How can I make my palm mutes sound more metal?

Question

Whenever I palm mute some notes, it always sounds really soft and weak -- almost like a "blump" kind of sound. I've been wanting to get the metal and shorter palm mutes (like this). Even if I use more distortion or change the drive, it almost always stays the same. What exactly is the problem?

Answer 1

well there are a lot of things that can make your mutes sound harder, i think first off using a pick with a nice pointed tip helps, round edged tips tend to slide across or brush over the string also where you place the palm of your hand, either towards or away from the bridge makes a huge difference, the further you get from the brigde, the tighter it'll sound using a good noise gate helps to eliminate any ringing in between chugs too lastly, i think if you want to get a beefier mute, for instance instead of playing the low E on its own, play an E power chord and it'll sound fuller

i hope this helps!

Answer 2

In addition to Raymond's comments, you could try:

• Use thicker strings or drop your tuning - this will give a chunkier sound
• Lower the action or raise your pickups to increase signal levels
• Some pickups - eg Dimebuckers - give an excellent frequency response which works well for this kind of thing
• Sometimes a mid pickup selector position can help, combined with more treble on the amp
• Using really hard muting or combining left and right hand muting can beef up the sound

Answer 3

Well, I think you should play the chords with more strength.

The secret of palm mutting its the way and strenght that you play with your right hand.

Try that.