Introduction

If you’re a fan of classic rock, chances are you’ve heard ZZ Top’s hit song “La Grange.” Known for its iconic blues riff and catchy lyrics, “La Grange” is a favorite among bassists looking to develop their skills. In this article, we’ll provide you with easy-to-follow bass tabs and tips to help you learn how to play “La Grange” on bass guitar.

Getting Started

The first thing you’ll need to do is tune your bass guitar. “La Grange” is in the key of A, so you’ll want to make sure your strings are tuned accordingly. Once your bass is tuned, you can start practicing the rhythm for the song. The main riff is a repeated pattern of notes that goes like this:

Main Riff

G|———————–

D|———————–

A|–0-0-0-2-2-2-3-3-3-0–

E|———————–

This riff is the backbone of the song and is played throughout most of the track. Practice playing this riff slowly and gradually increase your speed until you can play it at the original tempo.

Once you’ve got the rhythm down, it’s time to add in the fills and variations that make the song unique. These parts will take some time to master, but with practice, you’ll be able to play them effortlessly.

Adding Fills and Variations

The fills and variations in “La Grange” are what give the song its character. Here are some of the key fills and variations to look out for:

Fill 1

G|–4-4-4-5-5-5-7-7-7-5–

D|———————–

A|———————–

E|———————–

This fill is played after the main riff in the verses and is a signature part of the song. Practice playing it slowly and then gradually increase your speed until you can play it at tempo.

Fill 2

G|–4-4-4-5-5-5-7-7-7-5–

D|–7-7-7-5-5-5——-

A|———————–

E|———————–

This fill is played in the chorus and adds variation to the main riff. Take your time when learning this part and make sure you’re hitting the right notes.

Bridge

G|———————–

D|———————–

A|–0-0-0-2-2-2-3-3-3-0–

E|———————–

The bridge section is similar to the main riff but with a slightly different rhythm. Practice playing this part slowly and then build up to tempo.

By practicing each of these parts individually, you’ll be able to put them together to play the entire song. Take your time and work on each section until you feel confident in your ability to play it.

Conclusion

“La Grange” is a classic rock song that is perfect for bassists looking to improve their skills. By learning the main riff and the key fills and variations, you’ll be able to play along with the song and impress your friends with your new skills. Don’t be afraid to take your time when learning the different parts of the song. With practice, you’ll be able to play “La Grange” on bass guitar like a pro.