Timing Bass Tabs - Bass Lessons @ BigBassTabs.com


If you have trouble reading tabs because of the timing this might 
be for you.
A tab is made up of measures.
4 quarter notes makes one measure.
8 eighth notes makes one measure
16 sixteenths makes one measure.
Each dash(—) you see is a sixteenth of a measure.
This in my opinion all tabs should be the length of a tab parts 
seen below or divided at least.
     One Measure                              Two Measures
G|————————————————|               G|————————————————|————————————————|            
D|————————————————|               D|————————————————|————————————————|
A|————————————————|            OR A|————————————————|————————————————|
E|————————————————|               E|————————————————|————————————————|


Examples of note length:
Quarter notes have about one second in between them.
  1   2   3   4   
G|0———0———0———0———|
D|————————————————|
A|————————————————|
E|————————————————|

Eighth notes read as 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &
  1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &
G|0—0—0—0—0—0—0—0—|
D|————————————————|
A|————————————————|
E|————————————————|

Sixteenth notes read as 1 E & A 2 E & A 3 E & A 4 E & A
  1E&A2E&A3E&A4E&A
G|0000000000000000|
D|————————————————|
A|————————————————|
E|————————————————|

Same thing except spaced to make it easier on the eyes.
  1 E & A 2 E & A 3 E & A 4 E & A
G|0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0|
D|— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —|
A|— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —|
E|— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —|

If a tab is longer than sixteen dashes you could just divide it 
into measures for timing
(asuming that they have the timing done right).

I know I spelled one or two words wrong. I do not have enough time 
to go back and correct them.

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 — Timing bass tabs