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Ghost notes are very quiet notes or percussive attacks that are played so softly they are felt more than clearly heard. They add rhythmic texture, groove and subtle movement to a performance.
What are ghost notes?
Ghost notes are often notated with parentheses around the note head or with small note heads, depending on the style and notation system. They are especially common in funk, soul, jazz, R&B and drum notation.
Rather than carrying the main melody or harmony, ghost notes support the groove by adding subtle rhythmic detail between the stronger accents.
How are ghost notes used in piano playing?
Piano players can use ghost notes to create a more percussive and rhythmically alive accompaniment. In funk, soul and gospel styles, very light touches between stronger chord stabs can make the groove feel deeper and more energetic.
Learning to control ghost notes helps pianists develop dynamic precision, rhythmic feel and a stronger connection to the rhythm section.