Bass Tab for Head over Heels by Tears for Fears

Tabbed by Iain Irvine ([email protected])


Intro:

Let all notes Ring

G|———————————|——————————
D|———————————|——————————
A|—3—————————|—5————————
E|———————————|——————————

Repeat this four times i think then build up to verse whilst
holding the D

Verse:

This changes quite a lot but always has the same start and
finish fool around in the major scales in between

G|——————————————————————|—————————————————————
D|——————————————————————|—5——4——2——0—2~2——5—7—
A|——0~0——2——0——4——0—0~0—|—————————————————————
E|——————————————————————|—————————————————————

Chorus:

G|——————————————|——————————————
D|——————5—4—2—0—|——————————————
A|——————————————|——————————————
E|—3————————————|—0————3—3—5—5—

Before it goes to the next verse there is a drum break and
the bass goes

G|———————
D|—124——
A|———————
E|———————

A big slow slide right up the fretboard for about 2
bars i think

Then there is another verse and chorus then the outro/verse 3
(sounds like the intro)

Outro:

G|———12—11—9———12—11—9—|———12—11—9———12—11—9—
D|———————————————————————|———————————————————————
A|—3——————————3——————————|—5——————————5——————————
E|———————————————————————|———————————————————————

That is pretty much it apart from the odd fill and things like that, any
changes or comments email me.

Cheers

Iain Irvine

About Tears For Fears

Tears for Fears are an English pop rock duo formed in the early 1980s by Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith.

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

Tears For Fears — Head Over Heels (ver 2) bass tabs