Playing Bass Chords!! Bass Tabs - Bass Lessons @ BigBassTabs.com


Bass Chords

This is a really cool way to ad a little extra harmonization to 
a band. With this technique, we will be using three different 
notes at the same time to make one unified sound. 

There is one shape that is always going to be used, it is: root, 
octave,10th. This means that we take any scale, look the first 
note, and that is the root (root of the scale).Next we find the 
octave of the root, which is always two frets higher and two strings 
up from the root. Last we find the 10th (when I say 10th I mean the 
10th note in the scale), so all we do is play the scale until we 
get to the 10th note, that is your 10th. 

So if you want to play a G chord then all you do is find G, the octave 
of G, and the 10th note in the G scale. So It would end up looking 
like this:

G|——4—|  <10th 
D|——5—|  <octave 
A|————|  
E|——3—|  <root

If you pluck all those notes at the same time you will get a really 
nice harmonizing sound.

(Note: You can only make chards when the root is on the Low E string!)

Here are some Other bass Chords:

   F          G          A          B          C#        Eb
G|——2—|    G|——4—|    G|——6—|    G|——8—|   G|——10—|   G|——12—|
D|——3—|    D|——5—|    D|——7—|    D|——9—|   D|——11—|   D|——13—|
A|————|    A|————|    A|————|    A|————|   A|—————|   A|—————|
E|——1—|    E|——3—|    E|——5—|    E|——7—|   E|——9——|   E|——11—|

   F#         G#         Bb         C          D         E
G|——3—|    G|——5—|    G|——7—|    G|——9——|  G|——11—|   G|——13—|
D|——4—|    D|——6—|    D|——8—|    D|——10—|  D|——12—|   D|——14—|
A|————|    A|————|    A|————|    A|—————|  A|—————|   A|—————|
E|——2—|    E|——4—|    E|——6—|    E|——8——|  E|——10—|   E|——12—|



Enjoy!!

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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