History Bass Tabs - Bush @ BigBassTabs.com

Song:  History
Artist:  Bush
Album:  Razorblade Suitcase
Tabbed by:  A. J. Farmer
Tuning:  EADG

This is a nice 'n' easy song, that sounds great when played with a full 
band.  Normal tuning, listen to the CD to get the rhythm.  (I apologise in 
advance for any mistakes — this is pretty much the first bass tab I've ever 
submitted...)


Riff 1 (Intro & Pre—chorus)

G|———————————————————————————|
D|———————————————————————————|
A|——5—5—5—3—3—3——————————————|
E|——————————————1—1—1—5—5—5——|

Riff 2 (Verse)

G|———————————————————————————|
D|———————————————————————————|
A|——5—5—5————————————————————|
E|———————————————————————————|

Riff 3 (Chorus)

G|———————————————————————————|
D|———————————————————————————|
A|——3—3—3—5—5—5—0—0—0—2—2—2——|
E|———————————————————————————|

Riff 3 Alternative (it sounds like this is played every now and then as an 
alternative to the above; I'll leave this to your discretion)

G|———————————————————————————|
D|———————————————————————————|
A|——3—3—3—5—3—5—0—0—0—2—0—2——|
E|———————————————————————————|

Riff 4

G|———————————————————————————|
D|———————————————————————————|
A|——5555——5555——5555—————————|
E|————————————————————1—1—1——|

Outro (let note ring to fade)

G|———————————————————————————|
D|———————————————————————————|
A|——3————————————————————————|
E|———————————————————————————|


Here's a quick attempt at outlining the song structure (it's very 
straightforward; if I'm wrong you can easily work it out yourself)

(Guitar Intro, 4 bars)
Riff 1 x4
Riff 4 x2, or play nothing for 2 bars
(No bass for 2 bars)
Riff 2 x6
Riff 1 x5
Riff 3 x6
(Let last note ring for 1 bar)
Riff 1 x2
Riff 2 x8
Riff 1 x5
Riff 3 x5
(Guitar & vocals only for 2 bars)
Riff 3 x2
(Let last note ring for 1 bar)
Riff 1 x4 (guitar solo)
Riff 4 x4
Riff 3 x9
Outro

Any comments, questions, corrections etc. mail me at [email protected]

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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Bush — History bass tabs