Introduction

Clocks by Coldplay is one of the most iconic and recognizable songs of the 21st century. Its catchy melody and unforgettable piano riff have endeared it to millions of fans worldwide. But the song is not just about the piano – the bassline is an integral part of its infectious groove. In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide to playing the bass part of Clocks, complete with accurate tabs and helpful tips to ensure you get it right.

The Basics

Before we start, it’s worth noting that Clocks is played in 4/4 time signature. The bass part consists of a simple yet effective riff that is repeated throughout the song, with some variations in the second half of the song. The riff uses the E string and the A string, and is played mostly with your fingers rather than a pick.

Tablature

Here’s the basic tablature for the main riff of Clocks:

				G|-----------------------|-----------------------|
				D|-----------------------|-----------------------|
				A|--0--0h2--2--5--5--0--0-|--0--0h2--2--5--5--0--0-|
				E|-----------------------|-----------------------|
			

As you can see, the riff consists of four notes played on the A string, followed by three notes played on the E string. The note in between the two consecutive 5’s is a hammer-on, which means you play it without plucking the string again. You then repeat the riff several times, gradually building up the intensity by playing it louder and faster.

Tips

To make the riff sound even better, try the following tips:

• Use your fingers rather than a pick – this will give the riff a warmer, more rounded tone
• Practice the hammer-on in the first half of the riff until it sounds smooth and effortless
• Gradually increase the tempo as the song progresses, but avoid rushing – it’s important to maintain the groove
• Experiment with playing the riff using different dynamics – try playing it softly or loudly to create contrast and keep the listener engaged

Variations

In the second half of the song, the bassline becomes more complex, with additional notes and fills. Here’s the tablature for the first variation:

				G|---------------------------|-----------------------|
				D|---------------------------|-----------------------|
				A|--0--0h2--2--5--5--0--0--5-|--5--5--3--3/5--5--0--0-|
				E|---------------------------|-----------------------|
			

As you can see, the variation adds a new note at the end of the riff, played on the A string. This note leads into the next section of the song and gives the bassline a sense of progression. The slash in the tab indicates a slide – you slide your finger from the third fret to the fifth fret on the D string without plucking the string again.

Here’s the tablature for the second variation:

				G|-----------------------|---------------------------|
				D|-----------------------|-----------------------7---|
				A|--0--0h2--2--5--5--0--0-|--0--0h2--2--5--5--7--7-----|
				E|-----------------------|---------------------------|
			

This variation adds a new phrase to the bassline, played on the G string. The timing of this phrase is slightly different, so make sure to practice it slowly and get the rhythm right. The 7 in the tab indicates that you play the seventh fret on the D string.

Conclusion

Playing the bass part of Clocks is not difficult, but it does require practice and attention to detail. By following the tips and practicing the variations, you can ensure that your performance of the song is accurate and compelling. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, learning Clocks is a fun and rewarding challenge that will improve your bass playing skills. So pick up your bass guitar and start playing!