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! 🎸

Comments

Jenn Senft

10 years, 5 months ago
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In the intro instead of playing the 3rd fret on the D string use the 8th fret on the A string its much easier but you get the same sound

greg calkins

9 years, 9 months ago
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i agree with jeen it is just easier

thebassiestofthemall

9 years, 3 months ago
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you can also play the intro like this|—7—7—5—7—————————————————————————|
|———————————7———6———5——0———3——0—————|
|———————————————————————————————|
|—————————————————————————————————|
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +

forener

8 years, 9 months ago
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i always thought you played it like this:

/ = bend string

G|————————————–|
D|–12-12–10—————————|
A|————–12-11-10—–8/———|
E|———————–10——10—–|

BigEpicTommi

4 years, 4 months ago
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Thank you ever so much Dennis. As a young scallywag, I used to love reading Beano and you did so good as Dennis the Menace I think you were scammed out of an Oscar to be fully honest. Hows Gnasher these days, still brewing meth and gambling his minimum wage? Pity, he had such a bright future. Is Walter still a little bitch? Expected as much.

By the way, the tab is utter shite, my nan is deaf and has no arms and even she could tell me that its wrong

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