Introduction

If you’re a bassist who loves heavy music, you’re probably familiar with the band Down. This American supergroup formed in 1991, featuring members from bands like Pantera, Corrosion of Conformity, Crowbar, and Eyehategod. Down has released several albums over the years, with their sound ranging from sludge metal to southern rock.

As a bassist, learning to play Down songs can be an excellent way to improve your skills and expand your repertoire. In this guide, we’ll provide you with 4 string bass tabs for some of Down’s most popular songs. We’ll also cover some basic techniques that will help you play these songs like a pro.

Basic Techniques for Playing Down Songs

Before we dive into the tabs, it’s important to cover some basic techniques that you’ll need to master in order to play Down songs effectively.

Downpicking

One of the most distinctive aspects of Down’s music is the heavy use of downpicking. This technique involves striking the strings with a downward motion of your picking hand.

It’s important to practice downpicking at slower tempos before trying to play it at full speed. This will help you develop the right hand stamina that you’ll need to play Down’s fast and heavy riffs.

Palm Muting

Another important technique used in Down songs is palm muting. This involves resting the edge of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge, which creates a muted sound. Palm muting can be used to add some punch to your downpicked notes.

Make sure to experiment with different levels of muting, as well as different picking positions, to find the sound that works best for each song.

Slides

Slides are another important technique used in Down’s music. This involves sliding your finger up or down the fretboard to produce a smooth and fluid transition between notes.

Pay attention to the finger placement and the amount of pressure you use when sliding. It’s important to be precise with your movements to get the desired effect.

Vibrato

Vibrato is a technique that involves rapidly bending and releasing the string to produce a slight oscillation in pitch. This can add some depth and emotion to your playing.

Practice adding vibrato to sustained notes, and experiment with different speeds and intensities to find the right sound for each song.

Down Bass Tabs

Now that we’ve covered some basic techniques, let’s dive into the 4 string bass tabs for some of Down’s most popular songs. These tabs are designed for a 4 string bass tuned to standard EADG tuning.

Losing All

G|----------------------|
D|----------------------|
A|----------------------|
E|--3-3-3-3-1-0-0-0-1-1--|
			

This riff is a great example of Down’s heavy and downpicked sound. Make sure to keep your picking hand loose to avoid tension, and focus on a consistent down-up motion.

Stone the Crow

G|-------------------------------------|
D|-------------------------------------|
A|--5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5----|
E|-------------------------------------|
			

This song features a bluesy and melodic bassline. Pay attention to the timing and phrasing, and experiment with slides and vibrato to add some feeling to the notes.

Ghosts Along the Mississippi

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

This riff is a great example of how Down combines heavy riffs with melodic hooks. Focus on the palm muting to accentuate the downbeat, and use slides to transition between notes smoothly.

N.O.D.

G|------------------------------|
D|------------------------------|
A|------------------------------|
E|--0-0-0-0-3-3-3-3-5-5-5-5-0-0--|
			

This riff is a great example of how Down can alternate between fast and slow tempos. Practice your downpicking to keep up with the faster sections, and use slides to glide between notes in the slower parts.

Eyes of the South

G|--------------------------------------------|
D|--------------------------------------------|
A|--5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-2-2-2-2--|
E|--------------------------------------------|
			

This song features a heavy and groovy bassline. Pay attention to the timing and the emphasis on certain notes, and use vibrato to add some character to sustained notes.

Conclusion

Learning to play Down songs on your bass guitar can be a great way to improve your skills and expand your musical horizons. By mastering techniques like downpicking, palm muting, slides, and vibrato, you can play like a pro and impress your audience.

With these 4 string bass tabs for some of Down’s most popular songs, you can start learning today. Remember to practice slowly and consistently, paying attention to timing, phrasing, and technique. By putting in the work, you can become a master of the heavy and melodic sound of Down.