Introduction

If you’re a bass guitarist and a fan of Tom Petty, you’ll love learning how to play “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” on your instrument. This classic rock hit is known for its groovy bassline, which is simple enough for beginners but still fun to play for more advanced players.

In this article, we’ll provide bass tabs (short for tablature) for “Mary Jane’s Last Dance,” along with tips for how to play the song. We’ll assume you have some basic knowledge of bass guitar, including how to read tabs and play individual notes. If not, there are plenty of online resources that can help you get started.

Bass Tabs for Mary Jane’s Last Dance

First, let’s take a look at the bass tabs for the intro and verses of “Mary Jane’s Last Dance.” The song is in standard tuning (E-A-D-G), and each ‘|’ symbol represents one bar (four beats).

Intro:

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

Verse:

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

The chorus of “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” is a bit more complex, but still manageable for most bass players. Here are the tabs:

Chorus:

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

Bridge:

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

Outro:

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

Note that in some parts of the song, like the bridge, the bassline follows the guitar more closely. In other parts, like the chorus, it has its own distinct melody. Keep this in mind as you practice and listen to the song.

Tips for Playing Mary Jane’s Last Dance on Bass

Now that you have the tabs, here are some tips for how to play “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” on bass:

1. Focus on your timing. The bassline in this song is very rhythmic and needs to stay in sync with the drums and guitars. Use a metronome or drum machine to practice your timing.

2. Use your fingers, not a pick. Tom Petty’s bassist, Howie Epstein, played this song with his fingers rather than a pick, and it gives the bassline a warmer, more organic sound. Try playing it both ways and see which one you prefer.

3. Pay attention to dynamics. The song has several sections where the bassline drops out or comes back in with a strong accent. Make sure you’re playing these parts with the right amount of volume and intensity.

4. Experiment with fills and variations. While the tabs we provided should be enough to get you through the song, don’t be afraid to improvise and add your own twists. Try playing around with different rhythms, notes, and techniques to make the bassline your own.

By following these tips and practicing regularly, you’ll be able to master the bassline of “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” and impress your friends with your newfound skills.

Conclusion

“Mary Jane’s Last Dance” is a classic rock hit with a groovy bassline that’s fun and challenging to play. By using the bass tabs we provided and following our tips for how to play the song, you’ll be well on your way to mastering it on your own. Don’t forget to experiment and have fun!