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Bass Lessons — Lesson #3 - Notes On The First & Second Strings bass tabs




NOTES ON THE FIRST STRING

1st 2nd 3rd 4th (Fret Number)
G|———|—A—|———|———|—— (1st String)
|———|———|———|———|—— (2nd String)
|———|———|———|———|—— (3rd String)
|———|———|———|———|—— (4th String)

G A
|——0———2————|—— (1st String)
|———————————|—— (2nd String)
|———————————|—— (3rd String)
|———————————|—— (4th String)

NOTES ON THE SECOND STRING

1st 2nd 3rd 4th (Fret Number)
|———|———|———|———|—— (1st String)
D|———|—E—|—F—|———|—— (2nd String)
|———|———|———|———|—— (3rd String)
|———|———|———|———|—— (4th String)

D E F
|———————————|—— (1st String)
|——0—2—3————|—— (2nd String)
|———————————|—— (3rd String)
|———————————|—— (4th String)

When playing notes the following rules should be observed;
1. Use the fingertips, directly behind frets.
2. Hold Strings firmly against the fretboard.
3. Use the correct fingering (i.e. 1st finger = 1st fret, 2nd finger = 2nd
fret, 3rd finger = 3rd fret, etc.)
4. Fret hand should remain close to the strings at all times (i.e. When an
open string is played, your fingers must remain in close proximity.)

EXAMPLE #4

The following uses root notes throughout.

Am G F E
|——2—2—2—2——|——0—0—0—0——|———————————|———————————|
|———————————|———————————|——3—3—3—3——|——2—2—2—2——|>
|———————————|———————————|———————————|———————————|>
|———————————|———————————|———————————|———————————|
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

EXAMPLE #5

Example five uses the same chord progression, but with different bass notes.
This is the first example so far, that uses notes other than root notes.

Am G F E
|——2—2———2——|——0—0—2—0——|———————————|————————0——|
|——————2————|———————————|——3—3—0—3——|——2—2—3————|>
|———————————|———————————|———————————|———————————|>
|———————————|———————————|———————————|———————————|
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Remember that the progression finishes on an A Minor (Am) Chord, so you will
finish on an A note (root note of the A Minor chord).

Guitar Chords
Am = X02210
G = 320003
F = 133211
E = 022100

Any Questions/Comments/Concerns; Please E—Mail at mikehoel—gdae@hotmail.com
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Tablature player for this song:
Bass Lessons - Lesson #3  - Notes On The First & Second Strings Bass Tab

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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