Although there’s no substitute for hands-on guitar practice, students of the instrument can also benefit from listening to professional musicians. Close your eyes and try to visualize exactly what a guitarist is doing at any given moment during the song. In some cases, it’s difficult to believe that a guitar effect is the result of time-tested technique and not some studio wizardry or electronic trickery.
Such is the case with the palm mute, a subtle yet essential skill for any child trying to master kids guitars. The palm mute is all about finesse, as the picking hand should be used to muffle the strings while also playing a particular chord. The heel of the hand should rest lightly on every applicable string while the thumb and forefinger are used to pick as normal. Practice this technique carefully before bringing it out in a live performance setting.