If you are looking for accurate bass tabs and sheet music for how to play “Somebody Told Me” by The Killers on bass, get ready for a more dynamic, movement-heavy bassline. Bassist Mark Stoermer brings a tighter, more agile approach here, with a line that shifts across the fretboard while still locking in with the groove. Below, you will find the officially licensed sheet music, my Session Notes on improving fretboard control and timing, and a timestamped breakdown to help you practice along with the original track.
Get the Accurate Somebody Told Me Bass Transcription (PDF & Sheet Music)
Feel free to just jump straight in to the tab and sheet music at the links below, but make sure you come back to check out my session notes on tone, technique, and the song’s breakdown!
👉 Download from Sheet Music Direct
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👉 Download from MuseScore
👉 Download from Musicnotes
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Listen To The Original Track
Before you dive into the sheet music, press play below and pay close attention to how Mark Stoermer balances groove and space, locking in with the drums while letting the bassline breathe and punch through during the verses and choruses.
Song Structure:
- 0:00 – Intro: The track opens with chaotic synths and a massive drum fill. When the bass enters, it immediately establishes a furious, driving dance-punk groove. Dig in hard with your pick to match the energy of the four-on-the-floor kick drum.
- 0:20 – Verse 1: The bass drops into a tight, pulsing eighth-note rhythm. You must stay absolutely locked into the grid here—the entire dance feel of the song relies on the bass not rushing the beat.
- 0:45 – Pre-Chorus 1: The chord progression opens up and the bass outlines the changes. Keep your picking hand relaxed but completely consistent as the tension builds toward the massive hook.
- 1:06 – Chorus 1: The energy explodes. The bass has to cut through a dense wall of fuzz guitars and soaring synths. Let your high-mids ring out and play with absolute conviction.
- 1:20 – Verse 2: Right back into the pulsing, disciplined groove. It is easy to let your timing slip after the adrenaline of the first chorus, so focus entirely on locking back in with the hi-hat and kick.
- 1:30 – Pre-Chorus 2: The tension begins to mount once again. Keep that aggressive pick attack steady.
- 1:51 – Chorus 2: Another massive chorus. Push the momentum forward without speeding up the tempo.
- 2:05 – Bridge: The groove shifts here, featuring syncopated hits and a more dynamic, choppy rhythm. This is a great moment to let the bass breathe slightly before the final, relentless build-up back into the hook.
- 2:31 – Chorus 3: The explosion back into the main chorus. Summon your remaining right-hand stamina.
- 2:45 – Chorus 4: The anthemic energy sustains. Ensure you are pressing firmly on the fretboard so every single note rings out cleanly amidst the chaos.
- 3:14 – Chorus 5 / Outro: The final sprint to the finish line. The driving eighth notes remain completely relentless right up until the track’s iconic, abrupt stop.
Song Information
Title: Somebody Told Me
Artist: The Killers
Album: Hot Fuss
Bassist: Mark Stoermer
Difficulty: Intermediate
Tuning: Half-Step Down Tuning
Key: A♯ Minor
Tempo: 138
Bass Diary Entry: Groove Meets Movement
There’s no denying how huge Somebody Told Me by The Killers was back in 2004. It felt like it was everywhere when I was at school—and rightly so, because it’s an absolute tune.
While it never quite reached the untouchable status of Mr. Brightside (but honestly, what does?), it carries that same infectious energy—just with a bit more bite and movement in the low end.
From a bass perspective, this is where Mark Stoermer really lets loose a bit more. Unlike the driving, repetitive pulse of Mr. Brightside, this bassline is far more active, constantly shifting around the fretboard and adding a sense of momentum that pushes the song forward.
That movement makes it a completely different kind of challenge. Instead of locking into one pattern and maintaining it, you’re navigating position changes, string crossings, and quick transitions—all while keeping that tight, danceable groove intact. It’s much more of a workout for your fretting hand, especially if you’re aiming to keep everything clean and consistent at full tempo.
The key here is economy of motion. Keep your fingers close to the fretboard, plan your position shifts, and don’t let the busyness of the line pull you out of time. Even though there’s more going on, the groove still needs to feel effortless.
It’s a brilliant example of how a slightly more adventurous bassline can elevate a track without ever overcomplicating it—still catchy, still punchy, just with a bit more to get your hands around.
Session Notes: Tone & Technique
The Groove & Harmony
To master this track, you have to understand that Mark Stoermer plays like a percussionist. The groove is the engine of the song, and the harmony is surprisingly sophisticated for a “dance-rock” anthem.
- Syncopation with the Kick: While it sounds like a straight line of notes, the “groove” comes from the slight emphasis on the “one” and “three” to match the kick drum’s impact.
- The Driving Eighth-Note Pulse: The core of the groove is a relentless eighth-note “motorik” feel. You need to be locked in at 138 BPM without dragging or rushing to maintain that “indie-club” energy.
- Harmonic Foundation: The song is centered around B Minor, providing a dark, moody foundation that allows the synths to sparkle.
- The “Pocket” Strategy: During the verses, the bass stays largely on the root notes to anchor the track, but listen for the subtle octave jumps and chromatic transitions that lead into the chorus.
Emulating the Indie Rock Tone
The “Killers sound” is defined by a mix of vintage warmth and modern “clank.” If your tone is too clean, the bass will disappear; if it’s too distorted, it loses the “pop” appeal.
- The Fender P-Bass Growl: Mark Stoermer’s signature sound on this record comes from a Fender Precision Bass, known for its aggressive mid-range punch.
- Aggressive Pick Attack: To emulate the sharp, percussive front-end of each note, you must use a heavy-gauge pick (1.0mm or thicker).
- The “Secret Sauce” Overdrive: Use a light overdrive or a “saturated” preamp setting—aim for just enough hair to add harmonics without losing the low-end fundamental.
- EQ Focus:
- Boost the High-Mids: This captures the “snap” of the pick against the roundwound strings.
- Cut the Ultra-Lows: Removing some of the sub-bass prevents the mix from becoming “muddy” when the synths kick in.
Get the Official Sheet Music
You’ve made it this far, so don’t settle for “close enough” tabs that often miss the nuances that make a bass line groove.
This Somebody Told Me bass transcription is the result of hours of deep listening and research, ensuring you’re playing exactly what’s on the record.
Whether you’re prepping for a session or mastering your favourite tracks at home, get the professional edge with our officially licensed sheet music that ensures songwriters and performers are respected.from the below retailers!
👉 Download from Sheet Music Direct
👉 Download from Sheet Music Plus
👉 Download from MuseScore
👉 Download from Musicnotes
Affiliate Note: This page may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For full details on affiliate links, please see the Affiliate Link Policy.
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