Noob Guide For Tab Symbols Bass Tabs - Misc @ BigBassTabs.com

harm harmonic; hold finger slightly above string and pick it can only be done at specific 
places on the neck (this takes practice and you should find someone to show you how, beause 
it's difficult to explain) 

A.H. artificial harmonic; more difficult than a harmonic, you have to mute the string 
with the thumb on the pick hand after you hit the note (this takes practice... blah blah 
blah, read above) 

h hammer on; (ie 7h8) fret and pick string at 7th fret, and without picking again "hammer" 
and hold string at 8th fret 

p pull off; (ie 9p7) fret and pick string at 9th and 7th frets, and without picking again 
pull finger off 9th fret and let 7th ring 

/ slide up; note rises 

 slide down; guess 

pm.... palm mute; holding the bottom part of your right hand (for right handed players) 
against the strings near the bridge keeping it from ringing. The dots that follow indicate 
notes (chords) above are also muted 


x rake; mute strings with fretting hand by not quite fretting a note, but still holding 
strings

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 — Noob Guide For Tab Symbols bass tabs