Introduction
Are you a fan of the White Stripes and their iconic hit “7 Nation Army”? Do you wish to learn how to play the iconic bass riff that made this song so popular? Look no further, as we will guide you through the tabs and show you the ropes of playing this hit song like a pro.
What is a Bass Tab?
Before we dive into the “7 Nation Army” bass tab, let us understand what a bass tab is. A bass tab is a form of sheet music that represents the fingerings and positions of a bass guitar. It differs from standard notation as it is more straightforward and easier to read.
The “7 Nation Army” Bass Tab
Now that we have a basic understanding of bass tabs, let us move on to the iconic “7 Nation Army” bass tab. The song only has two parts: the riff and the chorus. The bass riff is the most recognizable part of the song and is played throughout the verses.
The bass line of the song is very simple and consists of a repetitive pattern of notes. The notes are played in the following order: G, F, E, D. The first step to playing this riff is to have a good grasp of the finger placements on the bass guitar.
Finger Placement
The finger placement for the “7 Nation Army” bass riff is relatively easy. The notes are played on the E string, and the finger placement is as follows:
- G – 3rd fret, E string
- F – 1st fret, E string
- E – Open E string
- D – 3rd fret, A string
Playing the Riff
Once you have a good grip on the finger placement, you can start playing the “7 Nation Army” bass riff. The notes are played in a repetitive pattern, and the rhythm is straightforward. The rhythm of the riff is as follows:
- G – 1 beat
- F – 1 beat
- E – 2 beats
- D – 2 beats
The riff is played throughout the verses of the song and is the most recognizable part of the song.
The Chorus
The second part of the song is the chorus. The chorus is played on the A and D strings and is relatively easy to play. The notes for the chorus are as follows:
- A – 5th fret, E string
- C – 3rd fret, A string
- D – 5th fret, A string
The chorus is played after each verse, and the rhythm is straightforward. The rhythm for the chorus is as follows:
- A – 2 beats
- C – 1 beat
- D – 1 beat
Tips and Tricks
Playing the “7 Nation Army” bass riff is relatively easy. However, to make it sound like a pro, you need to focus on the following tips and tricks:
- Pay attention to your timing and rhythm. The riff is played at a particular tempo, and it is essential to keep the timing consistent.
- Work on your finger strength and dexterity. The riff requires a lot of finger strength, and it is essential to develop your finger muscles for optimal playing.
- Experiment with different playing styles. The beauty of playing the bass guitar is the ability to experiment with different playing styles. Try playing the riff with different finger placements or add different techniques to make it sound unique.
Conclusion
Playing the “7 Nation Army” bass riff is relatively easy and is an excellent starting point for beginners. The riff is iconic and recognizable and is a great addition to any bass player’s repertoire. With a good grasp of finger placement and timing, you can play the riff like a pro.