Help!

[Jusb]

What does the 'x' in these tabs mean? How do I play it?

1)
Eb --------------------------------------------
Bb --------------------------------------------
Gb -11-----5------10------9---12---------------
Db -X------X------X-------X---X----------------
Ab -9------3------8-------7---10---------------
Db --------------------------------------------

2)
|-----------------
|-----------------
|----------------
|--5--x-x--x---
|--5--x-x--x---
|--5--x-x--x---

[A Major Seventh]

In both cases the X means "don't sound the note while you play", but they are different.

In no. 1 you play two notes simultaneously (on the third string and the fifth string). So you strum them together. The X means the fourth string musn't sound, so you'll have to dampen it with one of your fingers (i.e. touch it softly so it won't make a sound when you strum 3rd and 5th).

In no. 2 you play the chord (the 555) but then you release the pressure of your left hand while you still touch the strings softly with your fingers and then you strum (the XXX and XXX and so on). It will make a sort of percussive sound, not a note. (Through my amp it sounds like hitting a coffee tin, but in an ideal world it can sound even better 8-)). I believe it's called percusive strumming and/or scratching.

OK, that's what I think, correct me if I'm wrong.

[drwscefn]

It's a 'Left-Hand' or 'Fret Hand' (sorry to all left-handed players) muting.

If I was playing the first riff I would have my First finger on the 9, my third finger on the 11, and using another part of my first finger i would rest it on the 4th string (labeled as the middle Db in your riff) but NOT depressing the string.

I want the 5th and 3rd strings to ring, but the 4th string not to.

This is so you can quickly strike all three strings together.

Try the second riff, after you have just played the three 5's, lift your finger(s) off the fretboard, but not off the strings, to create a percussive sound.

Another example might be

E-----------------------
B-----------------------
G-----------------------
D-----------------------
A----x\-----------------
E----x\-----------------

X's with a slide notation, which can be used to describe a 'pick scrape'. (run the edge of the pick down the length of the fret board, scraping the wound-strings as you go.)

[Jusb]

I really apreciate it. :)