How To Read Bass Tabs - In less than 5 minutes

The lines represent the bass strings.
The numbers represent the space behind the fret to be played. An open string would be represented by a "0".

The bottom line on the tab represents the thickest sting on the bass (The "E" string)
The top line on the tab represents the thin string on the bass (The "G" string)



Now lets break this tab down and show you what each of the symbols mean.



Play Note - Play each note by strumming or picking with your right hand and pressing down on the fret number shown

Hammer-On - Play the first note by strumming or picking with your right hand and pressing down on the fret number shown. Now press down on the second number shown without strumming or picking while the string is still vibrating.

Pull-Off - This is the opposite of a "Hammer-On". Again you play two notes by only picking the string once. This time you have both frets pushed down at the same time. You strum the string playing the first note and then lift that finger off the fret while still holding down the second note.
Slide - A slide is simply playing the first note and sliding down to the second with out taking your finger off the Fretboard

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