What Are Gruv Gear Fretwraps for?

Are fretwraps only a great larning tool? In my video I show you 3 benefits of using a Gruv Gear Fretwrap and why guitarists use them.
The most important reason for using a fretwrap in my opinion is for muting the unwanted overtones while practicing unplugged. When I learned playing alternate picking I used it for 900 hours and then I added palm muting to my technique. It was great because the fretwrap allowed me to concentrate on the movement of the right hand step by step. Gruv Gear fretwraps are expensive but I like them. It would be great if Gruv Gear will release more different colours :)
Alternate picking gamification system:
www.austrianpickingpower.de
#austrianpickingpower #gruvgear

[@streetwiseguitar5113]

I have played for over 30 years professionally… And I think I'm actually going to get one.

[@austrianpickingpower]

Wow that´s very interresting! It´s really awesome that you build your technique even after 30 years! Respect"""

[@streetwiseguitar5113]

@@austrianpickingpower I totally revamped my entire technique 3 1/2 years ago maybe even four. If you go to my channel you get an idea… Keep up the good work!

[@evonai]

@@streetwiseguitar5113 a year later, do you still often use it, or at least, has it served its purpose on playing “cleaner”? Thank you

[@robertappleby4891]

40 yrs,just got 1 to try...The late Herb Ellis who played guitar for Ella Fitzgerald had something akin to this mounted on his ES-175 (I think Herbs might've been a 165) thought wtf?....that was in 90's...kinda like it for dampening 🤷‍♂️

[@Metaldad87]

Most people I know do it for recording mostly so that way the strings don't ring out above the nut

[@austrianpickingpower]

That´s right and I think the Nr. 1 reason to use a fretwrap Thanks for the comment!

[@thinkingjack]

Well this clears up a lot for me. Thank you

[@austrianpickingpower]

great that it helped :) Keep on shredding!

[@matt_neil_music]

Man Great to the point. Perfect info.

[@austrianpickingpower]

Thank you, great that it helped!

[@johanngregory3499]

I am a novice with fret wraps, thus the reason I checked out your video. I am part Austrian my grandmother was Swiss & Austrian. I just wanted to point out in English a guitar “Saddle” is on the body of the guitar with grooves where the strings lay near the sound hole or pickups are located. The “Nut” is where the fretboard and headstock come together “The Zero Fret.” Thanks for the insight. Cheers 🍻 🔥 🎸🔥🎶🎶🎶…

[@austrianpickingpower]

Awesome! Thank you for telling me that...nobody did before :)

[@RelentlessOhiox]

Fret wraps for learning and maybe some studio work for hard leads and cleans. But once you've got it down, no need to rely on them. Great video man.

[@austrianpickingpower]

you´re right...it´s like making the first steps easier and reducing the challenges a bit and in the end you focus on cleaning up without a fretwrap. I would say it´s a perfect learning tool

[@etwo2352]

Just bought one. It helps learning solos!

[@austrianpickingpower]

Awesome, great that it helps! Which solos do you learn?

[@guillermocanalesdeleon159]

Excelent video 🎸🎸🎸🤘🤘

[@austrianpickingpower]

thank you :)

[@sairamr6886]

I'm a little low on funds, so I downtune my strat by half a step and clamp my capo on the first fret instead of a fretwrap. Gotta get one of these things.

[@austrianpickingpower]

I think that a capo is not the best choice since it presses the strings against the fretboard. If you don´t like to invest into expensive fretwraps you can also use a hairband or a bandana

[@swissarmyknight4306]

I put them above the nut on one of my basses to stop the headstock ringing. If I ever had an issue, they could be put behind the bridge on a stop tailpiece, to stop ringing back there. I suppose I might put them on the fretboard if I was recording something and going for a really clean pass, but its never come up.

[@austrianpickingpower]

great that you´re using it! Keep on rockin!

[@Mollohandro]

I think that they look cool. Similar to a headband for the guitar. I have seen videos with bass players using them while they slap-a da bass.

[@austrianpickingpower]

A bandana for guitars :) lovely! When I see guitarists with a fretwrap I immediately know, that they care about their technique.

[@lvlikeyV]

My understanding is they're used for recording to get as clean of a sound as possible. Never thought about using them for practice, that's actually an interesting idea.

[@austrianpickingpower]

Great that you got a 2nd perspective! For me it´s mainly the training aspect

[@KiLLJOY1056]

I use mind behind the nut to erase all the extra noise caused by the strings behind the nut. Everytime i would chug and then mute, you could hear that section ring out. It was pretty loud too. Fretwraps fixed that right up!

