Thumb Usage Exercise Bass Tabs - Bass Lessons @ BigBassTabs.com


This tab shows a simplified version of Beethoven's Fur Elise. 
It's used to demonstrate how to use your thumb for playing. The 
numbers underneath each note indicate the finger you should 
use to pluck the string. 0 is your thumb, 1 indicates your index 
finger and so on. This is just a guide and depends on your playing 
style however you should attempt to use your thumb in the places 
shown otherwise it would defeat the point of the exercise. When 
using normal alternate finger picking to play, the thumb is 
usually used on the bottom—most (thickest) string of whatever 
you're currently playing with your other fingers on higher 
strings. To demonstrate this, a zero in brackets, (0), will 
be used alongside the normal finger number to show that you could 
use your thumb here. It is all down to how you feel comfortable 
playing however.

If you are a pure beginner it is highly recommended you view the 
video (a link is at the bottom) to see clearly how to play it. If 
you are more experienced just treat this exercise as a way of 
getting used to using your thumb (and maybe 3rd finger) for playing.

G —9—8—9—8—9———7——————————————————————————————————————————
D ———————————9———10—7———————7—9———7—9—10——————————————————
A ————————————————————————7—————7—————————————————————————
E ——————————————————————9—————————————————————————————————
   2 1 2 1 2 2 1  3 2   0 1 1 2 1 1 2  3
                               (0)


G —9—8—9—8—9———7——————————————————————————————————————————
D ———————————9———10—7———————7—9———10—9—7——————————————————
A ————————————————————————7—————7—————————————————————————
E ——————————————————————9—————————————————————————————————
   2 1 2 1 2 2 1  3 2   0 1 1 2 1  2 1 2
                               (0)


G ——————7—9———9—10—9—7———7—9—7—————————7—————————————————7—
D —9—10————————————————————————10———10———10—9———9———10—————
A —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
E —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
   1  2 1 2   1  2 1 1   1 2 1  2    2 1  2 1   1    2   1

To see this performed and to get an idea of the fingering to use, 
go here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0waKtgglGUg

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 — Thumb Usage Exercise bass tabs