I Want To Break Free (Ver 3) Bass Tabs - Queen @ BigBassTabs.com

I want to break free (Greatest Hits) — Queen

This is the way I learnt to play it, and it's the first time I transcript a tab

Notes in parentesis are played sometimes but can be played without them, there are variations
on the Riffs 3, 4 and 5, but I'm just keeping it simple for the transcription. Listen to the song to get the rhythm.

Any correction is welcome.

Riff 1
G|———————————————————|        
D|—2———(2)—2——2——————|
A|———————————————4—2—|
E|———————————————————|

Riff 2
G|—2———(2)—2——2——————|
D|———————————————4—2—|
A|———————————————————|        
E|———————————————————|

Riff 3
G|———4———4———4———4———|
D|———————————————————|
A|—2———2———2———2—————|        
E|———————————————————|

Riff 4
G|———2———2———2———2———|
D|———————————————————|
A|—0———0———0———0—————|        
E|———————————————————|

Riff 5
G|———————————————————|
D|———2———2———2———2———|
A|———————————————————|
E|—0———0———0———0—————|        

Riff 6
G|———6———6———6———6———|
D|———————————————————|
A|—4———4———4———4—————|        
E|———————————————————|

Riff 7
G|———2———2———4———4———|
D|———————————————————|
A|—0———0———2———2—————|        
E|———————————————————|

Riff 8
G|———————————————————|
D|———2———6———7———8———|
A|———————————————————|
E|—0———4———5———6—————|        


HOW TO PLAY IT
——————————————
Bass enters with the vocals.

Riff1x6
I want to break free
I want to break free
I want to break free from your lies
			    Riff2x2
You're so self satisfied I don't need you
             Riff1x2
I've got to break free
     Riff3      Riff4           Riff5
God knows, God knows I want to break free.

Riff1x4
I've fallen in love
I've fallen in love for the first time
                            Riff2x2
And this time I know it's for real
                Riff1x2
I've fallen in love, yeah
     Riff3      Riff4           Riff5
God knows, God knows I've fallen in love.

Riff3         Riff4
It's strange but it's true
Riff3                  Riff4
I can't get over the way you love me like you do
Riff6        
But I have to be sure
Riff3
When I walk out that door
Riff7            Riff6
Oh how I want to be free, baby
Riff7            Riff6
Oh how I want to be free,
Riff7            Riff5
Oh how I want to break free.

Guitar Solo
First Part
Riff1x4 — Riff2x2 — Riff1x2 — Riff3 — Riff4 — Riff5
Second Part
Riff1x4 — Riff2x2 — Riff1x2 — Riff3 — Riff4 — Riff5 — Riff8 — Riff3 — Riff4 — Riff5

             Riff1x4
But life still goes on
I can't get used to, living without, living without,
                      Riff2x2
Living without you by my side
                     Riff1x2
I don't want to live alone, hey
    Riff3   Riff4          Riff5     Riff8
God knows, got to make it on my own
                  Riff3        Riff4
So baby can't you see
         Riff5
I've got to break free.

                Riff1x4
I've got to break free
		                       Riff2x2
I want to break free, yeah
Riff1xFade
I want, I want, I want, I want to break free.


Hope you enjoy.
Kemmotar

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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Queen — I want to break free (ver 3) bass tabs