12 Bar Blues Break Down Bass Tabs - Bass Lessons @ BigBassTabs.com


12 BAR BLUES BREAK DOWN
TUNING: WHATEVER
TABBED BY: *—JESSICA—*

12 bar blues is the common blues bass part for blues and rock mostly 
and is very easy if you memorize the key changes and you can use 
any variations for it.  The bass part is easier if you memorize 
the #1 rule in bass:
The first note of the sequence is always played on the first chord 
of the measure.

That means say the time signature is 4/4 and you have a sequence 
of 4 simple notes from the blues scale, the first note of that 
sequence is always played with the first guitar chord of the 
next measure.

For example:

G.—————————————————— —————————
D.———2—5—2————2—5—2— ———2—5—2—
A.—3——————— —3——————— —3———————
E.————————— ————————— —————————
  MEASURE 1 MEASURE 2 MEASURE 3
So for every measure the first note is played again, the key is 
to keep a steady beet, dont speed up or slow down, tap your foot 
with it or something to keep it and internalize the pulse.

Ok, now here is the 12 bar blues progression:


    C—>F—>     C—>    G—>   F—>   C—>   G—>

C=F=G=
G.——————————————————
D.——————————————————
A.———3——————————————
E.———————1——————3———

Now to make a progression use other notes in the scales of the notes.

o.k now heres the progression with out tabs:

— repeat signs
C—16 counts |4 measures]
F—8 counts |2 measures]
C—8 counts |2 measures]
G—4 counts |1 measure]
F—4 counts |1 measure]
G—4 counts |1 measure]

Alright, there is a breakdown of the classic 12 bar blues.  If 
you have any questions ask your bass teacher or e—mail me and 
Ill try to answer.
Good Luck!

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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Bass Lessons — 12 Bar Blues Break Down bass tabs