Muting

Stopping strings (muting) is a technique that allows you to make some notes / chord should sound fine without excessive vibration.

This effect is achieved by pianists, generally using the expression pedal - and new guitarists, you must realize it by hand.Palm Muting

The most common method is to stop the strings with the palm (palm muting) and is very useful for rhythm guitar parts. Put your right palm perpendicular to the strings near the bridge / gag. The sound produced will be smaller, less expansive and will integrate well into the mix. Some guitarists played with palm muting notes describe as percusive and deeper sound. If you want an example of successful intro made ​​with palm muting, listen carefully "Every Breath You Take" the band The Police.

Your palm should be as close to the bridge, it is true (some even put it over), but you can experiment with different positions to see what sounds you like and get more. Also, try and different levels of pressure on the ropes. But the secret is to apply pressure on all strings to vibrate freely to prevent them (and that's the goal, right?).
Suggestions:

• if you have electric guitar, practice this technique with distortion switched on, the sound will increase and you'll know soon if you approach the desired result
• carefully listen to your favorite tracks and try to figure out the palm muting technique is used, how other guitarists seeks alternate string off / leave them free to call

Warning! If you're starting out with this technique will not be easy. Do not get discouraged, although it can be frustrating at first - with perseverance, you will enter the reflex to effectively stop the strings! Start with power chords, then move to complete agreements.

Problems? If your strings buzz, you do not apply enough pressure. Sounds too open? It means that one or more stop uniform strings. Change hand position, use your fingertips or avoid, and yet to include in agreements strings-problem, repeat until you less. 

Fret Hand Muting

If you want to ETUF sound of a certain string, you should use your left hand fingers. This technique is called fret hand muting and involves stopping the string with a finger tip or the side. The idea is to stop the strings that you will not use a particular agreement.

For example, you do not need C major sixth chord, so you can put 3 fingertips so lightly to the sixth string, silenced her.
Suggestions:

• not to apply too much pressure, just enough to prevent the string to vibrate. With time you get to "feel" exactly how to push to get the desired result.

Warning! You'll notice that when the strings are stopped it will be harder to play up. It is natural, as opposed to being kept fixed them more strength. You can compensate for taking up more relaxed and trying not to push too hard on the strings off.

If you have questions about stopping the strings, they are welcome in the comments. Success & growth to repeat!