U2 — "Desire" BASS TAB
———————————————————————————
Rens van den Braak ([email protected])

Ive searched the whole web for a right version of the U2—Desire Bass tab but I couldnt 
find a right one anywhere. So I thought: why not tab it myself! So here it is:

Tune down 1/2 step to: Eb Ab Db Gb
~ = let ring
/ = slide up

*Bass starts at 0:04

G|——————————————————|———————————————————————————————|
D|:—————————————————|———————————————————————————————|
A|:——5——————————————|———————————————————————————————| 
E|——————5——0———5——0—|—5—/10——5——0———5——0——5—/10—etc.|
__________________/ ____________________/
         |                       |
Only the beginning!           Main X 7

Note: you must play the part that says: only the beginning once and the part that says 
Main is the Main tab that Adam plays almost during the whole song. (Dont forget the 
slide from —5— to —10— each time you play the main!)

*After 7 time the Main, you play:

G|————————————————————————————————|
D|:———————————————————————————————|
A|:——5———5———5—5—5————————————————| 
E|——————————————————5———5———5—5—5—|
_________________________________/
                |
             Chorus X 1

*Then you slide back to the main again and you play the main 10 X

*Chorus X 1

*Main X 4

*Then from 1:01 till 1:06 a pause

*Chorus X 1

*Main X 4

*Then:  

G|———————————————————————————————|———————————————————————————|
D|:——————————————————————————————|———————————————————————————|
A|:—5———5———5—5—5————————————————|—5———5———5—5—5——5———7———2~—|—little pause 
E|—————————————————5———5———5—5—5—|———————————————————————————|

*Then at 1:30
G|————————————————————|
D|:———————————————————|
A|:——5————————————————| X 4 
E|——————5——0———5——0—5—|
*Then you slide back to the main again and you play the main 10 X

*Chorus 1 X 

*Main 17 X

*Then from 2:45 till 2:48 a pause

*And last but not least:

G|————————————|
D|:———————————|
A|:——5————————|
E|——————5——0~—|

I hope its clear enough because it was quite hard to tab with that irritating slide in 
it. If its not clear, just send me an e—mail so I can explain it a bit to you :)

About U2

U2 are a rock band from Dublin, Ireland. The group consists of Bono (vocals and guitar), The Edge (guitar, keyboards, and vocals), Adam Clayton (bass guitar), and Larry Mullen, Jr. (drums and percussion).

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

U2 — Desire bass tabs