Lesson #2 - The Twelve Bar Blues Bass Tabs - Bass Lessons @ BigBassTabs.com


TWELVE BAR BLUES: is a pattern of chords which repeats every twelve bars. 
This progression is especially useful for the bass guitarist.Twelve Bar 
Blues is used in songs performed by; Elvis Presley (Hound Dog, Blue Suede 
Shoes, Jailhouse Rock), The Beatles (Dizzy Miss Lizzy, Roll Over Beethoven) 
and Chuck Berry (Johnny B. Goode, School Days). This formula (as seen below) 
is based in the key of A.

 A
|———————————|———————————|———————————|———————————|
|———————————|———————————|———————————|———————————|
|———————————|———————————|———————————|———————————|
|———————————|———————————|———————————|———————————|

 D                       A 
|———————————|———————————|———————————|———————————|
|———————————|———————————|———————————|———————————|
|———————————|———————————|———————————|———————————|
|———————————|———————————|———————————|———————————|

 E           D           A           E
|———————————|———————————|———————————|———————————|
|———————————|———————————|———————————|———————————|>
|———————————|———————————|———————————|———————————|>
|———————————|———————————|———————————|———————————|

> = Music Repeat Sign

MUSIC REPEAT SIGN: this indicates that the progression is to be repeated 
from the beginning. After the repeat, the progression finishes on the opening 
chord (in this case an A chord). Throughout these lessons, this practice 
will occur frequently.

EXAMPLE #3

The following example uses a root bass note for each chord. A root note is 
the note with the exact same note as the chord, and will always blend well 
with the chord.

 A
|———————————|———————————|———————————|———————————|
|———————————|———————————|———————————|———————————|
|——0—0—0—0——|——0—0—0—0——|——0—0—0—0——|——0—0—0—0——|
|———————————|———————————|———————————|———————————|
   1 2 3 4     1 2 3 4     1 2 3 4     1 2 3 4 

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

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

Guitar Chords
A = X02220
D = XX0232
E = 022100
G = 320002  

Finish the progression with an A note held for four counts.

Any Questions/Comments/Concerns; Please E—Mail at mikehoel—[email protected] 
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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 — Lesson #2 - The Twelve Bar Blues bass tabs