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! 🎸

Comments

LoudLon

6 years, 8 months ago
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Sorry, but this is way off. Should be in Eb tuning, lots of notes missing, etc.

Ashley Bassist 791 [author]

6 years, 8 months ago
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Sorry, but this is way off. Should be in Eb tuning, lots of notes missing, etc.

What notes are missing ?

xander.dyer

6 years, 8 months ago
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Great tabs, do not know what ‘LoudLon’ is talking about

xander.dyer

6 years, 8 months ago
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LoudLon

6 years, 8 months ago
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Quote: Sorry, but this is way off. Should be in Eb tuning, lots of notes missing, etc. What notes are missing ?

Sorry, “missing” was the wrong word. They're not missing, just some that you have are wrong (ignore the periods, I needed them to make sure things lined up right):

Main riff:

Tabs:

Gb |—————————————————|—————————————————|
Db |—————————————————|—————————————————|
Ab |—3—3—r———————2—2—|—r———————————————|
Eb |———————3—3—0—————|———2—2—0—2—0—5—5—|
.....1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &

Bridge:

Tabs:

(1st staff x3):
4/4
Gb |——————————————————|—————————————————|—————————————————|—————————————————|
Db |——————————————————|—————————————————|—————————————————|—————————————————|
Ab |—3—3—3—3—3—3/(7)\—|—————————————————|—————————3———————|—————————————————|
Eb |——————————————————|—0—0—0—0—0—0—0—3—|—5—5—3—5———5—5—4—|—3—3—3—3—3—3—3—3—|
.....1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &

.....................5/4
Gb |—————————————————|—————————————————————|
Db |—————————————————|—————————————————————|
Ab |—3—3—3—3—3—3—3—/—|—7—7—7—7—7—0—/7\—————|
Eb |—————————————————|—————————————————5—5—|
.....1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & 5 &

LoudLon

6 years, 8 months ago
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Great tabs, do not know what ‘LoudLon’ is talking about

You may not know what I'm talking about, but ‘I’ do. I wouldn't have rated otherwise. I don't rate low out of spite, and I don't rate high out of pity. I rate based on accuracy, this tab was inaccurate, so there you go. We can't help each other improve as musicians if we're not objective and honest with each other, and that's what this site is all about – helping other musicians.

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