Bass Tablature (Tab) – A Basic Overview 

Reading Music vs. Tablature:  

Although reading music used to be one of the first things taught when you took Bass lessons, it has now taken a back seat to reading tablature.  Tablature has quickly become the new standard for reading music.  Why? Mainly because of how easy it is to learn!  Once you understand some simple pointers about tablature, you are quickly on your way!  

Tablature has taken over – and is everywhere in the guitar and bass world! 

But please keep in mind that reading music would still be very beneficial for any aspiring bass player - since the bass is mainly about playing notes – the more ways to read notes would be very helpful to your development.  If you are serious about playing the bass guitar – you need to take the time to learn to read tablature – start now, especially if you are a beginner or intermediate, and in no time, you will be reading tab like a pro.   

We have prepared a very helpful handout for bass players that want to learn to read tablature - check it out...   BASIC TABLATURE FOR BASS GUITAR CLICK HERE FOR HANDOUT!

Here are a couple of measures of a popular standard rock song to show an example of how tablature can look in a publication (sheet music, etc).               *The example above is for demonstration only, not for learning purposes, is not for sale, and should not be considered a lesson of any type...