Shape Of My Heart Bass Tabs - Sting @ BigBassTabs.com

From: [email protected] (Ben Scott)

I agree, it's a great album. Iparticulaarly like track 10, Shape of My Heart.
It's a beautiful song, using the same smooth style of classical guitar that 
aappeared alot on Soul Cages. I don't exaactly know the chords but here is the
main riff.

e|5————5——|4————4——|2————2——|2———1———|5————5——|4————4——|2————2——|2———1———|
b|————————|————————|————————|——2———2—|————————|————————|————————|——2———2—|
g|———6————|———6————|———4————|————————|———7————|———6————|———4————|————————|

(note the change from D maj7 in first bar to D in 5th bar. This may not occur 
all the way through.
The bridge (for example at 'money for this art') is approx. as follows.

(just pluck around the chords, as I'm not sure of exact notes played. You'll
get the idea anyway!)
|D———————|A———C#——|D———F#m F#m/maj7|D——————|

Oops, I just realised that the last bit should be twice as slow as I've written it. ie |D—————|D—————|A—————| etc.
(I'm not familiar enough with this editing system to know how to delete line or
characters after carrage returns.

Anyway, hope you can make some sense of this,
                      [email protected]

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! 🎸

Forum

Sting — Shape Of My Heart bass tabs