Advice On Practicing Bass Tabs - Bass Lessons @ BigBassTabs.com


Sorry, this is not really a tab. But it will get you playing songs before a 
gig like magic. This is about getting your fingers moving and getting a feel 
for the song so you can play with your eyes closed. Here are some steps to get 
you playing a song with all the little fills and stuff just right.
1. Print the music off from this website, or even buy a book for the piece.
   Take a look at it, see if you can play it fast or not.
2. If not, play each figure loads of times SLOWLY, but each time you repeat 
it, get fractionally faster.
3. Do not get worried about this and never rush into it: Instead tell yourself 
that you will never play like a pro straight away, it will take time. Relax. 
If you get too excited, your body will tense and become too slow.
4. Every day practice the song over and over again for about ten minutes, 
and then take a break. Then, back to practicing.

Take the advice. It helps a lot, really.
Keep playing,

Al

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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