I've always had this problem that i can't solo in a clean way
cause i mess up with the strings from time to time; for example
when i need to change my fingers to another position, when i move
these the strings itself sound.

My question is, is this because i switch 'em to quick? because i do this
in a more aggresive way?

How can i improve this?

Example:
I still can't make the first solo of "Metallica", "Fade to Black" to sound
good without an open string on the background

Hi, this is a common problem.. you're not alone !

It's a combination of muting unused strings with your right hand and just gaining more dexterity and confidence with your fretting hand.

If you watch any guitarist, they've usually got their picking hand in a position so that when they're playing any of the top 3 strings: G, B & E, their hand is covering the bottom 3 strings because they're unused.

Muting the top 3 strings is ore complicated because we have to balance out the fact that we want to be able to play them yet we also don't want them ringing out too much. We don't realise it but our hand is always making subtle changes all the time.. when you strike the B string, your hand might unconsciously rise off that string slightly so it can ring out, nice and clean. When you hit the top E, the G & B will be slightly covered again.

It does take practise, just like any technique.

With the fretting hand, the fingers can often hit unwanted strings. A lot of the time, it's the underside of the finger itself. When you pull off of a note, the underside of your finger might catch the string above it. (For example, if you were pulling off the G, it might catch the B.)

Another thing that happens during pull-offs, is that the finger tip might even strike the string below it. So if you're pulling off the G the finger tip might strike the D.

There's loads of these annoying silly things that happen but they're only cured by experience. Just more and more playing and these things gradually dissolve !

Ben's done a great job here again. I'd like to throw in this video too from Andy James on the subject.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JFhsfENYRA

Yes it was quite a concern for me too when playing on a loud distortion for the first time..
Oh no...Another thing i have to deal with...but i worked on it and there's always a muting solution and in the end
you'll be playing much more accurate when you start working on it...
Now it's pretty second nature and always in your backmind...


Even letting go of a string can cause noise,so you can take a mini rolling motion to let go..

This post has been edited by Bossie: Dec 15 2012, 12:02 PM

This is all because of muting. I find its a process we get comfortable with very naturally, as we practice. But - we do need to be aware of it in the first place and pay attention. We want to avoid any unnecessary noises being heard while we play and its achieved with various techniques using both hands. At one point it will come natural and you will do it automatically without even thinking about it.

Here are some useful GMC lessons on this topic : https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/search/mu...esson=2;forum=1

The best way to improve this and anything else is through dedicated practice. I know it sounds simple, but everyone goes through this same thing when they are first learning to play. Practice making the switch between positions/placement in a very slow and deliberate manner. Also, focus on your muting. Your right hand should be able to mute strings you are not hitting, and your left hand/fingers should be able to help mute strings as well.

Sooooooo

1.)Practice slowly/deliberately changing positions/shapes.
2.)Focus on muting with right and left hand.

make some videos so we can see how your doing!

Todd

Absolutely! - and n order to be aware of it, you need to turn up your amp a bit so you can hear it! Paul Gilbert once said, when you're amp is turned way up, it's often difficult to "tame the beast" because every time you touch a string, it let's you know about it right away, and often wants to get away from you

We adapt to what we are aware of - you should practice at higher volumes so you're aware of what your instrument sounds like at those volumes, and that includes the increased string chatter. You won't like the chatter, but your natural inclination will be to solve the problem by adjusting your hands and fingers while playing to eliminate it, and as we all know, practice makes perfect.

When you turn down again, your hands will have solved much of the problem. Give it time and practice!