The "x" in guitar tabs means to play a string but mute it completely, preventing any sound. It's a standard symbol indicating that the string should be touched lightly with the fretting hand to stop vibration, often used for rhythmic effect or to avoid unwanted notes.
Guitar tabs use a six-line staff representing the six strings of a standard guitar, from low E (bottom) to high E (top). Numbers on the lines indicate which fret to press. An "x" placed on a line means the corresponding string should be played but not allowed to ring out-typically by resting a fingertip lightly on the string without pressing it into the fret.
This symbol is essential for creating percussive effects, adding texture, or avoiding dissonance in chord progressions. For example, in a power chord progression on the E and A strings, an "x" on the D string prevents it from sounding and clashing with the root note.
To execute an "x," place your fretting-hand finger (usually the index or middle) across the string just behind the fret, not pressing down hard enough to change pitch. The string vibrates but produces no audible note. This technique requires control-too much pressure mutes the string completely; too little allows a faint buzz or ring.
For instance, in the tab for "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple, the opening riff includes an "x" on the G string during the first beat of each measure. Playing it correctly creates a sharp, staccato attack that mimics the song's iconic rhythm. If you press the G string down instead of muting it, the note rings out and disrupts the groove.
Some players use their palm to mute the string while playing, especially in rock and metal. This is called palm muting. The "x" symbol doesn't specify how to mute-just that the string must remain silent. You can achieve it with fingers, palm, or a combination.
Understanding the "x" requires knowing other tab symbols. Here's a quick reference:
| Symbol | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| x | Mute the string | High E string: x |
| 0 | Open string (no fret pressed) | B string: 0 |
| 1-12 | Fret number (e.g., 3 = third fret) | D string: 5 |
| h | Hammer-on | 5h7 = hammer from 5th to 7th fret |
| p | Pull-off | 7p5 = pull from 7th to 5th fret |
Beginners frequently confuse the "x" with a missing note or assume it means skip the string entirely. But skipping a string is shown by leaving the space blank-not by placing an "x."
A common mistake is treating "x" as a command to silence the string permanently. In reality, it's a temporary instruction tied to timing. For example, in a barre chord sequence, an "x" on the B string may appear only during the first beat of a measure, then disappear when the chord changes.
Another error occurs when players try to mute with the picking hand. The "x" assumes the fretting hand handles muting. Using the picking hand to mute alters dynamics and can interfere with articulation. Proper muting relies on precise finger placement and tension control.
Consider the intro to "Sunshine of Your Love" by Cream. The tab shows:
E|-----------------|
B|--------3--3------|
G|----3--3--3--3----|
D|--5--5--5--5--5----|
A|-----------------|
E|-----------------|
But the actual recording uses muted strings. The correct tab includes "x" on the high E and B strings during the first two beats of each measure. Without the "x," the player would accidentally sound the open high E and B strings, ruining the syncopated rhythm.
I've seen students struggle with this exact passage. One tried to play the open strings, resulting in a flat, unstructured sound. Adding the "x" restored the intended groove. The difference was clear: one version felt like music; the other sounded like practice.
Experienced players use "x" to create changing contrast. In jazz and fusion, muted strings form the foundation of rhythmic patterns. For example, in "Cliffs of Dover" by Eric Johnson, muted strings in the intro build tension before the melody begins.
Some songs use multiple "x"s across different strings to simulate drum-like patterns. In "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes, the bassline is played with muted strings and a single finger on the fifth fret. The "x" appears on the high E and B strings throughout the verse to maintain a steady, percussive pulse.
When reading complex tabs, watch for clusters of "x" symbols. They often signal a deliberate silence, not a typo. Some publishers use "X" in uppercase to emphasize the mute, though lowercase "x" is standard.
The "x" does not mean "play this string normally." It does not indicate a special technique like tapping or sliding. It also does not replace a number-it's a distinct symbol with a specific function.
Some tab sites incorrectly label "x" as "don't play." That's misleading. The string is still played-just muted. The action is intentional. If you skip a string, it's left blank. If you mute it, you use "x."
Also, "x" doesn't imply a chord. A chord is defined by multiple numbers on different strings. An "x" on one string within a chord sequence still requires the other strings to be played as written.
Understanding what "x" means in guitar tabs is fundamental to accurate performance. It's not a placeholder or a typo-it's a deliberate instruction to mute a string. Mastering it improves timing, clarity, and musical expression.
Once you recognize the "x," you'll hear the difference in recordings-where silence becomes part of the music.