Forum

Hi Neil,

Hope I'm doing this right.. My question is about muting strings..

I know you're not a fan of bringing your thumb over the neck to mute the low E string (i.e. when playing a C chord). Do you ever mute it other ways- for example if you're playing a C chord- is it ok to mute/deaden it with your ring finger (have that finger play C on the 3rd fret- but place it so it just touches and mutes the low E string)?

The D chord is also tough when strumming, as I need to avoid 2 strings.

Any tips would help here.

Al

Hi Al,

Actually, using your thumb to mute the 6th string for some chords is OK in my book. I always want students to learn and establish good hand position first but once that is done it is fine to alter things. I do mute the 6th string both of the ways you describe at times.

As far as the D chord goes, you really need to focus your strumming stroke on the top 4 strings, coming into the strings at a bit of an angle rather than right on the plane of the strings. Luckily, if you get the 5th string a little, it's OK.


Neil

Thanks Neil.

Just wanted to make sure. Will work on keeping good hand position as well.


Al