How To Play Basic Punk Rock Bass Tabs - Bass Lessons @ BigBassTabs.com


My first example is putting ur finger on any fret and then going 
onto the string below and go up 2 frets. Then go up another 2 frets 
and then go down 4 frets.

Example 1a
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
G|———————————————————————|
D|———————————————————————|
A|————444466662222———————|
E|2222———————————————————|

Example 1b
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
G|———————————————————————|
D|————555577773333———————|
A|3333———————————————————|
E|———————————————————————|

My second example start on any fret and then go onto the same fret 
on the string above. Then go three frets down and on the string 
below. Then go one string above and one fret up.
Example 2a
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
G|———————————————————————|
D|———————————————————————|
A|8888————5555———————————|
E|————8888————6666———————|

Example 2b
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
G|6666————3333———————————|
D|————6666————4444———————|
A|———————————————————————|
E|———————————————————————|

My thrid Example start on any fret (or not see example 3a)then 
go to the string below and up three frets then up a string. And 
for the last few notes go down one fret

Example 3a
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
G|————3333———————————————|
D|0000————33332222———————|
A|———————————————————————|
E|———————————————————————|

Or instead you can go 2 notes up instead of one note down at the end.

Example 3b
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
G|————3333———————————————|
D|0000————33335555———————|
A|———————————————————————|
E|———————————————————————|

Have fun practicing Punk!

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 — How To Play Basic Punk Rock bass tabs