PrintablePapers

Blank bass tab paper (4-string)

Four-line tablature staves for four-string bass, labelled TAB, twelve on a Letter page, for writing bass lines, riffs and exercises by fret number.

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Variations

Wider string spacing Larger staves that are easier to read at a distance. Without TAB label Plain four-line staves. Five-string banjo tab Five lines per staff instead.

What prints with the starting settings

Specifications of Bass tab paper – US Letter, as set when the page opens; the notes under the preview follow your changes
PaperUS Letter — 215.9 × 279.4 mm (8.5 × 11 in)
LayoutBass tab (4)
Tab staves on this page12
Line gap2.97 mm (staff 8.91 mm tall)
Margins1/2″
Line weight0.2 mm (bold 0.35 mm)
Print settingScale 100% / Actual size
Print at 100%. In the print dialog choose Scale 100% or Actual size (not “Fit to page”) and margins None. Grids measuring a few percent small? Calibrate your printer once and every download is corrected.
Printable bass tab paper – US Letter — preview of the PDF
Bass tab paper – US Letter, rendered by the same engine that makes the PDF.

Tab for the low end

Bass tablature is written on four lines, one per string, with numbers showing which fret to press. It is how most bass lines are shared and taught, because it needs no knowledge of reading notes. These sheets give you clean, evenly spaced four-line staves across the full page width, so transcriptions and lesson handouts look tidy.

Writing it down

  • Fret numbers go on the line of the string they are played on; 0 means the open string.
  • Rhythm can be shown with stems under the numbers, or by spacing the numbers evenly within each bar.
  • Bar lines are short vertical strokes through the four lines; draw them in with a ruler.
  • Techniques use letters: h for hammer-on, p for pull-off, / for a slide up, x for a muted note.

Using the page

Leave the space between staves for chord names, section labels like Verse and Chorus, or counting. For practice notebooks, print a stack and staple, or use the notebooks and packs page. Guitarists in the band can use guitar tab paper with six lines.

Printing

Print at 100% / Actual size on Letter or A4. The lines are printed in black at a fine weight that stays sharp on any home printer.

More sheet music & tab sheets

Frequently asked questions

How many staves are on a page?

Twelve on Letter and thirteen on A4 at the default spacing. Wider string spacing gives larger staves, so fewer fit.

Which line is which string?

The top line is the highest string (G on a standard bass) and the bottom line is the lowest (E). Write the string names at the left if it helps: G, D, A, E from top to bottom.

Can I use it for a five-string bass?

A five-string bass needs five lines. Use the five-line variation and label the strings G, D, A, E, B from top to bottom.

How far apart are the lines?

About 2.97 mm at the default setting, enough for two-digit fret numbers like 12.

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