Pop in E — muted strums

Level 2 pop

The E-A-B cadence (I-IV-V in E major) strummed with the side of the picking-hand palm resting on the strings right in front of the bridge: the sound turns short and percussive instead of ringing. The key point: muting isn't all-or-nothing, it's a slider. Too much pressure and all that's left is a pitchless "chk"; too little and the chord rings normally. The right zone lets the chord be guessed while cutting it short. And because these are open chords, not power chords, there are up to six strings to control under the palm, including open strings that ring at the slightest brush.

Tips

Find the minimum pressure that kills the ring without erasing the chord's pitch entirely.
Rest the palm right against the bridge: a few millimetres toward the neck and the muting turns dull and blurry.
Alternate one muted bar, one open bar, on the same chord, to hear exactly what the palm removes.

Understanding this type of exercise

E-A-B with muted strums

The cadence played with the palm resting near the bridge: short, percussive sound. Palm pressure controls the length; keep it resting continuously. A verse sound to contrast with an open chorus.

Palm mute → · Rhythm sheets