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

Ljummi

6 years, 10 months ago
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good job. nice of you to add a video

LoudLon [author]

6 years, 10 months ago
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Thanks. I try to add a video with all my tabs, if there's one available. Makes it easier to “see” the tab when you have the music to compare it to.

RedWolfProject

6 years, 7 months ago
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awesome tab!

I think i heard it the last few notes, it's 7 - 5 - 0 on the E cord, hammered.

LoudLon [author]

6 years, 7 months ago
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I thought that, too, but I'm still not sure if there are actually notes there or if it's just the drums playing a trick on my ear.

Also, apologies about the video not working. Every time I find a new video for this song, NBC yanks it. Jerks.

bassistsloth

6 years ago
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Just to let you know, the 7-5-0 part is played by the drums, but it still sounds pretty noice on the bass.

LoudLon [author]

6 years ago
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That's what I thought, too. I went ahead and added 7-5-0 there, but when I play this myself, I don't include that bit.

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