So just picking up the bass again after some years (think around 20) anyway, I know I already have this issue: When I fret the next note it will ring out like a hammer on before I get the chance to pluck. Mostly happens on the same string moving up the neck.
Any muting or technique suggestions to avoid this? I’m sure one thing is I’m fretting the next note too hard but is there a more correct technique around this? For instance: lift string off fret to mute with fretting hand, fret next and pluck? or mute with plucking finger, fret next while muted and pluck?
The other thing is that most of us fret with way too much pressure, and maybe that’s why you’re getting a hammer on effect. Play around with your finger pressure on the frets and see when it starts to buzz. Just short of that is how you should be fretting. I keep catching myself fretting way too hard (feel it in my thumb) and then try to ease off again. Slowly improving. It should also help speed and stamina as you’ll almost certainly be using much less muscle.
I’m sure I could give you some good tips, but they won’t be good tips unless I can see and hear what’s going on.
So - first thought - if you’re hearing it and bothered by it, you’ll most likely fix it because that’s what we do when we’re aware of the problem. Kudos to you for having your eyes and ears on it - it means you’re on your way to fixing it.
Second - if you can take a quick video that shows both your hands playing and captures the sounds you don’t like, I could offer some very specific teacherly tips to try and fix things.
Welcome back to bass! For the ringing notes, try lifting the string off the fret to mute with your fretting hand before fretting the next note and plucking. Alternatively, mute with your plucking finger, fret the note, then pluck. Practicing these should help. Good luck!
