0-9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Petty, Tom — Running Down A Dream bass tabs




The tab for this before hand is crap, fealt the need to put it right,

Sir Steven. this is my interpretation of the song ,
main verse,
E D E
g/——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————/
d/——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————/
a/777777777777777777777777/5555555555555555/777777777777777777777777/repeat
as neccesary
e/——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————/

chorus D,G,E,,,,,,,,E,G,A
g/—————————————————/——————————————/ repeat as nessesary,
d/—————————————————/——————————————/
a/ 55——————————————/——————————————/
e/—————33——00000000/00—33—55555555/

bridge part. E C D
g/——————————————————————————————————————————————————/
d/——————————————————————————————————————————————————/
a/7777777777777777/3333333333333333/5555555555555555/
e/——————————————————————————————————————————————————/
verse,
chorus,
solo—Repeat the bridge as nessesary for the solo,

Thats it, i didnt use proper time scales, but if u cant play this
song after looking at
this tab i suggest you give up!!!!!!!!!!!
Tablature player for this song:
Petty, Tom - Running Down A Dream Bass Tab

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

9 years, 4 months ago
Report this comment
Permlink Quote
“That's it, i didn't use proper time scales, but if u cant play this
song after looking at this tab i suggest you give up!!!!!!!!!!!”

THIS is all I needed. Thanks man. And kudos for the last paragraph. Hilariously true!!!
Seriously thought there would be a lot more. Couldn't agree with the last paragraph! Too funny!

Post a comment