Open-string arpeggios?

Okay, so I've been playing electric for two years, but I'm learning classical style on acoustic for college. The book I'm using has a crapload of arpeggios at the beginning with absolutely no explanation on muting the open strings. Do I use my left hand or the finger that plucked the string or what? Help would be MUCH appreciated.

Why do you want to mute the arpeggio? When I play, I just pluck the strings. They don't ring out as much as an electric guitar and don't cause as much noise interference. Letting them ring out has a more desirable sound too.

The music doesn't say to let those notes ring. It's always specifically notated if the note's is just supposed to ring.

Hm, well I don't ever remember learning or hearing about muting arpeggios on a classical guitar. Maybe some other people have more insight though. While you're waiting check out some of these YouTube videos. These guys aren't muting their arpeggios.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2bwYihkj0Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrGYe4VtWTI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HT202WDYzxw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHa6V2PSFPI

I notice for a lot of classical music, it isn't always specifically stated that you need to let notes ring out. It isn't like electric guitar. It is kind of implied and expected for the notes to just ring since they decay naturally on their own, or you end up hitting the note again in about 3 seconds anyways in an arpeggio.

well, makes sense. I'll just go without muting until I get a chance to ask an instructor nearby. But thanks. That makes things a hella lot easier too lol

Let us know if the instructor says anything different.

Originally Posted by: HoboBassistwell, makes sense. I'll just go without muting until I get a chance to ask an instructor nearby. But thanks. That makes things a hella lot easier too lol

are you talking about simply muting the strings so they are not heard? In classical, I don't believe you would ever "palm mute" much of anything.

Please clarify.

Originally Posted by: HoboBassistThe book I'm using has a crapload of arpeggios at the beginning with absolutely no explanation on muting the open strings.

What is the book?

In classical style there are two basic types of strokes (ways of striking the strings): rest stroke and free stroke. I explain them here:

http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=324

In general, Hunter gave you great advice, just let them ring. In many classical exercises and etudes (Villa-Lobos for example) the notes of arpeggios are understood to ring until you must play another note on the string or you must move your finger or hand from the string. If a rest stroke is required it should be indicated.

Best of success with it!