Palmmuting

Palm muting is a guitar technique in which the side of the picking hand rests lightly on the strings near the bridge to dampen their vibrations. The result is a muted, percussive tone that emphasizes rhythm over sustain.

Technique: Position the edge of the palm close to the bridge, typically just in front of the bridge saddles, with a relaxed wrist. Apply light to moderate pressure so the strings are damped but still audible. Pluck with a pick or fingers while maintaining a steady touch. Moving the hand closer to the bridge produces a darker, shorter decay; moving it away allows more sustain and brightness. The technique is common on electric guitars and can also be used on acoustic instruments, especially when amplified or aiming for a percussive effect.

Use and sound: Palm muting creates a tight, controlled rhythmic feel that suits riffs and grooves. It is a staple in many rock, metal, and blues styles and is often paired with distortion or overdrive to produce a chugging effect. Tone and dynamics can be varied by adjusting pressure, distance from the bridge, picking strength, and the duration of the muting.

Notation and variation: In notation and tablature, palm muting is often indicated by PM or a bracketed “palm mute” marking. Variations include full muting (strong dampening) and partial muting (lighter dampening), as well as rhythmic muting that creates staccato accents.

History: Palm muting has long been used in electric guitar playing and became especially prominent in heavy rock and metal genres from the late 20th century onward, though its basic technique appears in earlier styles as well. It remains a foundational tool for shaping tone and rhythm.

See also: guitar technique; palm mute.