Fingerstyle, scratching sound on lower strings

[MrBJones]

I typically play with my palm muting on the bridge. In those instances when I need to pick the lower strings with my index or ring fingers, I get a scratching sound.... "reaching" for the string causes the pluck to run along the windings. I can think of a few things that might help, but what would you suggest? Thanks!

[bachoholic]

Tilt your fingers more perpendicular to the strings.

Chris

[Scallywag]

Your thumb should be handling virtually everything on the three lowest wound strings, especially if you're palm muting. Any other way seems terribly awkward.

[MrBJones]

Originally Posted by Scallywag

Your thumb should be handling virtually everything on the three lowest wound strings, especially if you're palm muting. Any other way seems terribly awkward.

Thumb covers the bass strings nearly always. But I'm working on a piece in Saslow's ragtime book, has a few instances of pinching 6 & 4 at the same time, and in the same passages has single plucks on 5; easier on the right hand to play sixth string with thumb, fifth and fourth strings with index and ring respectively.

I've found that bending my wrist at an angle, just a bit, when needed does the trick. A little extra stress but it doesn't hurt. Toughest part is remembering to do it.

[ljguitar]

Originally Posted by MrBJones

Thumb covers the bass strings nearly always. But I'm working on a piece in Saslow's ragtime book, has a few instances of pinching 6 & 4 at the same time, and in the same passages has single plucks on 5; easier on the right hand to play sixth string with thumb, fifth and fourth strings with index and ring respectively.

I've found that bending my wrist at an angle, just a bit, when needed does the trick. A little extra stress but it doesn't hurt. Toughest part is remembering to do it.

Hi MrBJ...

As a teacher there are times I just close my eyes and enjoy what people play because they have discovered ways of playing things which may not be 'pretty' but they work musically.

I have one student who looks like they are playing 'catch up' all the time and it makes me nervous to watch them. But they are spot on, and very musical sounding. Time to close the eyes...