x's in tabs

[chrisbchicken]

Hi I often see xxs in tabs, like 1st string x, then 2nd string x, then third string x. I'm pretty sure its supposed to sound like a percussion, muted sound, but I don't know how to do it. Thanks.

~fuzz~

[mad for it]

My guess is your reading a lot of tabs with power chords. The answer usually is to continue playing the chord with your left hand whilst palm muting with the right. It is not always the case. Sometimes x's mean left hand mute. Anyway heres how to palm mute.

To get the right sound listen to some Blink 182 stuff, itll be obvious when you hear it. It works well with distortion but can be done clean on an acoustic if need be.

Place the side of your right hand parallel with and very close to the bridge then strum. Its that simple. Any more questions put up another thread.

[Andrew]

When you see x's in tabs, it nearly always means left hand mute. Just put your fingers in the position you would normally play in. dont use as much pressure on the string(s) as you normally would, so that it is just a muted noise. If there is palm muting, it will say somewhere 'PM' or 'palm mute'.

[mad for it]

Be careful not to get any harmonics though when left hand muting cos thatll **** it completely.

Just make sure you dont press too lightly.