[picassov7]

well, ive been trying to work on different techniques lately and im struggling with what i guess is palm muting. the description that i read on this technique was to strike the strings with the blade of you hand (between pinkie and wrist) while strumming the strings simultaneously. so originally i strummed with an open hand (MRP fingers were all open) but found it very difficult to even attempt this. so i tried strumming with a closed fist and it seemed easier to do the mutes, but im doing them with more of the ball of my hand under my thumb.

first off, is this a preference thing like most in the guitar world or am i forming bad habits and just need to focus more on striking with the blade of my hand?

second, strumming wise is there much of a difference between open handed and close handed strumming?

thx for any feedback!

[allthumbs]

Your right. It is a preference thing. I like damping with the ball of the thumb on the down strokes and the edge of the hand on the upstrokes. It seems natural because it follows the natural arc of the hand through the strumming strokes. Nothing is written in stone with guitar and your technique will constantly change as you progress and evolve your playing style.

[picassov7]

thx AT,

i figured it was something like that, but just wanted to be sure. what about strumming opened and closed? is it also a preference thing, b/c both seem to have their advantages.

opened: allows me to anchor on the guitar and pick single notes confidently. also very relaxed

closed: no other pesky fingers out there to catch strings, becoming more and more relaxed, seems like i can shorten up my strumming arc (maybe this is just a visual trick i am playing on myself )

[allthumbs]

Originally Posted by picassov7

thx AT,

i figured it was something like that, but just wanted to be sure. what about strumming opened and closed? is it also a preference thing, b/c both seem to have their advantages.

opened: allows me to anchor on the guitar and pick single notes confidently. also very relaxed

closed: no other pesky fingers out there to catch strings, becoming more and more relaxed, seems like i can shorten up my strumming arc (maybe this is just a visual trick i am playing on myself )

What ever feels best is right for you.

[Lcjones]

Listen to just about anything acoustic by Neil Young. Listen to the tones he makes. Young loves dropped and open tunings, such as Dropped D and Open D.

The trick is to listen to his tones. Then try to emulate a similar tone. Doesn't matter how you do it if you get the tone. I use the heel of my hand and depending on the tone I am interested in, the ball of fatty flesh between the thumb and wrist.

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