How do you read bass tabs?

Question

I know that each line is the string, and the numbers are the frets, but I cant figure out the tempo or rythem or anything. Im trying to play back in black and it looks like this:

G:-------------------------------------------------
D:-------------------------------------------------
A:-------5-5-5-------------------------------------
E:-0---------------5-5-5---------------------------

G:-------------------------------------------------
D:-------------------------------------------------
A:-------5-5-5-------------------------------------
E:-0---------------5-5-5-----8-5--8-6--8-7--8-7----

i know how the song goes and everything, but cant read the tab.

Answer 1

Yo. I play bass as well. I'll try to explain that tab to you.

The problem with tabs is that they do not show tempo or rhythm. The only way to know the rhythm is to have heard the song. Since you know how the song goes, you should be able to play the tab with correct rhythm.

Now hold the bass normally. The first 0 in the tab means that on the first note of the song you should strum the lowest string without pressing any frets down. The first series of 5's means that you then press down on the 5th fret of the 2nd lowest string and strum it 3 times. Lastly, press the 5th fret of the lowest string and strum it 5 times.

So since you know how the song goes, it should be easy. This will look stupid, but I'll try to type out the rhythm for you.

G:------------------------------------------------------------
D:------------------------------------------------------------
A:------------5-5-5--[rest]---------------------------------
E:-0-[rest]------------------5-5-5--[rest]--[rest]--[rest]

There are three major notes in the song. Each time the guitar changes notes in the song is when you should play the bass notes. Listen to the guitar in Back in Black to get the rhythm down.
Hope I helped. Keep rockin

Answer 2

Instructions 1 Look at the lines representing the strings. Almost all bass tabs are written for a four string bass, but some are written for a five or six string bass. There are four lines representing each string, lowest (E) on the bottom and highest (G) on the top. 2 Find the numbers on the lines. These numbers represent the fret that you hold down and on which string you play. For example, a 2 on the A string would mean holding down the second fret on the A string and playing it. 3 Follow time by reading left to right. The notes that are farthest left are the first ones to be played. Also, vertical lines on the strings represent bar lines so that you can see how many notes there are per bar. 4 Notice any special markings on the string lines that show how to play a note. Special markings could be a "/" that means slide up, a "\" that means slide down, a "^" that indicates to bend the string, a "p" that means to pull-off or an "h" that means to hammer on.

Answer 3

Well you should also listen to the song and hear how their bassist plays it - you can replicate the phrase by looking at the tabs, and mimic his playing. You hit the empty top string once (E), then three times in short intervals the second string at the 5th fret (D), then top string at 5th fret (or open second string, all the same), etc. I don't know how to answer to you, it's like asking "How should I read letter 'A'?"

Answer 4

The bad thing about tabs is that they don'tgive you the rhythms to the song. Listen to the bass part next time you hear the song. Make sure you don't have to tune your guitar in another key... some songs use different keys then the standard.

Answer 5

You're reading it correctly. As the others said, just listen to it and play along. Also try GuitarPro or Tab Power. Great programs that have tabs & notes. They also play the song in midi format. Check it out.

Good luck mate.

Answer 6

turn your bass so the strings are facing towards you

the lines in the tabs are the strings

the numbers are what frets you play(0 is open)

Answer 7

well, that's one of the flaws of tabs. can't really judge a tempo from it. just listen to that part of the song and see if you can find it.

but, there's a good possibility if you got it offline it's wrong. try ultimateguitar.com they have a good ratings system on all their tabs. i like it. that or 911tabs.com

aside from that. maybe adjust the tuning or tone if you have to.

Answer 8

The rhythm is easy if u listen 2 the song........
Its the same as the guitar
Most tabs have no rhythm

Answer 9

ompa lompa dompa dee du

Answer 10

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObUVmIHUMTA