How do you slap with accuracy?

[NickInMesa]

Help this 40 year-old learn to slap.

When I hit the A string, I always hit the E string accidentally as well.

What am I doing wrong!

Thanks!!!

[Holeejeebus]

i'd say it's likely in your attack. start by trying to line up your thumb with the string you're trying to slap, and slap from about an inch above the string. an exercise i used was slapping the octave of D, on the A and G strings, starting slowly and building up speed that way.

[Alvaro Martín Gómez A.]

The first exercise for getting accuracy when slapping a string with your thumb: Set your metronome at a very slow tempo and start playing long notes (say, two beats per note) by hitting the E string with your thumb (assuming you already know the basic technique). Make sure you get a clear, powerful tone and get the notes to sustain the most. When you are able to get that on every single hit, then repeat the exercise on the A string, then the D string, then the G string.

The thing is, after you feel comfortable with that routine, you must do the same (don't forget the metronome!), but your goal must be to play the four strings in no particular order while standing and looking to the front instead of the strings. That's the key to get accuracy. No shortcuts. Just a combination of discipline, perseverance and patience.

[GearHeadBassMan]

practice.

I use my thumb knuckle with an open hand, once you get an idea of how where that knuckle is, you can pretty much do your thing.

[galore]

Lift your hand and palm in horizontal position. Then curve your thumb so that it forms "U" upside down. Then turn your wrist for 90° so that you're ready to slap. Lay your right hand down on bass, find a position where you feel comfortable to play. Try to slap by turning your wrist and using your thumb muscles only (imagine Roman thumbs up and thumbs down and turning your wrist from one position to another), not by moving your right hand away from bass. The key is to constantly keep your right hand (forearm muscles) in touch with body of the bass. This way you'll gain dexterity and speed. The idea is to hit strings with minimum surface of your thumb - side of knuckle for me, or whatever works for you. Obviously lower action is needed for this method.

[NickInMesa]

Thanks for the advice.

I believe the issue here is with the fact that the knuckle does not protrude much and I end up hitting with the blade of the thumb.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by NickInMesa

Thanks for the advice.

I believe the issue here is with the fact that the knuckle does not protrude much and I end up hitting with the blade of the thumb.

I find the best (if a bit frustrating) way to clean up those thumps is to consider slapping just like any other method of right hand technique (thumb mute, fingerstyle, pick, etc.). In other words, consider it a 'technique' and not a 'style'. When you are just starting to develop the technique, most go to the 'slap and pluck style' right away, and try to do all the fancy triplet stuff, etc. That won't get it done.

Here (IMO) is the best way to start. Play a simple scale (e.g., C major) in one hand position with your fingers, as you typically do. Then replicate that with thumb slaps. When the only difference you hear is the initial attack, and you can play it clean with the strings you are not thumping muted, and the low end as fat (or close to as fat) as your fingerstyle tone, then you have it.

Start slow and all the other general blah blah blah about learning a new technique. It's all about clean execution, muting of unused strings, and getting a fat tone with the meat of your thumb.

Hope that helps.

[bass12]

Originally Posted by NickInMesa

Thanks for the advice.

I believe the issue here is with the fact that the knuckle does not protrude much and I end up hitting with the blade of the thumb.

I'm just looking at where my thumb strikes the string (I generally play "through" the string) and the main point of contact is just above the joint. When I hit the string it looks as if the whole side of my thumb - from just above the joint to the point where my thumb tip starts to round - is connecting with the string. Thumb angle is important and different people are comfortable with different angles. Experiment until you get a sound you are comfortable with and go from there.

[mizmor]

Originally Posted by galore

Lift your hand and palm in horizontal position. Then curve your thumb so that it forms "U" upside down. Then turn your wrist for 90° so that you're ready to slap. Lay your right hand down on bass, find a position where you feel comfortable to play. Try to slap by turning your wrist and using your thumb muscles only (imagine Roman thumbs up and thumbs down and turning your wrist from one position to another), not by moving your right hand away from bass. The key is to constantly keep your right hand (forearm muscles) in touch with body of the bass. This way you'll gain dexterity and speed. The idea is to hit strings with minimum surface of your thumb - side of knuckle for me, or whatever works for you. Obviously lower action is needed for this method.

Great advice. Thank you.

[anomalybass]

when i first started slapping i had the same problem. i got good at it by doing the same routine every time i picked up my bass. i just simply slap each string with my right thumb in a row from low to high. start with E. slap the E string, slap the A, slap the D. ect just slap each string in order high to low, low to high and sooner or later it will be second nature. i mute all the strings except the one im slapping for this exercise. even if your thumb hits the E a little while youre slapping A, as long as you mute the strings you arent using it wont really matter. hope this helps- joep

[Bassist4Life]

This might help

The Slap Bass Welcome Center

[Professor Jones]

Don't move your forearm, it makes it harder to "aim" for the string". Instead, just use your wrist to turn your hand so your thumb hits the string. Start with very simple and repetitive exercises, metronome on 60 and slap the E 4 times, one on each beat. Then do the same for the A string, etc.

That's what I did and it really paid off, the worry of hitting unwanted strings is slowly going away.

[Dmanlamius]

Hiya, Nick!

I have a vid covering this right here. There maybe some ideas there that will help you....

[NickInMesa]

Originally Posted by Dmanlamius

Hiya, Nick!

I have a vid covering this right here. There maybe some ideas there that will help you....

That's cool, thanks!

Now, should I take the advice from a lefty?

Seriously, that's cool. I do just what you show in the vid, actually. Several on each and if I "pollute" the previous string, go back from the top (or bottom on the scale).

I now can do it rather fast with my eyes closed. I suppose it's pretty much like when you learn to play with your fingers. At 14, it was rather hard for me to play with my fingers, now it's just natural and even the muting is done without me paying attention.

[Dmanlamius]

Ha Ha! No, i'm not a lefty, Nick. The software on my comp used to flip the image! Very annoying, but sorted now...

Once you have got that down, and are quite comfortable with it, go on to slap the major scale. But you have to be strict with yourself! Discipline yourself. Only move on to the major once you have got that exercise down.

If you don't know it, I did a vid on it here

Oh, and this maybe some use to as well. Not too sure.

Take care Nick, and good luck!

[bassplayershane]

There are a lot of techniques used. You have to find one that suits yourself. For example you can slap with your thumb on an upward 45 degree angle with your hand like a fist underneath the strings (Marcus Miller or Victor Wooten) and some people slap with their thumb parallel with the strings with a kind of open fist (eg Flea).

You just need to get the basic principals and then find whats comfortable for you. Maybe study some techniques used by the well know guys like Flea, Claypool, Marcus Miller etc and get some ideas.

Good luck! Its a great skill!