I can't learn to slap for some reason

[Punkmilitia]

Did a fair few searches for tuts but I can't seem to be able to do it, has anyone got any advice? Thanks

[manbearpig97]

Don't try to replecate anybody's style. Everyone slaps differently. And how long have you been trying to learn?

[Rob22315]

I can get the 'pop' but not the 'slap'. The strings don't ring when I hit them with my thumb unless they're open (not fingered). Otherwise, I just get a thud.

Suggestions? Maybe just more practice and patience.

[Punkmilitia]

Originally Posted by Rob22315

I can get the 'pop' but not the 'slap'. The strings don't ring when I hit them with my thumb unless they're open (not fingered). Otherwise, I just get a thud.

Suggestions? Maybe just more practice and patience.

That's the exact problem I have.

[ethnotime]

Takes a while to get a nice punchy sound with your thumb. Need the right 'bounce' in the right spot with the right amount of pressure. For me it's usually on the neck (about 15-17th fret) and I hit the string at an angle. Easiest to start on the E and A strings.

Like someone else said, everyone has their own way of slapping. Have fun with it!

Good luck.

[Plays_For_Dog]

Originally Posted by manbearpig97

Don't try to replecate anybody's style. Everyone slaps differently. And how long have you been trying to learn?

+1 Also, everyone has their own certain style of groove with slap. Keep your slaping hand as relaxed as your fret hand. When you tense up trying to force the motions, it ususally binds up and won't flop like it should.

[gre107]

How your Bass is setup has a lot to do with being able to slap as well. Low action and lighter strings. There is a section here on slap bass. Do a search and you will find a god deal of info.

[Rimshot]

I've heard the Ed Friedland lessons are great. I should look into 'em myself as I, too, have been unable to 'not fake the funk'

[HeadyVan Halen]

You have too many white parents.

[g&lplayer]

Step 1: Put your bass up against a wall
Step 2: With an open palm, swing your arm as quick as possible and apply force across the instrument
(Sry couldnt resist)

Seriously though have you tried the sticky? (The Slap Bass Welcome Center)
Also, getting the EQ right can actually make a big difference. For my bass its actually a bump in the high mids that makes it go from sounding weird to awesome very quickly. Unplugged, slapping may not sound right to a beginner.

[DarkArwen]

What Gre107 said. I thought I couldn't do it at all, then I had my action lowered and there it was. Not very good at it mind you, but it can be done. Check into your set-up, then try again!

[Zitch]

Originally Posted by g&lplayer

Step 1: Put your bass up against a wall
Step 2: With an open palm, swing your arm as quick as possible and apply force across the instrument
(Sry couldnt resist)

Seriously though have you tried the sticky? (The Slap Bass Welcome Center)
Also, getting the EQ right can actually make a big difference. Unplugged, slapping may not sound right to a beginner.

lol!!!

[OPBASSMAN1994]

I can slap just a little. Enough for, say, the bass solo in "Gloria" by U2 for an example. I can't do much beyond a single pattern. Oh well, thankfully I don't play much that calls for good slapping.

[bThumper38]

Originally Posted by HeadyVan Halen

You have too many white parents.

I suppose Mark King had the same problem as well

[Punkmilitia]

Thank you all for the replies! I think I realised what it could be! I saw a few people mentioning the action not being low enough, well, I have a P Bass and I thinhk my action may just well be too high! do you think lowering it would really help? and if so, how low?

Thanks alot, Shaun

[PappaK]

As anyone suggested lessons? Sit down for a few lessons with a teacher... and practice away.

[twistedbydesign]

Make sure your thumb isn't resting on the string after you slap it. You really gotta strike it just right and make sure you aren't muting the string with your slap thumb. You probably already realized this, but it's a tricky technique to get down and you may not realize just how much of an effect you thumb has.

[Chrisk-K]

It took more than a year for me to slap decently. Practice, practice and practice more.

[fingerbun]

I had the same problem when I started (long time ago). I persisted and it came good. Not a great slap player, not my thing. But can do it.

I think the suggestions to look at your eq and action are important when you want to actually use slap in a song, but I can't see how they'd fix the basic issue of doing a single slapped note.

[abcdefranklin]

Originally Posted by HeadyVan Halen

You have too many white parents.

Lmfao