Hand shape for slap-bass question!

[Fassa Albrecht]

OK, yet another slap-bass question.


I know that the usual ínstructionals for slap bass technque all tell you to make a 'gun' type shape with the index and middle fingers of the plucking hand forming a right-angle with the thumb. The ring and little fingers are tucked under and only utlized when popping, or not at all according to preference.

Yet I've seen variations in the actual shape the hand takes in slap, with some bassist I've seen holding their hand in a 'hook' shape with all the main fingers (excluding the thumb) bent over together in a banana-shape. To pop using this technique I noted how the fingers 'slide' under the string to be popped and then are pulled up.

I've also seen the complete polar opposite where the entire hand is held flat with the fingers held all together completely straight with the thumb at a right-angle.


So, can someone put me right on what is 'correct' slap technique?

[J. Crawford]

I don't think there is a correct form. Look at Mark King, then Flea, t&n Victor Wooden. All different, all incredibly good at their skill set.

[Jazz Ad]

There is no correct slap technique.
If it sounds good and you don't hurt yourself, you're fine.
I usually play in a position that looks very similar to guitar picking. Thumb parallel to the string and the other fingers curved between the strings.

[AFRO]

When I was young and green,I played/learned on a Finder Precision 4string, I used to slap like Flea. the over the hand thumb down tech. (with the claw index pop strike) I liked the way I could mute with my palm when I used to do the Flea-tech..

then I switched to the "open the doorknob" to get my thumb more parallell when my 5string had smaller string spacing.

in the end its really a matter of prefrence, and YOUR hand shape and size.

I gave away my 4 (and sadly never replaced it) but I have since learned the floating thumb tech, and currently use some variant of a wooten-ish, flea-ish hybrid when slapping.. I like the wooten tech as it has versatility over the Flea tech..IMO (but, I still love and use both, as they are both useful when slapping; though different lessons completely approach wise)

[T2k5]

For me, the most natural position is having my thumb straight and other fingers curved in a loose fist. I normally use my ring finger to pop, although I can use all the others in the same position too. This form allows me to slap and pop even with tighter string spacings; I have rather big hands and play six-strings.

As with all techniques, if it works well for you without breaking your hands, it's right. Nitpicking about the correctness of anything is useless as long as you aren't damaging yourself.

[bluesdogblues]

I don't slap much except for (privately) fun
But I found that I like the Thumb slap sound more when it's 90 degree (point upward) against the strings. But then I prefer my thumb to be point downward while slap, not because The sound, but because it's easier for me to do any 'pop' with my index finger.

Hehe YMMV tho..

[capnsandwich]

For me, it's kind of like making a half-fist with my thumb sticking out like the Fonz. There are recommended slap hand positions but to be honest, you need to do what you're comfortable with. I can slap much faster with my hand in the above mentioned position but I also, sometimes, use my pinkie finger in plucking. It just depends on what I'm felling. Just remember this, the closer your hand is to the strings, the easier and faster you can slap. YMMV

[chaosMK]

It can depend on what you want to accomplish. I'd model a player who's sound/style you might be trying to capture. Then keep in mind that maybe they do it a certain way because of the size/shape of their hands too, or things like how high they rock their bass.

My typical slap is probably at about 45* to the string with my fingers relaxed and slightly curved, curved in more if all I am doing are thumb attacks. I slap all of the time, but dont do fancy Wooten stuff.

I often use a technique where I play articulate 16th notes Thumb-R-M-I (usually on the B string, but I practice it on E too). It's it's own type of slapping approach. The only way I thought of improving it (since I was technically accomplishing what I wanted too... clear accents on the first 16th and high accuracy at speed), was when I watched back on some live videos and thought I could make the motions a little more elegant and tighter in. If it gets the job done and doesn't look too foolish then it probably passes!

Techniques are funny and seem so variable on bass. I am a firm believer in LH thumb being straight and on the back of the neck (almost guarantees that my pinky stays in a useful position). Then you see plenty great players- Les Claypool, Flea- with their thumbs gripping onto the side of the neck.

Whatever gets the job done! If you practice a lot and feel limited in a certain area or aspect, look at your technique and see if there are alternate approaches that might help.

[john grey]

Originally Posted by J. Crawford

I don't think there is a correct form. Look at Mark King, then Flea, t&n Victor Wooden. All different, all incredibly good at their skill set.

+1

I actually noticed that I change up for different stuff. I don't know if you have a 5 string but when the strings get closer together it's not too hard to brush an adjacent string. I think the one issue that (personally speaking) I'm very consistent on is the area of thumb joint that contacts the string. I get picky with that becasue if I'm consistent and the majority of the thumb is out of the way I get a clean ring and no other stings making noise. Many folks can have to deal with that w/ a 4 string as well.
I'm not convinced there is a "correct" method; as there are efficient methods for the individual. It's almost like which finger do you start with first when playing w/ your fingers? I'm not sure it matters as long as the music is clean, repeatable, and comfortable.