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

7 years, 8 months ago
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No offense to the tabber, but how on earth did this get two five-star ratings??? C'mon, people.

karlo556 [author]

7 years, 8 months ago
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I mostly watched live versions of this songs. Some parts are from live footage some are my own. I'm sorry you disagree about it…

LoudLon

7 years, 8 months ago
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This is why I don't normally rate tabs. It's tough to low-grade someone's effort without coming off as a dick. I meant when I said no offense was intended toward you. But if you can look at your tab and honestly, objectively say it deserves the site's highest rating, I'll step off and keep my mouth shut.

Incidentally, I have a ton of 5-star ratings myself, but even I know not every tab I've submitted is perfect. If a tab is low-rated despite being accurate, I get pissed; if an imperfect tab is rated 5-stars, I get disappointed, because it means the person who rated it knows even less what they're talking about than I do LOL

karlo556 [author]

7 years, 8 months ago
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Well okay. I suppose you're right. I have no proof that this is 100% accurate. I only have my own point of view for this tab, so yeah I guess 5

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