnson's DVD, I've been working on it, and it's the answer to your question.

 

And +2