X marks a muted or dead string — a percussive or ghost note, not a pitched fret.

I’ve read and written dozens of guitar tabs. I teach players how to read them. In this guide I explain what does x mean in guitar tabs in clear, practical terms. You will learn the different uses of x, how to play it, and how to spot it in chord diagrams and rhythmic charts. My goal is to give you simple, usable advice so you can read tabs with confidence.

What does x mean in guitar tabs: basic definition

In most tablature, an x on a string means the note is muted or dead. You strike the string but do not press a fret to produce a clear pitch. The result is a percussive “click” or a soft thud instead of a note. In chord charts, x above a string can also mean “do not play that string.” Knowing this basic rule answers the core question of what does x mean in guitar tabs.

Why tab uses x: common meanings

Tabs use x because it tells you to create rhythm without pitch. It keeps the groove tight. You will see x in funk, rock, pop, and metal. It can mean:

• Muted hit on a single string.
• Percussive slap across several strings.
• A string not played in a chord diagram.
• A ghost note that supports rhythm but has no defined pitch.

When you wonder what does x mean in guitar tabs in context, check the surrounding notes and timing. The rhythm marks and stems usually show if the x is a beat or a silent string.

How to play x in guitar tabs: practical techniques

Technique matters when you see x in tabs. Try these methods:

• Palm muting: Lightly rest the edge of your picking hand near the bridge and strike the string for a muted tone.
• Left-hand muting: Touch the string with your fretting hand without pressing a fret, then pluck to get a dead note.
• Percussive slap: Use the palm or thumb to hit several muted strings for a snare-like sound.
• Chord x (do not play): Mute or avoid plucking strings marked with x in chord diagrams.

Practice slow. Count the beat and mute on time. If you still ask what does x mean in guitar tabs while playing, slow the tempo and isolate the muted hits until they feel natural.

Common mistakes and tips when you see x in tabs

New players often misread x. Here are common issues and fixes:

• Mistake: Treating x as a normal fret number. Fix: Stop pressing a fret; mute instead.
• Mistake: Over-muting and losing rhythm. Fix: Find the right pressure for palm or left-hand muting.
• Mistake: Ignoring chord-diagram x. Fix: Pluck only the strings that are shown with fret numbers.
• Tip: Listen to the original track to hear how percussive the x should sound.
• Tip: Use a metronome to lock muted hits with the beat.

These tips answer real questions about what does x mean in guitar tabs during practice. Small changes in touch change the feel a lot.

Advanced uses and notation variations

Tabs and charts sometimes use variations of x for nuance. You may see:

• Small x or parenthesized x to show ghost notes.
• Multiple x’s across strings to show a percussive strum.
• X with rhythmic stems to indicate exact timing.
• X in combo with h or p to show muted hammer-ons or pull-offs.

If you’re wondering what does x mean in guitar tabs in a complex score, look for these clues. The rhythmic layout and text notes often explain the nuance. My own lesson notes use small x for light taps and big x for full dead strums. Experiment to match the sound.

Frequently Asked Questions of what does x mean in guitar tabs

What does x mean in guitar tabs when it is on a single string?

It means mute that string and strike it so it produces a percussive sound instead of a clear pitch. Use left-hand or palm muting to achieve the sound.

Does x in chord diagrams mean mute or don’t play?

Often it means do not play that string. It can also mean mute the string if the context shows percussive intent. Check nearby fingering notes.

How do I practice muted notes marked with x?

Slow the passage with a metronome and isolate the muted hits. Practice palm muting and left-hand muting separately, then combine them with the rhythm.

Can x mean a ghost note in tabs?

Yes. A small or parenthesized x usually means a ghost note or a very light percussion hit with little pitch. Play it softer than regular notes.

Is there a difference between x and 0 in tabs?

Yes. 0 means open string with a pitched note. X means the string is muted or not to be sounded as a pitched note.

What does x mean in guitar tabs when used in drum-style notation?

It denotes a percussive hit or muted strum that functions like a snare or clap. It helps create rhythmic texture rather than melody.

Conclusion

You now have a clear, practical answer to what does x mean in guitar tabs. X most often means a muted or percussive hit, or a string you should not play. Practice the muting techniques slowly. Listen to songs and match the feel. Try one muted groove today and feel the difference. Leave a comment with a tab that confused you, or subscribe for more quick, practical tab tips.