Ghost note
A very soft, muted stroke or note that adds extra groove to a rhythm.
What it means
A ghost note is a very soft, often muted stroke or note that is felt in the rhythm more than clearly heard. It fills the space between the accented beats and gives playing a springy, lively groove.
Musical use
Ghost notes are especially common in funk, soul, and jazz drumming, where they are often played on the snare drum between the main strokes. Drummers such as Bernard Purdie and Clyde Stubblefield are known for their use. Bassists and guitarists also use muted, almost toneless attacks in a similar way. In notation, ghost notes are usually marked with parentheses around the notehead.
A ghost note should be distinguished from an accent, which stresses a beat, and from a grace note, which stands as an ornament before a main note. The ghost note has a rhythmic position of its own and contributes to the overall impression without being melodically significant.
Performance practice
Play ghost notes with a very low stick height and a loose wrist so that they are audible but far softer than the main strokes. Practise them first with a metronome and even main strokes until the difference in volumes is securely controlled.