Band: Nine Inch Nails
Album: With Teeth
Song: The Hand That Feeds
Tuning: Plain Ol' EADG
Tabbed by: David Albert
E—Mail: [email protected]

I tabbed this by using the video on nin's website, credit must also be given to
my good friend and mentor Eric Moreau for (chorus — Part B) 

It is a great song with a simple yet very intense, to—the—point bass line.

Effect:
On my PX4 Korg ToneWorks I use the fuzz, valve emulator and CLS 8X10 cabinet (turned
low) and a dryair effect. 

Note: 
Intro (Electronic noise with dubbed bass verse riff)

Main Riff (When Trent starts to sing)
Note: the second version is like Jeordie White on the video.  I prefer playing the
note on the E string it gives it a fatter, meaner feel. 

G |—————————|     G |—————————| 
D |—————————| OR  D |—————————|
A |———————3—|     A |—————————|
E |—35535———|     E |—35535—8—|


Chorus — Part A
G |—————————————|
D |—————————————|
A |———————5(x16)|
E |—1(x16)——————|

Chorus — Part B
G |———————————————————————|
D |———————————————————————|
A |———————————————————————|
E |—1(x16)—2(x8)—3(x8)————|


Song Structure
Main Riff x 8
Chorus Part A x 1
Main Riff x 4
Chorus Part B x 2
Main Riff x 8
Chorus Part A x 1
Main Riff x 4
Chorus Part B x 2
Bridge (Electronic noise + Synth — NO BASS)
Chorus — Part B x 3
Main Riff ('till the end with a little off beat stop—n—go, you'll figure it out
by listening to the tune). 
Get the guitar player to kick his road case, and trip on his cable.


Enjoy!

About Nine Inch Nails

Nine Inch Nails is an American industrial rock project, founded in 1988 by Trent Reznor in Cleveland, Ohio. As its main producer, singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist, Reznor is the only official member of Nine Inch Nails and remains solely responsible for its direction. NIN's music straddles a wide range of genres, while retaining a characteristic sound using electronic instruments and processing. After recording a new album, Reznor usually assembles a live band to perform with him. The touring band features a revolving lineup that often rearranges songs to fit a live setting. On stage, NIN often employs visual elements to accompany performances, which frequently include light shows.

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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Nine Inch Nails — The Hand That Feeds (ver 2) bass tabs