How to Read Bass Tabs (12/18/2022)

If you're a musician, chances are you've heard of bass tabs. But what exactly are they? A bass tab is a type of musical notation that shows which strings and frets of the bass should be played to create a song. In short: it’s a visual representation of which fret and string combination will give you the desired note. While it’s great to be able to read music on a typical staff, learning tabs can be a shortcut to hitting the ground running when first picking up a bass. 

What does a bass tab look like? 

A typical bass tab looks something like this: 

G ------------------------------------

D ------------------5-----------------

A --------2----5---------5----2-------

E ---3-----------------------------3--

While the bass tab staff looks similar to the staff used in standard notation, the major difference is that the staff lines in bass tab represent the strings, not the actual notes. While tablature may vary depending on whether you’re on a 4- 5- or 6-string bass, the top line will always represent the highest pitched (thinnest) string and the bottom line represents the lowest (thickest) string .The numbers represent the frets, so you’re able to see exactly the combination of fret + string needed to achieve the notes for your desired song. Putting this into practice, let’s look at the tabs above. The first note (a “3” on the E string) means you’ll hold down the E string on the third fret and pluck that string (that’s a G!). Next you’ll move to the A string and play one note on the 2nd fret followed by one note on the 5th fret and so on. 

Try moving slowly through the tabs above. That’s A G-major triad!

Reading tabs can seem intimidating at first but with some practice, it will become second nature! Once you get comfortable with reading tabs, your ability as a bassist will grow exponentially thanks to all of the great songs that have been transcribed into tablature form over the years. Don't let yourself be overwhelmed by all of those lines and numbers – just focus on understanding one thing at a time and soon enough you'll master reading tabs! Good luck!