The original statement in French is: "Arrester le pouce sur toutes les cordes qui se trouvent dessous pour eviter les mauvais sons." If correct, this is an example of instructing us to dampen basses. Yes, in order to avoid bad sounds. It is clear that also gut basses, though ringing probably shorter than overspun basses, can create a not desired bell like sound mix in upward diatonic movements. (The other direction having a natural damping by thumb apoyando. ) The ear of the player has to determine whether he he can give enough "direction" to the bass movement to make it sound ok or whether he'll have to dampen some notes to prevent a non-harmonic sound mixture. Technically, many players master this method perfectly. It is also a fine mental training: playing on and giving some attention to a small "retro" dampening thumb movement, while the time line unreels. In fact, I promised myself to practice this little ZEN exercise already for the last 5 years, - but that's another story :-)) best regards B --
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