How to Read Palm Muting on Guitar Tabs

Palm muting on the guitar is used to achieve a slightly muted sound. You can perform a palm mute using the side of your picking hand to place pressure on all the strings just above the bridge. Once you have your hand in position, play the indicated notes normally. A palm mute is noted above the tab staff.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Identify a palm mute by a "PM" followed by dashed lines above the tab staff. The dashed lines indicate the continuation of a palm mute.

2. Position the side of your picking hand palm just above the bridge of the guitar. Use the side below your pinky finger.

3. Press your fretting finger onto the indicated string and fret. If the number "4" is on the top line of the tab staff, then press the E-string down onto the fourth fret.

4. Pluck the string to make the desired sound. You should be able to hear the pitch of the note, but it will sound dampened.

5. Keep your picking hand over the strings for all of the notes noted underneath the "PM" and the dashed lines.