Bridge Song Writing Bass Tabs - Bass Lessons @ BigBassTabs.com


many young players may be skilled at playing but lack the theory 
to write unique songs. they can rarely manage songs other than 
simple blues scale or minor scales. some good songs the write 
lack variety and contrast. i used to be like this but my teacher 
showed me a technique thats good for writing mellow songs or 
adding a contrated bridge to a fast paced major or minor song.

major and minor tenths of different notes of a scale can be used 
to create a smooth feel. you may want to play the root note in between 
or just play the notes in sequence.

it sounds kind of complex but like with most jazz based theory 
once you learn it you just don't forget it


a major tenth can be found easily like this


              |_|_|_|_|    
              |0|_|_|_|
              |_|_|_|0|


the note is simply 3 strings up and one fret to the right (when 
looking at the fretboard from the top view.)

minor tenth is just 3 strings up.

              |_|_|_|_|    
              |0|_|_|0|
              |_|_|_|_|

take the key of B

7th fret e string for you tabbers with little note knowledge

here are the tenths you can use.

im putting them on a tab board so its easy to learn them.
you dont have to play them in any order. use them as you like but 
this is the order they go in note wise

(play the notes together)
M = Major
m = minor  R = root note tenth
                      (R)
   M    m      M     M     M     m    M     M
G——1——|—2———|——4——|——6——|——8——|——9——|—11——|—13——|
D—————|—————|—————|—————|—————|—————|—————|—————|
A—————|—————|—————|—————|—————|—————|—————|—————|
E——0——|—2———|——3——|——5——|——7——|——9——|—10——|—12——|

the last one is the octave of the first. you can go higher if you 
want

you can even slap them

it takes some remembering but before i knew songwriting techniques 
like this i always knew there was something missing.

anyway hope it helps and you understood it.


Gibbo

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 — Bridge Song Writing bass tabs