Cool Useful Modes Bass Tabs - Bass Lessons @ BigBassTabs.com


Cool useful Modes:

These are some cool modes that you can use on the bass, or any
instrument for that matter. They are all different in their moods
so you can decide which you like or want to use.

FAIRLY IMPORTANT: 

(if you don't know or care for notes skip this)


These modes are set in one key (note) but can easily
be change to any note or octive that you 
want; the pattern is what matters, example:

 Mixolydian in G:  (I want Mixolydian in G#)———> Mixolydian in G#:

G A B C D E F G                                  G# A# C C# D# F F# G#
                                                   (Bb)


And, also: No I didn't make these crazy names up.


Phrygian in E:

E F G A B C D E

—This is a harsh, exotic mode, used a lot in Spanish flaminco music.

G|————————————————————————————————————————————————|
D|————————————————————0——2——0—————————————————————|
A|———————————0——2——3———————————3——2——0————————————|
E|——0——1——3—————————————————————————————3——1——0———|


Dorian in D:

D E F G A B C D

—This mode sounds more ancient and haunting (not in a scary way)
and is a mediterranean mode.

G|———————————0——2——4——5——7——5——4——2——0————————————|
D|——0——2——3—————————————————————————————3——2——0———|
A|————————————————————————————————————————————————|
E|————————————————————————————————————————————————|


Lydian in F:

F G A B C D R F

—A kind of confused mode, it has no exact mood.

G|————————————————————————————————————————————————|
D|—————————————————0——2——4——2——0——————————————————|
A|————————0——2——3—————————————————3——2——0—————————|
E|——1——3———————————————————————————————————3——1———|


Aeolian in A:

A B C D E F G A

—Sound minor and sad and old.
(might be a typical minor scale I'm not sure)

G|———————————————————————2————————————————————————|
D|——————————————2——3——5—————5——3——2———————————————|
A|—————2——3——5———————————————————————5——3——2——————|
E|——5—————————————————————————————————————————5———|


Locrian in B:

B C D E F G A B

—I cant't really describe this one, it's a little like 
the lydian mode because it sounds a little bit confused.
Though it is similar to the Aeolian by pattern it does 
not sound like the Aeolian. 

G|————————————————————2——4——2—————————————————————|
D|———————————2——3——5———————————5——3——2————————————|
A|——2——3——5—————————————————————————————5——3——2———|
E|————————————————————————————————————————————————|


Mixolydian in G:

G A B C D E F G

— Happy sounding. I think this could just be another
name for a moveable major scale but I am not sure.

G|————————————————————————————————————————————————|
D|—————————————————2——4——5——4——2——————————————————|
A|————————2——3——5—————————————————5——3——2—————————|
E|——3——5———————————————————————————————————5——3———|


Lonian in C:

c D E F G A B C

—Also Happy sounding. I also think that this is 
a different name for another moveable major scale.

G|—————————————————2——4——5——4——2——————————————————|
D|————————2——3——5—————————————————5——3——2—————————|
A|——3——5———————————————————————————————————5——3———|
E|————————————————————————————————————————————————|


I hope this was useful. I highly encourage you to find more modes,
they really add a lot to your playing. I will probably be trying 
to submit more tabs that have even better modes.

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 — Cool Useful Modes bass tabs