mute

A mute is a device that alters an instrument's tone by dampening its vibrations. String instrument mutes are small clamps placed on the bridge. Brass mutes fit into the bell and come in many varieties — straight, cup, harmon, plunger, and wah-wah, each creating a distinct timbral effect. Muted passages have a softer, more veiled quality that changes the instrument's character rather than simply reducing its volume. Jazz trumpet players use mutes extensively — Miles Davis's harmon mute sound defined an entire era of jazz. In orchestral music, the marking con sordino indicates muted playing, while senza sordino means to remove the mute.