[@austrianpickingpower]

awesome, that´s a great reason for using fretwraps keep on shredding!

[@KiLLJOY1056]

​@@austrianpickingpower Not to mention guitar picks fit perfectly in between the slit! Perfect pick spot

[@BorisBidjanSaberi11]

I was told to not use a fret wrap until I figured out my right hand muting technique better, I think I’m happy for it but I will be buying one soon

[@austrianpickingpower]

The fretwrap takes away the muting problem while learning the picking movement. It helps to focus on the clack of the string and to have as less challenges as possible to increase speed and accuracy. Later on when you reached your speed goals you shout put it away and clean out your technique with palm muting the strings. I still use the fretwrap for unplugged tv-practice

[@joshs.5384]

This is correct. You should absolutely NOT use a tool like this while you are learning picking technique. Why would you want to learn picking, then have to entirely change your picking technique later, when you take the fretwrap off? Why not just learn the right way to begin with? You just have to lay your picking hand on the strings below the one you're playing - that's it. It's tricky to get it down 100% of the time, but that's what you have to learn to do.

[@joeking433]

Don't be a snob, it's dumb. The best players have been using them in the studio for decades.

[@echofalls6400]

I have a esp 6 string and Jackson is 22 7 string .....will the medium size work for both

[@austrianpickingpower]

Since I have no 7 string I am not sure...but I think it is better to buy the right sices for each one!

[@haniespanieldollis]

1:59 Yeah, I definitely need to get myself one of these, I'm pretty good at playing but damn I can't mute all the unwanted string noise. Thanks for the demo mate! 😊🤘🤘

[@austrianpickingpower]

great that it helps! It´s a game changer for workouts and in the end you can focus on cleaning the licks out without the wrap

[@haniespanieldollis]

@austrianpickingpower I've got one on its way to me so am excited to record cleaner solos etc.

[@BadEconomyOfficial]

Honestly, fret wraps are best used for home recording too.

[@austrianpickingpower]

yes of course, it´s not a crime to use fretwraps since the fingers have to do the same job!

[@joeking433]

They've been used for decades in the studio for lead solos.

[@XxHarounXx]

Loved the prs joke

[@austrianpickingpower]

Glad you like it! :)

[@PNWGuitar]

I got one but it doesn't "unwrap" to put it on, there like an elsric band holding it closed even when the adjustable strap iss loosened?

[@austrianpickingpower]

Did you buy the original?

[@PNWGuitar]

@@austrianpickingpower yep lol

[@yonatanc25]

how about tapping? I is suppose to help clean those up. I find it hard to sound clean on a 7 string guitar as the neck is wider while tapping especially.

[@austrianpickingpower]

Well, it will help you to dempen the unplayed strings and to avoid the tapped overnotes but on a long term you should be able to tap without the fretwrap. Use it to get the riffs under your fingers and to concentrate on the movement but later on you should palm mute the other notes with your picking hand

[@a-mb9373]

I see they come in various sizes…how do i know what size to get for my electric guitar..small or medium?

[@austrianpickingpower]

For normal 6 string guitars you can take the S-size

[@trentonthomas9364]

I believe that fret wraps are not meant to be relied on. I think technique first, then comes a fret wrap to eliminate the rest.

[@austrianpickingpower]

Great opinion! There is something true about it!

[@joeking433]

No, screw that! It's just stupid not to use one. Quit being such a snob.

[@AndrewBamfordOWP]

Awesome video. Some really great points here Martin. I have never tried a fretwrap and use other muting techniques to dampen unwanted sound. I guess you cannot play open strings with it right? I reckon there will be some people out there that rely on this tool as a single way to mute strings. What do you think?

[@austrianpickingpower]

It can be a helpful tool to concentrate on the notes first but as you said it is not possible to let ring open strings. I always learn the raw technique with a fretwrap first and focus on muting and cleaning out when I got the basics right

[@edgyswordsmanmanga4051]

@@austrianpickingpower so it’s not possible to slide a fretwrap behind the nut, to get rid of the extra harmonics while keeping open notes?

[@lillian4883]

@@edgyswordsmanmanga4051you can use a scarf for that or any cloth

[@edgyswordsmanmanga4051]

@@lillian4883 yeah, i figured that out, i used to use hair ties, but now i use electrical tape

[@DonatoCaporale]

Fretwrap it's Great! 😎👍🏻

[@austrianpickingpower]

You´re right! Keep on shredding!

