What does "x" mean in notation and TAB

[tobodestroyer]

Hi,

I've just bought "'70s Funk & Disco Bass" by josquin des Prés and there are crosses (x) in the TAB and notation. What does this represent? Are they slap, pick, ghost or something else?

What exactly are ghost notes anyway?

Sorry to have two questions in one thread here.

Tobo

[v-12]

an x is to play a 'note' with heavy dampning- nearly fully mute the string while playing the note.
depending on your definition ^ is pretty much a ghost note.

[mkettner]

That is right. The x pretty much means there is no tone, but they still require a percussive sound. It really adds a lot of dynamics to your playing.

[Kickin'Fruit]

Hehe, look at the tab for Red Hot Chili Peppers - Fortune Faded, the whole bass line is practically XXXX

[tobodestroyer]

Originally Posted by v-12

an x is to play a 'note' with heavy dampning- nearly fully mute the string while playing the note.
depending on your definition ^ is pretty much a ghost note.

So, do I fret the pitch marked with my left hand and damp with my right hand somehow or do I just damp it with the fretting hand?

Is there a tutorial or a video out there somewhere?

[Kickin'Fruit]

Originally Posted by tobodestroyer

So, do I fret the pitch marked with my left hand and damp with my right hand somehow or do I just damp it with the fretting hand?

Is there a tutorial or a video out there somewhere?

I just place my whole fingers over the strings, like i'm about to play a huge harmonic and just strum the strings. It won't make any sound except like a dampened chord.

[ryco]

Originally Posted by tobodestroyer

So, do I fret the pitch marked with my left hand and damp with my right hand somehow or do I just damp it with the fretting hand?

Is there a tutorial or a video out there somewhere?

X = a dead or ghost note. No pitch - just damp it with your fretting hand. Whole hand or finger any where on the fretboard. Don't press down or let string ring at all - you just want the percussive click.

http://www.bassplace.com/fub031.html

[mkettner]

Bass Place is a great site for all kinds of DVDs and instruction. I know the guy that runs the site personally and he is really passionate about the bass.