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    how to mute the 4th string?

    Fingerstyle Guitar
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    • K
      kavusha last edited by

      Hi Emil,

      I've got a problem with my palm muting technique. I am not able to produce clean muted sound of the 4th string despite the fact that my hands are pretty big. I have tried different positions but to no avail. The only solution I came up with is to move my hand slightly down when picking the 4th string. But it feels very uncomfortable. Sometimes it drives me crazy. I have started to think that my hand is built differently. I am playing guitar with 50 mm nut width. Might it be that it is too wide for fingerstyle technique? Would you have some suggestion on this?

      Thank you in advance!

      Kavi.

      emilernebro 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
      • emilernebro
        emilernebro @kavusha last edited by

        @kavusha
        Hi Kavi!
        When you're not able to get a clean muted sound on the 4th string - what technique or finger are you striking the string with? Or are you using a thumbpick, or pick?
        Kind regards/E

        K 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
        • K
          kavusha @emilernebro last edited by

          @emilernebro
          Hi Emil,
          I use a thumbpick.

          I also wanted to ask you about the nut width of your guitars. Have you got a favourite one which to your feeling fits like a glove? And also is there some general rule about what nut width suits fingerstyle method the best?

          Best regards,
          Kavi

          emilernebro 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
          • emilernebro
            emilernebro @kavusha last edited by

            @kavusha

            The palm muting is all about putting the hand on the right spot of the bridge to get that sound. On a nylon string guitar - the bridge is further back and it's not as comfortable to have the hand in that position. A bit easier using a steel string guitar in that sense. I don't have a good answer to help you with your palm muting - it should be a matter of right hand position on the bridge so I hope you can find it and experiment with that.

            My guitar is a Mason EBG808 artist model, and I think the nut specs are on Matons website. I'm not sure of the measurements myself - but it's a fairly standard neck, and works for me. There are no such thing as a general rule about nut width for fingerstyle guitar - it all depends on your playing style, your hand positions, size of hands, and general taste.. I always recommend people to try a LOT of instruments to find what suits you.
            Kind regards/E

            K 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
            • K
              kavusha @emilernebro last edited by

              @emilernebro
              Thank you Emil!
              I've looked it up. It's 44 mm. Good to know!
              I've started experimenting with an acoustic guitar which has a 42 mm wide nut. It feels too small for my hands but! .... the problem with the unclean muted sound is gone. Apparently i have to try other sizes too untill i have found the right one.
              It is a huge relief for me now!
              Thanks again!

              Best regards,
              Kavi

              1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
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