Editing Timpani (section)

=== Muffling ===
Since timpani have a long sustain, ''muffling'' or ''damping'' is an inherent part of playing. Often, timpanists will muffle notes so they only sound for the length indicated by the composer. However, early timpani did not resonate nearly as long as modern timpani, so composers often wrote a note when the timpanist was to hit the drum without concern for sustain. Today, timpanists must use their ear and the [[Sheet music|score]] to determine the length the note should sound.

The typical method of muffling is to place the pads of the fingers against the head while holding onto the timpani stick with the thumb and index finger. Timpanists are required to develop techniques to stop all vibration without making any sound from the contact of their fingers.<ref name=goodman/>

Muffling is often referred to as ''muting'', which can also refer to playing with mutes on them (''[[#Extended techniques|see below]]'').