Ghost Notes
Another important type of articulation is the ghost note (sometimes called a percussive or dampened note). This is a note that has no particular pitch and is a more rhythmic technique of playing. It has a percussive sound and is achieved by the left hand lightly touching the string while the right hand plays the string. No fingers are pressed down on the neck when playing ghost notes. A ghost note is indicated by an X instead of a note head.
Ghost note indicated by X instead of note head.
In this example, the first finger of the left hand plays the G note and then relaxes up off the fret each time a ghost note is played. The second, third and fourth fingers come to rest on the string each time a ghost note is played and then move off the string while the G note is being played. Practice the technique slowly at first until yo
u are comfortable with it.
Example 165 uses this concept with note changes on each beat.
Example 166 moves the ghost notes to different locations within each beat.
