Behind Blue Eyes (Ver 5) Bass Tabs - Who @ BigBassTabs.com

Title: Behind Blue Eyes               By: The Who
CD: Who's Next
Tabbed by:  Rick D. Huff, M.S.

NOTE: This is not intended to be an exact tab, only the basics. Listen 
to the tune and you will hear subtle variation in the bass parts after 
the intro. Listen closely and you will hear some really tasty timing 
use of octaves, fifths and double plucking. This tune is fun to play, 
and it's a great tune. Enjoy.

Tuning: EADG

Chorus (after two bars):

G—————————————————————————————|——————53————————————|
D—————————5—5———5—————————7—7—|——4—————53———7——7—7—|
A——7654—33—5———5——3345————————|—2—2—3————345———————|
E——————————————————————3—0—0——|———————————————5—5——|

Verse: 
G——————————————|——————75————————————|
D————————5—————|————————75——————————|
A—————5—3—3————|—————5————7543——————|
E—00—3——————35—|—00—3—————————35—55—|

Chorus:
G——————————————|——————53————————————|
D————5—————————|——4—————53———7———7—7|
A—3—5——3—5—————|—2—2—3————345———————|
E——————————3—0—|———————————————55—5—|

Bridge:  (4x)     (3x)             (2x)
G———————————————|—————————————|————————————|
D———————————————|—————————————|————————————|
A———77—77———————|—55—55———————|—77—77——————|
E—5———————77—55—|———————77—55—|——————77—55—|

(Outro to last verse and ending)
G———————————————————————————————————|
D———————————————————————————————————|
A———————55————————55———————55———————|
E—77—5—3————77—5—3———77—5—3———77—77—|

Verse: 
G———————75———————————|
D—————————75—————————|
A——————5————753——————|
E——00—3————————35—55—|

 Email: [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! 🎸

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