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Learn String Damping

Posted by: Learn Guitar on August 28, 2008 Under: Learn Guitar Strumming |

Anybody learning guitar is going to have to get their head and hands around Damping eventually, even those that have their sights firmly fixed on becoming an outstanding lead player and soloist will find themselves beginning to start damping naturally eventually, due to the fact it makes the guitar an incredibly diverse instrument in the process.

By playing dampened strings, we are able to create a driving rhythm, almost percussive in the way it sounds, combine damping with some pinch harmonics for some real attitude. There are two main ways to dampen a string that people who want to learn to play blues guitar are going to need to master.

Right Hand Damping

Most often the heal of the hand will be used to dampen with the right hand, although some people find it more comfortable to use the edge of their hand. Right hand Damping produces the most percussive, staccato form of sound, great for those down and dirty shuffle rhythms, and for blues rock inspired rhythms. Right hand damping also works extremely well for acoustic players, as the resonance in the hollow body allows the note to sound out fully, although with a dampened tone.