Beginners Guide To 4/4 Timing Bass Tabs - Bass Lessons @ BigBassTabs.com


Standard string tuning (G,D,A,E) recommended 

1. I have noticed that beginners will always know how to play 
simple notes in every 4/4 beat, but when asked to not play a note 
for just one beat, they get confused. I want you to count in your 
head an ongoing, "1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 4" while following the tablature. 
Then when you are confident, count with your footbeat and be 
prepared to not play a note when you get to that beat.
|—————————————————————————————————|
|—————————————————————————————————|
|—2—2—2—2—————————5—5—5—5—————————|
|———————————3—3—3———————————5—5—5—|

——1—2—3—4—1—2—3—4—1—2—3—4—1—2—3—4—— 

2. By now you should be able to count to 4 with a steady footbeat 
because you will need to play each note in time with your footbeat. 
Keep in time even when you do not play a note.
|—————————————————————————————————|
|———1—4—1———————————7—4———————————|
|—2———————————————5—————5—————————|
|———————————3—3—3———————————5—5—5—|

——1—2—3—4—1—2—3—4—1—2—3—4—1—2—3—4—— 

3. If you have known which notes to not play in the previous figures, 
very well done. You are now capable with 4/4 timing well enough 
to know when to play and when not to. Have a walking bassline as 
a bonus, and remember to play in time.
|—————————————————————————————————|
|———1—4—1———————————7—4———————————|
|—2—————————2—5—2—5—————5———4—7—4—|
|—————————3———————————————5———————|

|—————————————————————————————————|
|———1—4—1—————————————————————————|
|—2—————————2—5—2—5—5—4—5—7—5—4———|
|—————————3—————————————————————5—|

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 — Beginners Guide To 4/4 Timing bass tabs