Song: Don’t Answer Me
Artist: The Alan Parsons Project
Album: Ammonia Avenue (1984)
Bassist: David Paton
Tabber:  Nick C. for BigBassTabs.com
Tuning: Standard EADG

Note:  This is my interpretation of the song.  The recorded version is 
all root notes with the basic rhythm, so I've added a little movement to it.

Intro
G|————————————————|————————————————|————————————————|————————————————|
D|——————————————2—|————————————————|————————————2———|————————————————|
A|3——33———3——35———|————————————2—3—|5——55———5——5——5—|——————————————2—|
E|————————————————|5——55———5——5————|————————————————|3——33———3——35———|
  1   2   3   4    1   2   3   4    1   2   3   4    1   2   3   4    

Verse
G| ————————————————|————————————————|————————————————|———————————————— |
D|*——————————————2—|————————————————|————————————2———|————————————————*|
A|*3——33———3——35———|————————————2—3—|5——55———5——5——5—|——————————————2—*|
E| ————————————————|5——55———5——5————|————————————————|3——33———3——35——— |
  1   2   3   4    1   2   3   4    1   2   3   4    1   2   3   4    

Chorus
G|————————————————|————————————————|————————————————|————————————————|
D|————————————————|2———22——3—2—————|————————————————|3——33———3—2—————|
A|3——33———3——33———|————————————5—2—|3——33———3——33———|————————————5—3—|
E|————————————————|————————————————|————————————————|————————————————|
  1   2   3   4    1   2   3   4    1   2   3   4    1   2   3   4    

G|————————————————|————————————————|————————————————|————————————————|
D|————————————————|————————3—2—————|————————————————|————————3—2—————|
A|1——11———1——11———|3——33———————5—3—|1——11———1——11———|3——33———————5—2—|
E|————————————————|————————————————|————————————————|————————————————|
  1   2   3   4    1   2   3   4    1   2   3   4    1   2   3   4    

Repeat Verse
Repeat Chorus
Repeat Verse for the Sax Solo
Final Chorus

G| ————————————————|————————————————|————————————————|————————————————|
D|*————————————————|2———22——3—2—————|————————————————|3——33———3—2—————|
A|*3——33———3——33———|————————————5—2—|3——33———3——33———|————————————5—3—|
E| ————————————————|————————————————|————————————————|————————————————|
   1   2   3   4    1   2   3   4    1   2   3   4    1   2   3   4    

G|————————————————|———————————————— |
D|————————————————|————————3—2—————*|
A|1——11———1——11———|3——33———————5—3—*|
E|————————————————|———————————————— |
  1   2   3   4    1   2   3   4    

(Album version repeats the first 4 measures of the Chorus to fade)

Play along to the video (which at the time was one of the coolest yet produced, 
and not just because the hero's name is Nick...)

About Alan Parsons Project

The Alan Parsons Project were a British progressive rock band active between 1975 and 1990, founded by Eric Woolfson and Alan Parsons.

How to Read Bass Tabs

Bass tablature (tabs) is an easy way to learn songs without needing to read traditional sheet music. Here’s a quick guide to understanding the symbols and techniques commonly found in tabs:

1. The Basics

Strings and Frets:
Each line in a tab represents a string on your bass:
- The top line is the highest-pitched string (G on a 4-string bass).
- The bottom line is the lowest-pitched string (E on a 4-string bass).
Numbers on the lines indicate which fret to press. For example:
```
G|-------------------|
D|-------------------|
A|---3---------------|
E|-------------------|
            
```
This means you play the 3rd fret on the A string.

2. Common Techniques

Hammer-On (h):
Play the first note by picking it, then press down on a higher fret with another finger without picking again.
```
G|-------------------|
D|-------5h7---------|
            
```
Pull-Off (p):
Pluck a note and then "pull off" your finger to let a lower fret ring.
```
G|-------------------|
D|-------7p5---------|
            
```
Slide (/ or \):
Move your finger up (/) or down (\) the fretboard while maintaining pressure.
```
G|-------------------|
D|-------5/7---------|
            
```

3. Advanced Techniques

Bend (b): Push the string up or down to raise the pitch. Example: G|-------7b9---------|
Vibrato (~): Shake the string slightly after playing a note to create a vibrating sound. Example: G|-------7~----------|
Muted Notes (x): Rest your finger lightly on the string without pressing a fret and pluck for a percussive "click" sound.

4. Rhythm and Timing

Tabs don’t always indicate timing, so listen to the song while reading the tab. Wider spaces between numbers mean longer pauses, while closer numbers indicate quicker notes.

5. Slap and Pop

Slap (s): Strike the string with the side of your thumb for a percussive sound.
Pop (p): Pull the string away from the fretboard and let it snap back.

Practice Makes Perfect

Tabs are a great tool to learn songs, but mastering the techniques takes practice. Listen carefully to the original track and play along to lock in the rhythm. Don’t rush — smooth, accurate playing is more important than speed. Happy jamming! 🎸

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Alan Parsons Project — Don't Answer Me bass tabs