[@enescelik7722]

Hello, I have the same guitar as yours. Do you use small or medium size fretwrap?

[@austrianpickingpower]

I use the small ones! Congrats - great guitar :)

[@enescelik7722]

@@austrianpickingpower Haha you too, thanks ;)

[@iforgor9537]

@@enescelik7722 what's the guitar?

[@enescelik7722]

@@iforgor9537 IBANEZ GRG121DX-WNF

[@wildeye___]

What size fret wrap for a regular 6 string electric guitar?

[@austrianpickingpower]

The size "HD" would fit best!

[@mes252]

Danke

[@austrianpickingpower]

Bitte :)

[@nckncknck7408]

i tend not to use the fretwrap so not to develope a lazy/sloppy palm mute... Most of time i just wrap it on my headstock to kill the overtone

[@austrianpickingpower]

That´s fine! A good palmmuting technique is neccessary and the overtones can sound annoying Keep on shredding!

[@nckncknck7408]

@@austrianpickingpower Tbh its ALOT easier using fretwrap 😂

[@austrianpickingpower]

@@nckncknck7408 yap defenitely

[@huntermcgahan930]

I’m going to mainly buy one for above the nut haha

[@austrianpickingpower]

Awesome! It works very good :)

[@joeking433]

I don't see the point of that. That noise is the least of my worries!

[@vezokhokhesoh654]

I am the fastest shredder in world and in aliens planets but I still need it for arpeggios 😂

[@austrianpickingpower]

that´s still fine! Would love to hear the fastest riff in the world!

[@Jmilillo]

The sustain on the strings is what bothers me. I can’t do natural harmonics or open chords or intervals with it on the fretboard

[@austrianpickingpower]

exactly, that´s the reason why it is a training tool for me. I use it mainly for unplugged scale training

[@ethanmahlstedt6057]

Hahahaha, you got me with the #3 joke

[@austrianpickingpower]

glad you liked it!

[@barryarsenault9796]

But what happens when you have a clip on headstock tuner and you have the fret wrap over the nut ??? 😊

[@austrianpickingpower]

That´s a very good question. I don´t use cliptuners - I prefer pedals but if you test it, tell me if it works

[@sagittated]

I just tested with my new fretwrap. Tuned without it on, using just open strings instead of harmonics. Then put the wrap on the first fret, and all my notes were flat. I think you need to retune with it on to compensate for the pressure on the strings. Edit to add: this was with a Boss Tu-5 clip tuner on the headstock of a bass.

[@austrianpickingpower]

@@sagittated good to know! thank you

[@joeking433]

@@sagittated Well, it's for solos and tapping. So you take it off when you're playing open strings.

[@zuhairtalalmohamed503]

Nicd

[@austrianpickingpower]

thanks

[@prasad.k_b]

Which strings you have used

[@austrianpickingpower]

I used Ernie Ball Super Slinky´s 0.9mm on every guitar

[@Victorl3363]

I use to play guitar without strings well no need fretwraps ;)

[@austrianpickingpower]

thats right ;)

[@uglymonkeychopshop6780]

I just bought one like literally just now. I’m doing cigarettes and then I’m going to go try it. I was told that you shouldn’t practice with it though

[@austrianpickingpower]

practicing with fretwraps is not a crime or cheating! It helps you to focus on the technique first

[@joeking433]

Don't listen to the snobs. They've been using them in the studio for decades.

[@blacknightgaming6080]

how the hell do i play the first fret then?

[@austrianpickingpower]

what an amazing question :) Honestly I begin my workouts at the 3rd fret and put the scales from the 1st fret up to the 13th

[@GreggFellows]

got one wrapped around your head as well.....

[@austrianpickingpower]

In this case you are perfectly perpared for noiseless thoughts! :) Keep on shredding!

[@utkarshpathak159]

yoo, I have the same guitar

[@austrianpickingpower]

awesome! keep on shredding

[@Sanjusings]

Learn without a fret wrap🤘

[@austrianpickingpower]

that´s fine as well :)

[@AoD4Hire]

Is this why people use bandannas?

[@austrianpickingpower]

yesssss

[@costaspap.861]

People use bandanas for reducing the hair noise, of course...

[@jjellen5804]

What color fret wrap is that?

[@austrianpickingpower]

green

[@joeking433]

I always wondered how guitarists could play lead solos on records with a lot of gain and not get all kind of extraneous noise from other strings. Using a string dampener makes it easy! I don't understand those that put them behind the nut. That's just fuckin stupid. They're missing the whole point.

