Hello,
I've been haveing a bad problem with slapping. I can't seem to get the slap tone. Maybe it's because I have a 5 string? I just can't get that signature slap tone. To make sure I'm doing it right, the way I slap is, i hit the string with my thumb completely verticle with the fretboard and make the string bounch off my thumb. In think I have the technique down, I just can't get that sound.

Also, any good slap tabs would be appreciated.

Have you asked your teacher?

how long have you been playing bass for?

have you visited the slap sticky?


how often (hrs or mins daily) do you practice slap style?





if you think the 5 strings are holding you back, but a lighter string, to allow your fingers some xtra space to get in the strings. after that, PRACTICE PRACTICE!!


its not an easy technique to even be "decent' at...

Most basses have more than the pickup turning knobs.

My old bass didn't 'slap' untill I open my "Tone" switch at least a bit.

Check it out.

Most basses have more than the pickup turning knobs.

My old bass didn't 'slap' untill I open my "Tone" switch at least a bit.

Check it out.


could you be a little more specific.. i dont understand what you mean by Open your tone switch?

Well, your bass has turning knobs on it, every electric bass has it.

Try turning them all up and see if you get the 'slap signature sound'. If you do, try to figure it so you sound good and get the 'slap signature sound' at the same time.

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=298410