How To Read Bass Tab
Here is a quick and easy guide to show you how to read bass tab. Below is an example of a blank bass tab diagram. Each of the lines represents a string on your bass guitar. G ---------------------------D ---------------------------A ---------------------------E ---------------------------The bottom line is the E string, which is the thickest string on your bass. The top string is the G string, the thinnest string. G ------------------------------D --------------------4---------A --------1----4---------------E ---2--------------------------In bass tab the notes are shown as fret numbers. The fret number is written on the string that you play. In the above example you would play the 2nd fret on the E string followed by the 1st fret on the A-string, then the 4th fret on the A-string, and finally the 4th fret on the Dstring. G ----------------------------|----------------D ----------------------------|----------------A ----------------------------|----------------E ----------------------------|----------------The above example shows the tab split into bars using horizontal lines. Common Bass Tab Symbols A P (p) = a pull-off An H (h) = a hammer-on A forward slash ( / ) = a slide moving up in pitch A back slash ( \ ) = a slide moving down in pitch An X = a ghost note A caret (^) = a bend Below The Tab Symbols Sometimes you will see an S and a P below the tab. The S represents a ‘slap’ and the P indicates a ‘pop’. You may also see a T below the tab and this means the note should be tapped. It might also have an L or R, this tells you which finger to tap with. (Based on being right handed) www.SpeedyBass.com