Turnaround Progression Lesson Bass Tabs - Bass Lessons @ BigBassTabs.com


A turnaround progression is another pattern for bass players. 
Unlike the 12 bar blues, there are only 2 different patterns. 
These patterns area not hard to learn, or to use. Unlike the 12 
Bar Blues patterns the root notes dont repeat until you play 
through all of them. 

*Pattern 1
G|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|——|——|——| This is the pattern used.
D|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|——|——|——| There are 4 different root 
notes, numbered in oreder.
A|—|—|—|—|3|—|4|—|—|——|——|——| As long as you use this pattern, 
the first root can start 
E|—|2|—|—|1|—|—|—|—|——|——|——| anywhere.
  1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Example 1
G|————————|————————|——————7—|——————9—|
D|——————7—|——————4—|——4—7———|——6—9———| Of course you can use any pattern of notes.
A|——4—7———|——1—4———|5———————|7———————| I just use eigth notes to show a simple example.
E|5———————|2———————|————————|————————|
Example 2
G|————————|————————|——————8—|———————10—|
D|——————8—|——————5—|——5—8———|——7—10————| Once again, all eigth notes.
A|——5—8———|——2—5———|6———————|8—————————| 
E|6———————|3———————|————————|——————————|

*Pattern 2
G|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|——|——|——| This is the pattern used.
D|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|——|——|——| There are 4 different root 
notes, numbered in order.
A|—|—|—|2|3|—|4|—|—|——|——|——| As long as you use this pattern, 
the first root can start
E|—|—|—|—|1|—|—|—|—|——|——|——| anywhere.
  1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Example 1
G|————————|——————6—|——————7—|——————9—|
D|——————7—|——3—6———|——4—7———|——6—9———| All eigth notes (used for simplicity)
A|——4—7———|4———————|5———————|7———————| 
E|5———————|————————|————————|————————|

Both of the 2 patterns can be moved to start on any note or string, 
just as long as you use the right patterns it will come out sounding 
right.

—Jester

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! 🎸

Forum

Bass Lessons — Turnaround Progression Lesson bass tabs