Beginner Octaves Bass Tabs - Misc @ BigBassTabs.com

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Octaves

Octaves are pretty useful when playing bass. If you didn't know, an octave is the same
note, only higher, or lower.

Example.

G———5——— G——————————
D——————— D———2——————
A—3————— or A——————————
E——————— E—0————————

The 3 and 5 are the same note; only the 5 (G) are higher. They are both the note 'C'
And the open E is the same as 2D. They are both E.

If you ever need to reach an octave, simply play the note 2 strings up and 2 frets up the
neck.

(Note: 'Up' the strings, is actually down, if you don't understand, look at this)
^ G———————————————————————————————
| D———————————————————————————————
| A———————————————————1—2—3—4—5—6—
This is Up | E—1—2—3—4—5—6—7—8—9—————————————
—— —— —— —— ——> And this is up.

The top string on bass (E) is referred to the bottom string. (You can remember this when
thinking of tones, the open E string is a very low tone, so think of it as being on the bottom.
And open G is a high tone, so think of it being on the top. Same with referring to fretted
tones, the higher the fret you play, the higher the tone, hence — going up the neck)

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Octave Shapes

When playing with your fingers or a pick, you can easily reach an octave without hitting
other notes. Use your index finger for the root, and your ring finger for hitting the
ninth (octave). If thats too much of a stretch, use your pinky to reach the octave.

If slapping and playing the E string, you can still use the above info for octave shapes.
But if playing the A string while slapping, its suggested that you mute the E string.
To do this, put one of your fingers over the E string, but dont press it down
To complete the note. That way, when slapping you won't hit the open E. You can use 2 different
fingers to mute it. You can use your index, or your middle. I use my index finger to mute.
(Just so I don't accidentally press down on the A string) So I reach for my octaves using
my middle finger and my pinky.

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Songs with octaves.

(Bracketed notes are octaves)

Aeroplane — RHCP:
G—————————————————(7)x—————————————
D—————(5)x—————————————————————————
A——————————————(5)—————4—3—————————
E——(3)—————5—6—————————————————————
S P P S S S P P S S
Still in Love Song — The Stills:
Chorus:
G—————————(8)—————(9)——————(10)————
D——————————————————————————————————
A—0000—(6)—————(7)—————(8)—————————
E——————————————————————————————————

Root — Deftones:
G———————(9)(9)————————77———————————
D—————————————99—1010————101099————
A—(7)(7)————————————————————————99—
E——————————————————————————————————

And thats my guide to octaves. =)

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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Misc — Beginner Octaves bass tabs