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Joe Jackson — Memphis bass tabs



(submitted by 2nick3)
Song: Memphis
Artist: Joe Jackson
Album: Mike’s Murder (1983)
Bassist: Graham Maby
Tabber: Nick for BigBassTabs
Tuning: Standard EADG

It really sounds like a synth bass line to me, but Graham Maby is credited on
the album. The recording was done along with the Night & Day album, where Joe
was the sole performer on a few songs, so it could go either way.

(Whole Song)
G| ————————————————|———————————————— |
D|*————5—5—————————|5—5—————————————*|
A|*————————3—3—5—5—|————5—5—3—3—5—5—*|
E| 3—3—————————————|———————————————— |
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Yep, that’s it. And exactly the same on the live version on “Greatest Hits” (1996)
and “Live 1980/86” (1990), which supports my thinking it’s a synth bass.

Play along here:


Tablature player for this song:
Joe Jackson - Memphis Bass Tab

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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