Palm-muting is an interesting bass technique that forces you to play and think in a slightly different way. This is fantastic for expanding your creativity.
It adds warmth, rhythm, and clarity to your bass playing and can transform a simple line into a groovy foundation.
In this lesson, I break down a full technique using thumb, index, and middle fingers to help you achieve control across styles and dynamics.
Scroll down for the TAB/notation of the exercises and bass lines I demo in the lesson below.
Bass Palm Muting Exercises and Lines (TAB/Notation)
Technique Overview
Rest the fleshy part of your palm near the bridge (between the bridge and pickup), and gently mute the strings. Experiment with pressure and placement.
Pluck using your thumb, index, or middle finger - or combinations of them. Use the PDF above to go through each permutation.
What It Helps You Achieve:
- Tighter grooves with reduced overtones
- Warm, double-bass-inspired tone, popular in R&B and jazz
- Percussive “chug” sound when playing faster riffs—especially useful in rock and metal
For more bass technique lessons, browse the following lessons:
Great lesson Dan, can you do a video on muting when using a pick as well please
I do have a lesson coming that covers that.