Excercise Bass Tabs - Spell Correctly @ BigBassTabs.com

Ok...you know how your fingers are numbered 1 2 3 4 when playing bass? Well, this
exercise
is really easy, there's nothing to it. You'll feel it in your forearms if you do it
for
a while though. Ok, go to the E string and start at the top fret. All you are doing
is playing
a scale down the E string, but you use a specific finger for each free. For the first
fret
you use 1, second 2, third 3 and fourth 4. Now do this down and up the E string and
other strings.




G             12344321
D         1234        4321
A     1234                4321
E 1234                        4321

It may not seem like much but it really helps.

Another thing you can do to make your finger next to your pinky stronger is use only
the
last three fingers of your hand while fretting. It would go like this, remember to
start
on the first fret of the E string, although you can do it anywhere on the fretboard
if you
wish:


G:          234432
D:       234      432
A:    234            432
B: 234                  432


Remember that the numbers on that scale do not represent fret numbers, they are
numbers
for your fingers.

1= Pointer Finger
2= Index Finger
3= Ring finger
4= Pinky

Hope this helps :)

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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