Fly by Night is one of the most popular songs of the Canadian rock band, Rush. It was released in 1975 as the title track of their second album, and has since become a staple of rock radio stations around the world. The song features a catchy bass line that is easy to learn, yet fun to play. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to play the Fly by Night bass tab.
What is a bass tab?
A bass tab is a form of musical notation that is used to represent the bass guitar or any other bass instrument. It consists of numbers that indicate which frets to play on the bass guitar and which strings to pluck. Bass tabs are usually represented on a six-line staff that represents the six strings of the bass guitar.
How to read bass tabs?
Reading bass tabs is easy, and once you get the hang of it, you will be able to read any bass tab with ease. Here’s a quick guide on how to read bass tabs:
- The six lines on the tab represent the six strings on the bass guitar, with the thickest string (E) at the bottom and the thinnest string (G) at the top.
- The numbers on the tab indicate which fret to play on the corresponding string. For example, “3” on the E string indicates that you should play the third fret on the E string.
- If there is a number on top of another number, it means that you should play both notes at the same time. For example, “3/5” on the E string means that you should play the third and fifth frets on the E string at the same time.
- If there is an “x” on top of a string, it means that you should mute that string and not play it. This is usually done by lightly resting your finger on the string.
The Fly by Night bass tab
Now that you know how to read bass tabs, let’s move on to learning the Fly by Night bass tab. The bass line of this song is played by Geddy Lee, who is considered to be one of the best bassists of all time. Here’s how to play the Fly by Night bass tab:
- Start by tuning your bass guitar to standard tuning: E, A, D, G.
- Play the intro of the song, which starts with an open E string followed by the notes G, F#, and E on the A string.
- Next, play the main riff of the song, which consists of the notes A, G, F#, and E on the A string.
- After the main riff, play the chorus of the song, which consists of the notes A, G, F#, and E on the A string.
- Repeat the main riff and chorus until the end of the song.
Tips for playing the Fly by Night bass tab
Playing the Fly by Night bass tab can be challenging, especially if you are a beginner. Here are some tips to help you master the bass line:
- Start slow: Don’t try to play the song at full speed right away. Start slow and gradually increase your speed as you get comfortable with the bass line.
- Use a metronome: A metronome can help you keep a steady beat and improve your timing.
- Practice with a backing track: Playing along with a backing track can help you get a feel for the song and improve your groove.
- Watch videos of Geddy Lee playing the bass line: Watching videos of Geddy Lee playing the bass line can help you get a better understanding of how he plays it and give you some ideas for your own playing.
Conclusion
The Fly by Night bass tab is a classic bass line that every bassist should learn. It’s catchy, fun to play, and a great way to improve your skills. With the tips and techniques we’ve provided in this article, you’ll be able to master the bass line in no time. So grab your bass guitar and start playing!