
If You Want Me To Stay — Sly And The Family Stone

This song has only one bassline which continues over and over 
again, with
subtle differences and embellishments.

This ENTIRE thing is slapped, but it sounds just as good played 
normal.

Bassist: Sly Stone.

g———————————————————|—————————————————|—————————————————    
d—7—7———————————————|———————————————2—|—3—3—3—3—3—3—3—3—
a———————————————————|———————5—3—3—3———|—————————————————
e—————5—5—5—5—5—5—4—|—3—3—3———————————|—————————————————

g——————————————————
d—5—5—5—5—————10—9—
a—————————7—7——————
e——————————————————

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

NRC5000

8 years, 2 months ago
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The tabs posted above are far from accurate.

https://youtu.be/55h7_UX_4yk?t=125

Copy and past the above URL into your browser, its the most accurate tabs and playing you'll find.

Ripa

7 years, 9 months ago
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Bassist isn't Sly, it's Rustee Allen.

MycoPsycho

4 years ago
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This is wildly inaccurate and incomplete. As if the intro is so difficult they just couldn't tab it out. And there are lots of variants on the main riff throughout. This gets you close enough so that the guy at Guitar Center will know what you're trying to play on the Fender you can't afford but it's not right.

MycoPsycho

4 years ago
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Oh and the “entire thing” is DEFINITELY not slapped.

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The Family Stone And Sly — If You Want Me To Stay (ver 2) bass tabs