Hey everyone, does anyone know what the big X marks on this sheet mean? (The section I’ve highlighted.) It’s part of the song “Love Games.” Sorry I forgot where I downloaded this picture from—I don’t think this symbol is super common.
Ghost notes. You can do a search for more info, but it’s basically a percussive accent rather than a fully sounded note that is created by muting the string/not fully pressing down on the fret while plucking the string. Takes some practice to get it consistent.
Those highlighted "X"s are not ghost notes. The notes just after them are, as well as the first note in the first group of 4 16ths and 1st 2 in the last grouping. It’s almost like they’re using the large X to indicate a 16th-rest? I honestly have no idea what they are. I would have to guess that they’re not a standard part of notation…
Slap all the strings at once, muted of course.
I think it’s supposed to be you damping/muting the strings with the left hand but after watching a few videos i think that notation/tab might be incorrect.
In this context It’s the type of ghost notes but created by slapping the left (usually middle/ring/punky) against the fret to create a percussive tone. Stu Hamm calls it ghost double stops.
I saw a good YT tutorial quite some time ago that featured all the different types of L/R hand percussive techniques but i can’t find it… but i found these that are pretty good.
Thank you so much! This was super helpful! Really appreciate everyone’s kind and thoughtful answers