Basically, I want to know how to keeps open strings from ringing when playing ascending lines that switch from one string to another (descending lines don't really pose a problem because I can use the insides of my fingers to mute higher strings). For example, if I play something like G-A-Bb-C-Db-D-Eb-D in 5th position, the 4th string will ring when I switch strings. Is it just a matter of practicing every line keeping muting in mind, or is there some more general technique I can apply?
Practice, practice, practice, and then guess what? More practice.
After you play a note, you can use your finger to play the next note and mute the one before it, that might help.
Guitars: Electric: Jackson DX10D, J. Reynolds Fat Strat copy
Acoustic: New York and a Jasmine.
Amps: Austin 15 watt, Fender Deluxe 112, Fender Champion 600 5w, 0ld 1970's Sears 500g.
Effects: Digitech Whammy, Big Muff Pi USA, MXR, Washburn Distortion.
Practicing veeeery slowly will help get you the hang of this, because you can see more clearly exactly when the other strings are liable to ring accidentally and you can move your fingers of your left or your right hand to compensate.
Sometimes I move the fingers I'm fretting with so they mute the nearby strings, or I use fingers I'm not fretting with to touch them lightly. In other cases I use my right hand, 3rd finger that's not holding the pick to mute a string that's open.
