how to mute the 4th string?
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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.
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@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 -
@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 -
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 -
@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
