Slapping

[Jim]

I've got a technique quandry.

When I decided to start playing funky slap-pop style bass a couple of years ago I found it really easy - dead obvious and it came naturally - on the low E anyway. I can slap that and pop anything else and it sounds great. However, I've got massive problems slapping the A string - I just can't seem to aim accurately - I'm always making extraneous noise with the E, even if I'm muting it (which is tricky too). I guess a lot of practice might make it easier, and I know it's a very individual style and therefore difficukt to give advice, but does ANYONE have any "quick fix" hints they can throw my way - just to get me started (no use me practicing for years if my basic technique is flawed)?

[fuzzymonkey]

When you mute the E string to slap the A how are you muting it

[NormanConquest]

When slapping the A string, I use one of two methods to mute the E:

Gently mute the E string with the thumb of your fret hand. This works well when playing an open A--I wrap my thumb over the top of the neck so it just touches the E (just don't press down too hard). Or,

Use the fingertips of your fret hand to lightly mute the E string. This will require you to fret the notes farther down on your finger, more toward the first knuckle joint. I use this technique when playing fretted notes on adjacent strings.

I hope this helps. Also, try watching a lot of funk players in action (Flea, Marcus Miller, Norwood Fisher, et al), it can be a very instructive experience.

[idealflaw]

i wish slapping would just stop. i think it sounds silly. Every time I hear it, I just think of Seinfeld.

[Wayjurn]

Slap is cool if used properly. I don't think too highly of those kids who sit at Guitar Center and do nothing but slap all day long.

While we're on the subject, anyone know some good tutorials on advanced slap? I might as well be good at it if everyone else can do it. :P

[fuzzymonkey]

Originally posted by Wayjurn


While we're on the subject, anyone know some good tutorials on advanced slap? I might as well be good at it if everyone else can do it. :P



I don't know to many places that will teach you unless you get a teacher or practice alot. All my bass teacher taught me was basic slapping and popping now im pretty good at it.

[.:NV:.]

just practice. work on using only the tip of you thumb or the mid knuckle. you wont be able to pound it, but you will still get the same effect.

as for it going away... quiet you.
I will site one of the bands that is given the least amount of serious credit... korn. their bassist is awesome. he makes beats that push the drummer and still follows the song tonally. if you have subs in your car just listen to any korn cd. when i wanna out "bump" some one, just put in korn, **** rap and all that. I mean this guy is able to bring all these apsects to the table by slapping.

not to mention how well it sounds when mixed with other styles. like Ryan Martinie doesnt strictly slap, far from it actually. he totally mixes it in with the rest of his playing, and its spectacular.

[Wayjurn]

311 I think is one of the best slap bass bands around. Put on Come Original, Nutsymptom, Homebrew, you'll see what I mean.

[rhcp311]

If you're talking about 311 slap bass then come on, you couldn't have forgotten "Feels So Good" could you? :D

[haujobb]

Not really a quick fix but if your serious about slapping you could get a bass where the strings are farther apart...

[mayonaise]

Originally posted by idealflaw
i wish slapping would just stop. i think it sounds silly. Every time I hear it, I just think of Seinfeld.

i think thats why people do it... to get that foonkeeey-fried-fressssh!!-feeliiiiiiing :D :cool:

[DavyBoy721]

Originally posted by rhcp311
If you're talking about 311 slap bass then come on, you couldn't have forgotten "Feels So Good" could you? :D yeah man pnut's pretty badass......but i think les claypool and flea got him beat easy:)

[metdeth85]

as far as slap goes... just use you're thumb alot of players use their wrist, that's wrong. just the thumb the amp's volume should do the rest.

Dont for get that all slaping should be on the fret closest to the bridge. tats verry important for the right tone.