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When to use what muting technique?

S

SyndeyBlah

Aug 21, 2010
7
0
#1
Firstly, I apologize if anything I say/ask sounds dumb, because I still don't know much about playing bass and the terms.

I posted once on this site before about how to mute while playing bass. I think I've gotten both the left hand technique (sorry, can't remember the name, if there is one), and the floating thumb technique down. But it seems like most people prefer one technique over the other...? However, I've heard that you can't always use the left-hand for muting always. Again, this is probably a dumb question, but is this true? And if so, when should I use the thumb and when should I use the left hand? Or is there something completely different I should use? Because I personally prefer the left hand, I find it easier. But if this isn't the smartest thing, I'd rather correct it before I go further along. Sorry again about any dumb questions.
 
#2
The simple answer is to use what works for, and is comfortable for you. Depending on the music, or the passage you are playing, you may have to incorporate both techniques. The more weapons you have in your arsenal the better. There are no hard and fast rules here.
 
#5
If you're not already familiar with studybass.com, you should check it out. It's really helpful. Here's a good link from that site about technique and muting: http://www.studybass.com/lessons/bass-technique/plucking/

On my right hand, I tend to use the pinky to mute the E, the ring to mute the A, and I use a combination of either the thumb or the left hand on the D. I almost always use the left hand on the G.

In general, as I'm plucking the lower strings, the left hand is used to mute the higher ones. As my plucking hand moves toward the higher strings, I tend to rely more on RH muting technique.
 
#6
Ime muting is a combination of technique, there isn't one approach that satisfies everything you play, it's a tradeoff between the right and left hands, if your right can't mute at one particular moment then the left kicks in, like an automatic response.

I try to assign the left hand fingers to sit closer to the strings and always be working, if some are not fretting, they are keeping other strings quiet. As far as the right, the same as you, float, use the thumb and the muscle of the thumb at the base, I've been working on the 4 finger technique for quite some time, that's a whole different muting ballgame but the hairband around the headstock works quite well for flighty stuff, I'll defo keep it there for things.

For left muting check out vid's of Rocco, you'll notice he moves his whole hand around to keep it sounding tight, that's his way, 2 cents ; )
 

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