Skylarking Bass Tabs - Horace Andy @ BigBassTabs.com

Horace Andy

Skylarking

Here's the classic Skylarking rhythm, with sensible lyrics warning the kids about the
perils of loafing about. This tab is from the Good Vibes album.  The original Studio
One version first appeared on Coxone Dodd's Jamaica Today compilation album but was a
massive hit when it was released as a single in 1972.  Also on the 1972 album,
Skylarking.

  §1            §1            §2            §!
G|—————————————|—————————————|—————————————|—————————————||
D|—————————————|—————————————|——2———6——646—|—————————————||
A|——2———6——646—|——2———6——646—|44——4————————|——2———6——646—||
E|44——4————————|44——4————————|—————————————|44——4————————||

the pattern continues, with {§1 §1 §2 §1}{§1 §1 §2 §1}{§1 §1 §2 §1} etc

Studio One version is one step higher, so begins on A, not A flat.

§1          §1
Skylarking, skylarking
§2                   §1
That's what youth do today
§1          §1
Skylarking, skylarking
§2                                 §1
Before they stand up firm on their feet

§1                 §1
Get a likkle work, a likkle work
§2                           §1
And earn their bread honestly

§1
Beggin' you a five cent, sir
§1
Beggin' you a ten cent, sir
§2                          §1
Cannot help, no, cannot help

§1                               §1
So if you all keep on doing what you all are doing
§2                          §1
You will end up, up up in jail



 bigbasstabs.

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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Horace Andy — Skylarking bass tabs