Bass Tabs Walk On The Wild Side

Okay, let's talk about something slightly controversial. Something that might make some bass players clutch their pearls. Are you ready?

I'm talking about Lou Reed's "Walk on the Wild Side" bassline. Specifically, the *tabs*. Yes, the *tabs*.

The Tab Temptation

We've all been there, right? You hear that iconic bassline. It's smooth, it's cool, it's got that undeniable *je ne sais quoi*. You immediately think: "I MUST LEARN THIS!"

So, you do what any sane (or insane) bass player does. You hit up Google. And BAM! Bass tabs. Everywhere. Glorious, tempting bass tabs.

But here's my unpopular opinion. The tabs? They're not the *real* "Walk on the Wild Side". At least, not the whole story.

Note-for-Note? Note Really

Sure, the tabs give you the notes. They tell you where to put your fingers. You can technically *play* the bassline using them.

But something's missing. That magic. That groove. That... Lou Reed-ness of it all.

It’s like trying to paint the Mona Lisa by numbers. You might get the colors right. But you won't get the soul, will you?

The Groove is the Thing

That bassline, crafted by the legendary Herbie Flowers, isn't just about the notes. It's about the feel. It's about the *pocket*.

It's about how those notes interact with the drums, with the vocals, with the entire vibe of the song. Tabs can't teach you that.

They can't teach you the subtle nuances, the little pushes and pulls, the barely-there slides that make that bassline so iconic.

A Little Bit of Ear Training

Here's where I might lose some people. I’m going to say it anyway: try learning it by ear! I know, I know. It sounds daunting. But trust me on this.

Even just trying to pick out the first few notes by ear forces you to listen. *Really* listen.

You start to internalize the groove. You start to feel the music in a way that tabs simply can't provide.

My Unpopular Opinion, Continued

Look, I'm not saying tabs are evil. They can be a helpful starting point. Especially for beginners.

But relying solely on tabs for "Walk on the Wild Side" (or any song, really) is like eating a pre-packaged sandwich when you could be enjoying a gourmet meal.

You're getting the bare minimum. You're missing out on the full flavor experience.

Beyond the Paper

So, ditch the tabs (at least for a little while). Put on your headphones. Close your eyes.

Let Herbie Flowers's bassline wash over you. Try to feel it. Try to internalize it. Try to find that groove.

And then, when you pick up your bass, you'll be walking on the *real* wild side. The side that's about feel, about groove, about truly understanding the music.