Beginner Any Major Scale And 12 Bar Blues Bass Tabs

This can be used for any major scale, you just have to follow the pattern.

Root, Whole Step, Whole Step, Half Step, Whole Step, Whole Step, Whole Step, Half Step.

This is the pattern. After playing this, play it backwards.

Here is an Example:
G —————————————————
D —————245—542—————
A ——235———————532——
E 35—————————————53

This was in the key of G.

Here is another example:
G —————245—542—————
D ——235———————532——
A 35—————————————53  
E —————————————————

This was in the key of C

See how both examples followed the same pattern?  You can do this anywhere on the fretborad 
following the same pattern.

The major scale is also used for 12 bar blues.

The pattern for 12 bar blues is as follows:
When I say note I mean a note on the major scale.

1st note x4, 4th note x2, 1st note x2, 5th note x1, 4th note x1, 1st note x1, 5th 
note x5.

x?=How many bars to play. All the bars added together=12
See my "New Orleans Blues line" tab for an example of 12 bar blues.

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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