How do you read bass tab?

Answer 1

Bass tabs have this general format if you are getting them from the internet: Four lines going from left to right. Sometimes the tab specifies the length for each note, but sometimes the tab can be read like a piece of music. The four lines correspond to the four strings on a bass, with the top line being the G string and the bottom line being the E string. The lines have numbers on them. These numbers represent the fret that should be played. For example, if the top line had a four on it, one would play the fourth fret from the top on the G string. If there is a 0 one plays the string without fretting a note. Their are variations to tabs (not only numbers). Their can be rests, which are usually represented with an R. Also, there can be an x for hitting the string instead of playing a note. Usually there is a key at the begging of tabs for variations in the tab. A good site for tabs is www.ultimate-guitar.com. Also a great site to learn in more detail about bass tabs is http://www.play-bass.com/how_to_read_bass_tabs.html

Answer 2

Bass tabs are a great way to start playing quickly and easily. The lines refer to the strings, the top line being the G (one nearect your leg as you hold it to play, but the highest actual note), the second line being the D and so on. The numbers then refer to the fret, so a number 3 on the top line would mean play the third fret on the G string.

Check out http://www.bassmasta.net/ for some great tabs