Fingerboard Chart Bass Tabs - Bass Lessons @ BigBassTabs.com


BASS FINGER BOARD CHART (in sharps)
TUNING: NONE
BY: *—JESSICA—*

This is the fingerboard chart for a 4 string bass guitar.  The 
finger board chart shows the note for each fret and string, this 
is a very important part of playing bass is knowing where the 
notes on the bass is and this chart is the key if you memorize it. 
 To make it easier I put the notes, tabs and most used accidentals. 
Any questions ask your bass teacher or e—mail me.

The periods represent fretlines

G. G#. A. A#. B. C. C#. D. D#. E. F. F#. G.
D. D#. E. F. F#. G. G#. A. A#. B. C. C#. D.
A. A#. B. C. C#. D. D#. E. F. F#. G. G#. A.
E. F. F#. G. G#. A. A#. B. C. C#. D. D#. E.

0——1———2——3——4———5——6———7——8——9———10—11——12

MOST USED ACCIDENTALS:
C C# D Eb E F F# G G# A Bb B C 

Accidentals are the 2nd half of a note meaning:
In a flat or sharp note there are 2 ways of determining what note 
it is.  For example a G# is also an Ab but it is determined as a G# 
because that is the accidental that is most commonly heard.
For example an A# is also a Bb but it is said as Bb because that is 
the accidental that is most commonly said and heard.
There are many others, so by memorizing the accidentals you 
know which accidental is most used if your talking about sharps 
and flats.

#= sharp
b= flat

GOOD LUCK!;)

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 — Fingerboard Chart bass tabs