
Smells Like Teen Spirit
Words and Music by Kurt Cobain, Chric Novoselic and David Grohl

Intro:

3 measures of guitar
  
 bass in     
G|———————|
D|———————|
A|———————|
E|—4/6\——|

G|———————————————————————————————————————|
D|———————————————————————————————————————| x3
A|——————————1—1——1/3——————————4—4——4——3\—|
E|—1——1—1————————————4——4—4——————————————|

G|———————————————————————————————————————|
D|———————————————————————————————————————|
A|——————————1—1——1/3——————————4—4—4—4—4\—| last time
E|—1——1—1————————————4——4—4——————————————|


Verses:

G|——————————————————————————————————————————————————|
D|——————————————————————————————————————————————————|
A|—————————————1——1——1——1/3—————————————4——4——4——3\—|
E|—1——1——1——1———————————————4——4——4——4——————————————|

Pre—Chorus:

same as verses


Chorus:

same as intro only excluding the "last time" fill


Bridge:

G|———————————————————|————————————————————|
D|———————————————————|————————————————————|
A|———————————————————|—3——3—3——1——1———————|
E|—1——1——0——1——2——2——|———————————————4——3—|

Guitar Solo:

same as intro only excluding the "last time" fill

End note:
G|——————————————————————|
D|——————————————————————|
A|——————————————————————|
E|—1*————————————————————|
   ^let ring

The order goes

Intro
Verses each verse x3
Pre—Chorus x4
Chorus x6
Bridge x2
Guitar solo x8
verses x2
Chorus till end note
End note

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

miller_gbass

8 years, 2 months ago
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Not what my guitar teacher told me

NevermindNirvana

7 years, 2 months ago
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Chric Novoselic?
No worries anyway, GG mate

charlesesber

6 years, 1 month ago
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what does / mean

DrBrianMay

5 years, 9 months ago
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Ok, not too shabby.

Scummy

4 years, 1 month ago
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Don't forget the ghost notes.

1 1 1\3x4444 which gets the pick in a more efficient position.

(yeah, I am not a fan of picks but its how they get their sharper tone.)

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Nirvana — Smells Like Teen Spirit (100% Correct) bass tabs