[@austrianpickingpower]

The dempener behind the nut will reduce noisy overtones but to be honest you can´t hear them too good. Anyway sometimes its easier to stripe it behind the nut instead of putting it off. Kind of lazy thing I guess...

[@user-vo1nz5ho5p]

It's important to have a good technique. Buuuuut it's also important to accept that there's not such thing as a person with the perfect cleaning technique so this my help with that. come on even the great Guthrie govan uses a fretwrap

[@austrianpickingpower]

yesssss that´s 100% true...we always believe that playing 100% clean is minimum requirement but it´s not :)

[@Deadnature]

I didn't know Alex Honnold played guitar!

[@austrianpickingpower]

he´s climbing up and down the frets :P

[@josh5397]

I lol'd super hard reading this comment.

[@chrishawkins2267]

So why do I see so many people just playing with it over the nut of the guitar? Especially metal players

[@austrianpickingpower]

It dempens the strings from saddle to mechanics. Bernth describes it very good in his video. He thought he needs it but actually he doesn´t. kzbin.info/www/bejne/maWUhY2VoLSdh6s It´s not a forbidden thing...more a support. I use it for unplugged training to not hear the natural hammer ons.

[@pathfinder_official1526]

the thumbnail made me cringe LOL, there is actually a video on youtube advising against it, I dont know what is wrong with peoples heads, man... Its called adjusting when needed XD

[@austrianpickingpower]

thats right

[@kingofarrything768]

Performance wise I see no need for this It takes away the authenticity of the sound I don’t play guitar or bass or any instrument But I wouldn’t do use it I literally came here b/a I saw this bs on seat water and I was curious on what it was. This is like knee pads for kids who don’t know how to ride a bike.

[@austrianpickingpower]

I agree that it looks like a senseless tool for people who dont care about their technique. Like I said in the video, it is just an awesome tool for practiceing technique because it dempens unfretted strings.

[@Kc-kr6qs]

"I don't play but here's my uneducated opinion" The main purpose for these is recording and not getting little buzzes and overtones from past the nut...what he's using it for is another option alot of people use it for so they can do things like two handed tapping where muting the strings isn't possible without a third hand.

[@joeking433]

Learn to play guitar, kid!

[@endtyme1345]

I HATE THE MUTE WRAP! LOL! Bought one...only use it twice. I want to hear my open chords...I want to hear some imperfections here & there.. Please everyone: LEARN TO PALM MUTE!! DON´T BE SO FVKN LAZY!

[@austrianpickingpower]

Maybe you didn´t understand the meaning of the video :) Fretwraps are not for lazy people...but yes you are right open chords don´t sound good with it.

[@endtyme1345]

@@austrianpickingpower Sorry if my comment sounded kinda offensive. Wasn't my intention. The "lazy" part was sarcasm...In fact I have one of those devices LMAO! What I really feel with this kind of accessories is that some of them are unnecessary. With practice and practice...and MORE practice everyone will realize that they don't need most of them. Look if Malmsteen, Warren DeMartini, Brian May and even contemporaries like Plini use the "mute wrap" but...u know..like I said..to each his own. 😉 Thnx for replying. It's aways interesting to start debates with the creator's contents himself..so thanx and keep going with your great channel! 😊🤟🏻💯

[@austrianpickingpower]

@@endtyme1345 Thank you for the friendly words...didn´t expect that :) Yes, true words...Michael Angelo Batio dont even cares about palm muting :P We can learn a lot of the big ones!

[@joeking433]

Be like the good players who use them in the. studio all the time!

[@rebeccabailey527]

I think they're completely unnecessary, and a lot of people are going to learn how to play wrong because of it.

[@austrianpickingpower]

If someone is using it all day long he will never gain a good muting technique thats right. For some reasons like unplugged training they could be useful

[@joeking433]

Nah! They've been using them in the studio for years.

[@PreachaMan]

It’s the world we live in now - mediocre means acceptable

[@jojojojojojojojojojojojob]

its great for recording when you are tired of unwanted noise..

[@omarsho2711]

my opinion, they dont sell this in bolivia...

[@austrianpickingpower]

That´s sad but maybe you have a chance to import one from another country?

[@omarsho2711]

@@austrianpickingpower yes but the import dutties are always 50 dollars minimun, which may not sound high but here es 350 in local coin so thats high xd