How to Palm Mute on Guitar
Palm muting shortens the vibration of the strings with the picking-hand palm. It creates controlled, percussive rhythm without completely killing the pitch.
Build the movement correctly
- 1
Rest the edge of the palm lightly where the strings meet the bridge.
- 2
Pick one low string and move the hand a few millimetres until the note becomes tight but still pitched.
- 3
Keep the wrist relaxed and use small alternate-picking movements.
- 4
Compare muted and open notes at the same volume.
Practice exercise
Play eight muted low-E eighth notes, then four open E5 hits. Repeat while keeping the tempo and pick depth identical.
Rule: increase the tempo only when the movement stays relaxed and every repetition sounds the same.
Common mistake
Placing the palm too far toward the neck produces a dead click. Move back toward the bridge before adding more pressure.