Introduction

Whole Lotta Love is a song by Led Zeppelin and is widely considered one of the greatest rock songs of all time. The bassline played by John Paul Jones is an essential part of the song and is relatively easy to play for beginners. With our easy to follow bass tabs, you can learn how to play the bassline yourself.

Before we delve into the bass tabs, let’s take a brief look at the history of the song and the band behind it.

The History of Whole Lotta Love

The song was recorded for Led Zeppelin’s second album and was released as a single in several countries, including the United States where it reached the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Whole Lotta Love is known for its iconic riff and dynamic structure, featuring sections of heavy rock and psychedelic sounds.

About Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin is a British rock band that formed in 1968 and consists of guitarist Jimmy Page, singer Robert Plant, bassist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham. The group is widely regarded as one of the most influential bands in the history of rock music, and their sound was characterized by powerful guitar riffs, intricate drumming, and emotive vocals.

Bass Tabs for Whole Lotta Love

Here are the bass tabs for the main riff of Whole Lotta Love:

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

The bassline follows a simple pattern of playing the open E string followed by the third fret of the E string three times, then repeating. The riff is played throughout most of the song and is the foundation for the entire track.

As the song progresses, the bassline becomes more complex and features a few variations. Here is the bass tab for the bridge section of the song:

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

This section of the song features more complicated bassline rhythms and incorporates some sliding and shifting of the left hand on the neck. It’s a fun section to play and adds a dynamic element to the song.

For the chorus section of the song, the bassline changes again. Here is the tab for the chorus:

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

This section features a melody that shifts between the fifth and the third frets on the A string. It helps to create the chorus’ memorable melody and complements the other instruments in the song.

These are the core bass tabs for Whole Lotta Love. By mastering these tabs and incorporating some of your own variations, you can create your own version of the bassline.

Tips for Playing the Bassline

Playing the bassline for Whole Lotta Love is relatively easy, but it takes some practice to master. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Practice playing the main riff of the song until you can play it smoothly and consistently.
• Use your pinky finger to play the third fret of the E string. This will help you slide towards the bridge section of the song.
• Pay attention to the rhythm and timing of the notes. This will help you play in sync with the other instruments in the song.
• Experiment with adding your own variations and fills to the bassline. This will make your version of the song unique and personalized.

Conclusion

Whole Lotta Love is a classic song by one of the most influential bands in the history of rock music. The bassline played by John Paul Jones is an essential component of the song and is relatively easy to learn for beginners. By mastering the bass tabs for the song and practicing the tips we’ve outlined, you’ll be able to play Whole Lotta Love like a pro.

Whether you’re an aspiring bassist or a die-hard Led Zeppelin fan, learning how to play Whole Lotta Love is a must. With our easy to follow bass tabs and tips, you’ll be able to learn the song in no time and impress your friends and family with your skills.