Muting strings when changing chords (How)

1

Hello :slight_smile:
Have been working on chord changes and now that im getting faster I notice the strings from the chord b4 is ringing out.
What is the best tip to mute unwanted strings. ( For instance from a E to A)

/Anders

2

Hey Anders - Grade 2, Module 8 has a lesson on how to deliberately mute strings, both with the left &/or right hand. By chance this is the module I’m currently working on though not sure whether this would be ahead/behind where you might be if you’re following the lessons in a linear way? Here’s the link if it might be a help - https://www.justinguitar.com/guitar-lessons/muting-strings-deliberately-b2-804

1 Like
3

Anders, are the strings ringing out the open strings or the ones that were fretted? If the latter then observe how you are lifting off your fingers, perhaps you are inadvertently affecting a flick-off? If the former then perhaps it is nothing to be worried about? How does it sound? It is often the case when playing fast that the up strum just before a chord change catches all open strings and it sounds OK.

1 Like
4

Thanks for the reply.
I’m at module 4 but have been working on other stuff aswell.

1 Like
5

Mostly open strings. Have been hearing some “flick-off” aswell but not to much. Was just wondering that it just might be like this or u needed to mute the strings in some way :slight_smile:

1 Like
6

Hi Anders,

There will be a lesson in your near future where Justin shows that strumming all open strings during a chord change can sound fine. Consider that as well.

I found string muting chords to be a bit tricky and harsh sounding unless it was really intentional. When it is intentional, the lesson Sound_Bound linked will help. I see you like metal. You will be using a lot of palm muting when you get started on playing metal.

Also, you may find that as you learn to make changes faster, muting between changes becomes less important.

1 Like
7

Thanks for the reply. Gonna check out the linked lesson fs :slight_smile:

8

I’ll just share my own exlerience of that, maybe it helps, maybe not…

So, when I started learning chords, my fingertips were quite soft. At the same time, I was pressing down the strings quite hard. So when I was lifting my fingers to change between chords, the strings were actually stuck in the soft pad of some finger.

Now with time and practice, my fingertips are harder. I’m not pressing too hard when fretting but I still have a heavy hand so I do apply pressure! However, because the fingertips are harder, the strings don’t really get stuck on the soft skin so that problem sorted itself out.
Also, again with practice, you’ll find that you’ll make some adjustments on how you fret some chords (curling the fingers a bit more for some chords for example) which could also help.

When the fingertips harden it’s easier with flick offs too because I use the fact to actually “grab” the string with the hard bit.

1 Like
9

Hi Anders, at module 4 you really do not want to expend too much time and worry on this. There are far more important fundamentals to work on and concentrate on - chord formation, clean chords, chord changes, steady rhythm etc.

2 Likes
10

Thanks for the reply.
Now that I play regulary the finger gets better and harder so feels better.
I definitely make some adjustments and it triggers sometimes, but its get better and better so im improving :slight_smile:

11

Thanks for the reply.
U are right. I will let it be for now and focus on the topics u wrote :slight_smile:

1 Like