Double Thumping confusion

[cire113]

Im a little confused with double thumping... I can apply it to alternate picking notes..

but i have problems applying the double thump while im slapping... because usually when i slap i bounce back off...

when i double thump slap it feels really awkward to try to pop ...

maybe im just confused with the whole purpose of double thump...

I like the sound of double thumping but im confused as to what is actually going on..

[cire113]

oh i forgot are you supposed to use your nail for this technique is it easier?

[Largedon]

Sounds like you have the same problem I did when starting this. When I started working on double thumb I realized I never slapped correctly. I always slapped straight down on the string and came straight back up. The "proper" technique is to slap down and across the string so you end up kind of resting on the lower string. This makes double thumbing a heck of a lot easier, because you're naturally in position to upstroke the second thump. Its almost like on the upstroke you pull the string with the side of your thumb. I do it more with the fleshy part of the side of my thumb, but some people may use their nail. Lots of ways to do it.

Go watch some Anthony Vitti stuff on youtube about slapping and you'll see what I mean about how to slap (I haven't found anything by him on double-thumbing). I've been trying to fix my technique but after doing it one way for so long its been tough to correct, but I figure it'll come with time.

[cire113]

so wait when you slap normal you are supposed to slap through and rest on the lower string...

[millerfreak]

Originally Posted by Largedon

Sounds like you have the same problem I did when starting this. When I started working on double thumb I realized I never slapped correctly. I always slapped straight down on the string and came straight back up. The "proper" technique is to slap down and across the string so you end up kind of resting on the lower string. This makes double thumbing a heck of a lot easier, because you're naturally in position to upstroke the second thump. Its almost like on the upstroke you pull the string with the side of your thumb. I do it more with the fleshy part of the side of my thumb, but some people may use their nail. Lots of ways to do it.

Go watch some Anthony Vitti stuff on youtube about slapping and you'll see what I mean about how to slap (I haven't found anything by him on double-thumbing). I've been trying to fix my technique but after doing it one way for so long its been tough to correct, but I figure it'll come with time.

Maybe not "proper" technique, but thats just the right way to makes it easier to do double thumping. Also check your strings tension, and it takes some practice to get used to it.

Goodluck.

[cire113]

my problem is i slap the e string then rest it on the a string then i cant pluck the d string cause its too crowded...

i probably need more practice.. but im gonna work on this it does seem like i can slap faster and have more control

[tfmbass]

Cire113,

I had the same questions when I first was learning this techinque.
In regards to your last comment, double thumping is a different hand position that tradional slap ie Larry Graham.
I found it easier to keep my thumb lined up with the strings and to not rest, but bring the thumb right back up to prepare for the next note. That way I always have the option to pluck with my thumb or to just reset.

We all know that Vic made this technique popular and in his first instructional video he talks about the difference between his way of playing and "traditional" slap bass. Double thumping is only part of that style. Watch Vic's left hand and how active it is. His left hand makes just as much "noise" as the right hand does, thus eliminating the bouncing and allowing the thumb to be available for double thumping.
I first learned how to strike through the string by learning Open Hammer Pluck from Vic.

Strike through a string, then mute with the left hand, and lastly pluck. You can play that over 16th notes. It sounds real fast but the thumb isnt moving that much and if you wanted to you could replace the left hand slap with an upwards thumb pluck.

Once you become comfortable with using both hands you will be able to switch between techniques.

I hope this helps.

[cire113]

Ok thanks alot that cleared away alot of confusion; First off the thumb parallel to the strings makes sense..

and i didnt realize you could just recoil after slapping through... Instead of just leaving the thumb resting there...

it seems the slapping ive been practicing where you strike straight and bounce up has just a different sound then when using the double thumping

[Gawd]

I have the exact same problem. Like I'm fine with using my thumb for double thumbing, but I find it hard to fit my fingers in there to pluck, especially after a thumb-up.

[millerfreak]

For practice id suggest Marcus Miller's version of What is Hip. Just dont think of any complicated patterns,, do the simple ones and see how it goes.

here : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-helNWQQps

just to let you guys know that there are 2 type of motions,, either you move your arm to have that up-down movement, or just with your palm.. that makes a big difference.

[tfmbass]

Ya gotta love Marcus! That is an awesome clip.