How to Mute Guitar Strings While Picking

Tight picking and clean technique are the foundation of killer metal rhythm playing. If your riffs sound sloppy, it's not your guitar—it's your right hand. Here's how to clean up your picking and get that crushing precision.

The Basics of String Muting

Muting guitar strings while picking might seem like a small detail, but it's a game-changer for achieving a tight sound, especially in metal. Let's face it, if your strings are ringing out like a bell tower, you're not going to get the precision you need for those intricate riffs. So, what's the secret here?

String muting is about controlling what sounds and what doesn't. Think of it as being the boss of your guitar's sound. When you're playing, unwanted string noise can be a pesky intruder. But with the right technique, you can keep that noise at bay and make sure only the notes you want are heard.

Start with your picking hand. Rest the side of your palm lightly on the strings near the bridge. This dampens the strings, preventing them from ringing out. It’s like having a silencer on your instrument. But remember, it’s all about balance. Too much pressure and you’ll choke the strings; too little, and you’ll still hear unwanted noise.

Next, consider your fretting hand. While the picking hand does most of the heavy lifting in muting, your fretting hand can also help. Lightly touching the strings you're not playing with your unused fingers can stop them from vibrating. It's like having a backup plan for muting.

Right Hand Techniques: Palm Muting

Palm muting is the bread and butter of metal guitar. There's something magical about that percussive, chugging sound that palm muting produces. But how do you nail it?

First, position the side of your palm just across the strings, close to the bridge. It needs to be consistent, like a finely tuned machine. The key is to apply just enough pressure to mute the strings without completely deadening them. You want them to sound muted, not silent.

If you're struggling to find the sweet spot, try this: Play an open power chord without muting, then gradually bring your palm down until you hear that chunky, muffled sound. It might take a bit of practice, but once you find it, you'll know.

One useful trick is to practice palm muting with different dynamics. Start with a heavy chug, then lighten your touch to create a more subtle muted effect. This not only improves your muting technique but also adds a dynamic range to your playing, making it more expressive.

Left Hand Muting

While the right hand often gets all the attention when it comes to string muting, your left hand plays a vital role too. This might sound like multitasking, but it’s all about coordination and economy of motion.

When you're playing riffs that involve a lot of open strings or fast picking, your left hand can help mute strings that aren't being played. Simply use whatever fingers aren't fretting notes to lightly touch the adjacent strings. This prevents them from ringing out.

Another trick is to slightly lift your fretting fingers off the strings when they're not needed, letting them rest just enough to stop any unwanted noise. It's a delicate balance between pressing hard enough to play a note and soft enough to mute it. Think of it like adjusting the volume on a radio—just the right touch keeps things clear.

Fingerpicking Muting Techniques

Fingerpicking in metal might sound unconventional, but it's a technique that can add a whole new dimension to your playing. And yes, muting is just as crucial here.

When fingerpicking, you can use your thumb to mute the lower strings while your fingers take care of the higher ones. It's like having a mini orchestra at your fingertips, each part working in harmony. As you pluck a string, let your thumb rest on any strings below the one you're playing, muting them. Meanwhile, your other fingers can lightly touch the strings above, keeping them silent.

Practice alternating between using your thumb and fingers for muting as you pick. This will give you a cleaner sound and more control over your dynamics. You might be surprised at how much clarity and precision this adds to your playing.

Challenges and Solutions

String muting can be tricky, especially if you're just getting started. You might find that your hand cramps up or that you're not getting the sound you want. Don't worry—these challenges are common and totally fixable.

One common issue is tensing up. When you’re trying to mute strings, it’s easy to apply too much pressure and end up with tense muscles. The solution? Relax. Take a deep breath, shake out your hands, and try again with a lighter touch. Remember, muting is about control, not force.

Another challenge is maintaining consistent muting across different riffs. When you're learning a new piece, slow it down and focus on the muting first. Use a metronome to help keep your timing steady. As you build muscle memory, you'll find it easier to maintain that consistent muting as you speed up.

Using Muting in Metal Genres

String muting is a staple in metal, and each subgenre has its own twist on the technique. In thrash metal, for example, muting is used to create those rapid, aggressive riffs that define the genre. In djent, muting helps achieve that tight, percussive sound that's become a hallmark of the style.

For death metal, muting can add clarity to those fast, intricate riffs. Without it, the notes can blur together, losing their intensity. Here, a combination of palm muting and left-hand muting is often used to keep things tight and precise.

When it comes to metalcore, muting is crucial for the breakdowns. These sections rely on a heavy, chugging sound that only tight muting can produce. Experiment with different levels of pressure to find the balance that works for the specific sound you’re going for.

Practicing Muting Techniques

Like any skill, mastering string muting takes practice. The more you work on it, the more natural it will become. Here are a few practice tips to help you along the way:

• Start Slow: Begin with slow tempos to focus on your muting technique. Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
• Use a Metronome: A metronome is invaluable for keeping your timing tight. It can also help you practice muting consistently at different speeds.
• Record Yourself: Recording your practice sessions lets you hear how your muting sounds. Listen for any unwanted noise and adjust your technique accordingly.
• Practice with Purpose: Instead of just running through songs, focus on specific muting exercises. Isolate parts of riffs or solos that challenge your muting technique and work on them separately.
• Join a Community: Learning alongside others can be motivating and helpful. Consider joining a guitar community or forum where you can share tips and get feedback on your playing.

Tools and Resources

There are plenty of tools and resources available to help you refine your string muting skills. One of them is Riffhard, where you can find lessons from some of the world's top metal guitarists. These lessons cover a wide range of styles and techniques, including string muting.

Another great tool is a looper pedal. It allows you to record a riff and play it back so you can practice muting over it. This helps you focus on your technique without worrying about playing the riff itself.

Finally, consider using a noise gate pedal. While this won't teach you how to mute strings, it can help reduce unwanted noise in your signal, giving you a cleaner sound to work with.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

As with any skill, there are common pitfalls that guitarists often encounter when learning to mute strings. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for and how to avoid them:

• Over-Muting: Applying too much pressure can choke the strings and kill your tone. Instead, aim for a balance where the strings are muted but still resonate.
• Inconsistent Muting: If your muting sounds inconsistent, practice with a metronome and focus on keeping your hand movements steady.
• Neglecting the Left Hand: Remember that your left hand plays an important role in muting too. Use it to stop unwanted strings from ringing out.

Advanced Muting Techniques

Once you've got the basics down, you might want to explore more advanced muting techniques. One example is hybrid picking, where you use a combination of pick and fingers to play and mute strings. This technique can add a new dimension to your playing, allowing you to play complex riffs with clarity.

Another advanced technique is muting during sweep picking. This requires precise control to mute strings as you move through arpeggios, keeping your playing clean and articulate. It’s a challenging technique but can add incredible depth to your solos.

Final Thoughts

String muting is an essential skill for any guitarist, especially in metal genres where precision is key. By mastering these techniques, you'll be able to control your sound and play with greater clarity and confidence. If you're looking to expand your skills further, we at Riffhard offer lessons from some of the world's top metal guitarists, focusing on techniques like string muting to help you play faster and cleaner.