Playing “in the orange” on the guitar refers to a technique used to achieve a specific sound characterized by its bright, resonant, and slightly overdriven tone. It is often associated with funk and R&B guitar playing and is achieved by lightly touching the strings with the picking hand while simultaneously muting them with the fretting hand.
This technique allows guitarists to create a percussive and rhythmic sound that complements the groove and adds a unique sonic texture to their playing. It is particularly effective when combined with palm muting, which further enhances the rhythmic qualities and adds a syncopated feel. Additionally, playing “in the orange” can help to reduce unwanted string noise and produce a cleaner, more articulate sound.