Introduction

Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Higher Ground” is a classic rock anthem that features a heavily funk-influenced bassline. The song, which was originally performed by Stevie Wonder, has been covered numerous times, but the Red Hot Chili Peppers version is perhaps the most well-known. In this article, we will provide you with the ultimate guide to playing the bass tabs for “Higher Ground”, including step-by-step instructions and helpful transition words for a smooth reading experience.

Bass Tabs

Before we dive into the tutorial, here are the bass tabs for “Higher Ground”:

G|--------------------------------------|
D|-----------7-7-7-7-7-7-5-5-5-5-5-5-----|
A|-------5-5-----------------------7-7-|
E|-3-3-3--------------------------------|
			

As you can see, the bassline for “Higher Ground” is relatively simple and repetitive, which makes it an ideal song for beginners to tackle. The key to playing this song well is to maintain a tight groove and stay in sync with the drummer.

Tutorial

Now that you have the bass tabs in front of you, let’s break down each section of the song and learn how to play “Higher Ground” on bass step-by-step.

Intro/Verse

The intro and verse sections of “Higher Ground” feature the same bassline, which is played twice for each section. Begin by playing the open E string (the third string from the top) three times, then move down to the A string (the second string from the top) and play it twice. Next, play the fifth fret on the A string, followed by the seventh fret on the D string (the fourth string from the top), and then play the open A string again. Repeat this sequence twice. The entire bassline for the intro/verse section should look like this:

G|--------------------------------------|
D|-----------7-7-7-7-7-7-5-5-5-5-5-5-----|
A|-------5-5-----------------------7-7-|
E|-3-3-3--------------------------------|
			

When playing this section, pay close attention to your timing. The bassline should be played tightly with the drums, so be sure to stay in sync with the rhythm section.

Chorus

The chorus of “Higher Ground” features a slightly different bassline than the intro/verse section. Begin by playing the open E string three times, just like in the previous section. Next, move down to the fifth fret on the E string and play it twice. Then, play the third fret on the A string and follow it up with the fifth fret on the D string. Finally, play the open A string again. Repeat this sequence twice. The entire bassline for the chorus section should look like this:

G|--------------------------------------|
D|-----------5-5-7-7-7-7-5-5-------------|
A|-------3-3-----------------7-7-5-5-----|
E|-3-3-3--------------------------------|
			

Again, timing is key when playing the chorus section. Make sure to stay in sync with the drummer and keep a tight groove throughout.

Bridge

The bridge section of “Higher Ground” features a simple bassline that is played in a slightly different rhythm than the previous sections. Begin by playing the open E string three times, followed by the third fret on the A string played twice. Next, play the fifth fret on the A string, followed by the second fret on the D string. Finally, play the fifth fret on the D string and then the open A string. Repeat this sequence twice. The entire bassline for the bridge section should look like this:

G|--------------------------------------|
D|---------2-2-----5-5-----5-5-7-7-------|
A|-----3-3-------5-------2---------------|
E|-3-3-------3-3-----3-3-----------------|
			

As always, keep your timing tight and stay in sync with the drummer to make this section groove.

Outro

The outro section of “Higher Ground” features the same bassline as the chorus section but with a slightly different rhythm. Begin by playing the open E string three times, followed by the fifth fret on the E string played twice. Next, play the third fret on the A string and follow it up with the fifth fret on the D string. Finally, play the open A string again. Repeat this sequence twice. The entire bassline for the outro section should look like this:

G|--------------------------------------|
D|-----------5-5-7-7-7-7-5-5-------------|
A|-------3-3-----------------5-5-3-3-----|
E|-3-3-3--------------------------------|
			

Again, make sure to stay in sync with the drummer and keep a tight groove throughout the outro section.

Transition Words

Now that you have learned each section of “Higher Ground”, make sure to practice each section individually before putting them all together. Once you have a good grasp of each section, start putting the song together in its entirety. Use transition words like “next”, “then”, and “finally” to make moving from section to section easier.

As you work through the song, be sure to pay attention to your timing and always keep a tight groove. Remember, the bassline for “Higher Ground” is relatively simple, but it’s the tightness of the groove that really makes the song stand out.

Conclusion

“Higher Ground” is a classic rock song with a funky bassline that’s perfect for beginner bass players. By following the bass tabs in this article and working through the step-by-step tutorial, you should be able to play the song with ease in no time. Remember to pay attention to your timing and keep a tight groove throughout the song. With a bit of practice and dedication, you can master “Higher Ground” and add it to your repertoire of bass covers!