5th string power chord - muting 6th

Hello,

I've been through Lisa Fundamental's training (well, most of it) and now have moved into Anders beginner blues. Both teach the technique of muting the 6th string on the 5th string power chords with the index finger (pad of finger depressing 5th string while muting 6th). In addition, the index finger kind of lays over to also mute strings 1-3.

The question: up until this point (5 weeks into guitar), the technique i've been using to mute the 6th string (for example, with A Major) is by wrapping my thumb over the top. It feels more natural to do this vs the index finger muting technique being taught for power chords. Will using thumb muting slow down my future playing of power chords, or is this an acceptable alternative to using index muting? I would like to learn the "best" way so I don't have to undo bad habits in the future, even if it feels slower now. At the same time, if one is good as the other, I would just stick with the thumb.

Thanks! Great structured lessons thus far. Really enjoying both instructors.

Hi nblotske,

This is a very good question. I think using your thumb to mute the low E string is fine, as long as you're still able to hold the chord and have it ring true. So for an A major open chord, I think using the thumb is fine for muting the 6th string.

I don't believe using your thumb to mute the 6th string will slow your progress, but you just have to remember to adjust your grip according to which chord you're playing.

If you play a power chord with a root on the 5th string, you may find it pretty tough to wrap your thumb around to mute the 6th. When playing these chords, I recommend muting the 6th string with the tip of your index finger. Anders has a great lesson on 5th string root note power chords here: https://www.guitartricks.com/lesson.php?input=19399&s_id=1503

Hope that helps!