The Current

Great Music Lives Here ®
Listener-Supported Music
Donate Now
Coffee Break

9:30 Coffee Break: Muted Strings

February 03, 2015

Coffee Break_Old
What songs do you want to hear for today's coffee break?
MPR Graphic / Tracy Kompelien

Electric guitarists have a lot of effects and techniques at their disposal. From distortion to wah-wah, hammer-ons to feedback, an electric guitar can become mini-orchestra in the hands of a capable player.

But what about when a player wants to turn his or her instrument into a percussion instrument — making sounds that, for the most part, don't contain "notes" but just percussive "chunks"? Largely, it's an effect that's achieved through the use of muted strings. Thanks to listener Michael for today's topic.

What songs would you like to hear that feature the muted strings of an electric guitar, used more percussively or rhythmically, for today's 9:30 Coffee Break?

Songs Played

"Sick of Myself" - Matthew Sweet

"Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" - Jimi Hendrix

"Modern Love" - David Bowie

"Creep" - Radiohead

"Back in Black" - AC/DC