The essential Skill of Muting the Low E String for Guitarists
One crucial yet frequently enough neglected technique that many novice guitarists overlook is the art of muting the open low E string, especially when transitioning from an open Em chord to an open D chord, or from E to D. This skill is vital for achieving a clean and harmonious sound.
When playing the D chord, allowing the open low E string to ring out can create a dissonant and cluttered sound. The low E note clashes with the notes that form the D chord (D, F#, A), leading to a muddy tone that detracts from the overall musicality, especially in the lower register.
Understanding Chord Voicings
Refer to FIGURE 1, which illustrates the transition from em to D multiple times. Notice the chord diagram for D above the tablature,where the low E and A strings are marked with an “X.” This indicates that these strings should not be played in this chord voicing.
Conversely, an open circle signifies that a string should be played open, while a filled circle indicates where to fret a string, such as at the 2nd or 3rd fret, with the corresponding finger noted below. Thus,the open D chord is primarily played on the top four strings,with the open D string serving as its root note. However, if the open A string accidentally rings out from a previous chord like Am, it can actually enhance the D chord since A is the fifth of D major, adding a warm richness to the sound.In contrast,the low E note simply disrupts the harmony when all six strings are allowed to resonate.
Techniques for Effective Muting
When you strike an open string, it will naturally continue to vibrate unless you take steps to silence it. This can be achieved through a technique known as muting or dampening.One effective method is to gently touch the low E string with the tip of your fret-hand thumb, lightly resting it against the neck at the 2nd fret while forming the D chord shape with your fingers.
Alternatively, you can use the palm of your picking hand to mute the low E string, a technique referred to as palm muting (often abbreviated as P.M. in guitar notation). While palm muting can effectively silence the string, it may disrupt the fluidity of your strumming pattern. Therefore, I recommend prioritizing the fret-hand muting technique to ensure a smooth transition from Em to D or E to D.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Another frequent mistake among beginners is unintentionally strumming the open low E string while playing an open C chord. Typically, this chord should only involve the top five strings, except in the case of the less common C/E (“C over E”) chord shown in FIGURE 2. Again,observe the “X” over the C chord frame and the “O” over the C/E frame.
To prevent the low E string from ringing out while playing an open C chord, lightly touch it with the “paw” of your fret-hand ring finger (3) as it presses down on the C root note located on the A string’s 3rd fret. This technique ensures that your chord sounds clean and allows for a more relaxed strumming style, whether you choose to play softly or with more intensity, without the worry of accidentally hitting the low E string.
