Uploaded November 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
While sustain and bright-sounding tone is sometimes exactly what you need for a bass part, there are times when punchy, fat, shorter notes are what’s called for. Motown-style lines, for example, often need that rounded, muted tone.
One way of achieving that is by using foam wedged underneath the strings at the bridge to reduce sustain. But what if you want to change between long, singing lines and a muted tone in the same song? In this video lesson, Elixir Strings artist Vernon Prout demonstrates a palm-muting technique to allow just that, using the side of your picking hand to mute the strings. By using both thumb and fingers for different parts you can accentuate a fat, powerful sound or play octaves or wider intervals too – it’s a really useful technique for vintage-type grooves, so have fun experimenting with it!
Explaining why he’s such a fan of Elixir Strings, Vernon says, “Time and time again these great-sounding strings have proved nothing else can withstand a working musician’s schedule like Elixir®. The life and longevity of the strings ensures I have a rich, consistent tone like they’re fresh out the pack no matter what stage or studio I’m on.”
Check out our products: elixirstrings.com/products
Keep Current. Subscribe Now: https://www.youtube.com/user/ElixirSt...
Find out more about Elixir Strings long lasting tone: bit.ly/36hbh6J
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/elixir_strings
Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/elixirstrings
Follow Vernon at instagram.com/vernonprout
While sustain and bright-sounding tone is sometimes exactly what you need for a bass part, there are times when punchy, fat, shorter notes are what’s called for. Motown-style lines, for example, often need that rounded, muted tone.
One way of achieving that is by using foam wedged underneath the strings at the bridge to reduce sustain. But what if you want to change between long, singing lines and a muted tone in the same song? In this video lesson, Elixir Strings artist Vernon Prout demonstrates a palm-muting technique to allow just that, using the side of your picking hand to mute the strings. By using both thumb and fingers for different parts you can accentuate a fat, powerful sound or play octaves or wider intervals too – it’s a really useful technique for vintage-type grooves, so have fun experimenting with it!
Explaining why he’s such a fan of Elixir Strings, Vernon says, “Time and time again these great-sounding strings have proved nothing else can withstand a working musician’s schedule like Elixir®. The life and longevity of the strings ensures I have a rich, consistent tone like they’re fresh out the pack no matter what stage or studio I’m on.”
Check out our products: elixirstrings.com/products
Keep Current. Subscribe Now: https://www.youtube.com/user/ElixirSt...
Find out more about Elixir Strings long lasting tone: bit.ly/36hbh6J
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/elixir_strings
Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/elixirstrings
Follow Vernon at instagram.com/vernonprout
