How to Mute a Guitar String

Muting a guitar string is a technique used by musicians to provide variety in their playing style. You can easily mute strings for both flat pick or finger style guitars.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Guitar

1. You can mute one or a number of strings, but most often the "D," "A," or low "E", the bottom three strings of the guitar, are the ones that are muted.

2. Muting is accomplished by using the hand that does the picking - so the right hand for right-handed guitarists and the left hand for left-handed guitarists.

3. As you look at the palm of your hand, locate the pad of your palm where it joins your wrist. This is the portion of your hand that will be in contact with the string(s).

4. Place your hand with this portion of you palm a few inches ahead of the bridge, at about your normal playing location. Lower the pad of your palm to contact the string(s) that you wish to mute.

5. Move your hand appropriately to change the muting location.

6. Practice frequently as you won't get it perfect the first time that you try it.

Tips & Warnings

• This technique takes practice!
• For more great tips on everything guitar, visit the website listed in the resource section below.

Resources

• Ultimate Guitar Online

[andre7514]

on 12/16/2008 I've always wanted to learn how to do this. Thanks for sharing this on ehow. 5 stars