Is it me or the bass?

[Matt2799]

Hi everyone,

I've been playing bass for about half a year now, and have been playing mainly fingerstyle, but would like to improve my slap bass. The only problem I'm having is, when I slap my bass moves around alot, making it harder for me to play.

I have tried adusting my strap height, and it hasn't made any difference, so I think it must either be my technique or the bass (Encore PK40). Is there any way I can prevent this?

Thanks

Matt

[bassrique]

Are you talking about "neck dive"?

[Matt2799]

Yes, partly, but it is not just the neck. When I pop the strings, the whole lower half of the body lifts up slightly, even though I'm not doing it that hard. Could it be anything to do with the body and headstock weights being very unbalanced?

[bassmodder]

Woh- that really does not sound good..

Like the bass flexes?

[beelzelboss]

no, its not that the bass flexes, i have the same problem whenever i mess around with popping and slapping.
I think what he is trying to say that the bass lifts up from him grabbing the strings to much. you say your doing it lightly, but try to not grab so far under the strings when you are doing it.. also try sitting down so the bass rests against something. That could be a good starting point.

[Matt2799]

No, it doesn't flex, it's just the weight doesn't seem to be enough to hold it in place, which is strang, as I think my technique is ok after watching some instructional videos.

Sitting down doesn't really help either.

[Jake of Bass]

Sounds like you're doing it too hard. Even on an acoustic bass with much less weight than your average electric bass shouldn't have this problem when playing slap. Try making the popping motion by kinda turning your wrist away from the bass instead of grabbing the strings and pulling them up with your whole arm. You only need the string to snap onto the frets, no harder than that.

[Matt2799]

ok, i'll try that. Thanks for the help everyone.

[Jake of Bass]

The best advice here though would be to see a bass teacher, as they can really examine your technique and break it down for you.

[brstma]

Try to keep your wrist and fingers loose and relaxed

[Mr_Sore_Fingerz]

sounds to me like you are popping FAR too hard, I had this problem when I first started too. To keep you from dropping money on a bass teacher lesson, see if this helps you...

When learning to pop and slap properly...

1) Grab your preferred slap bass (probably something with plenty of "room" to do so)

2) Sit down and get comfortable, make sure your hands are properly warmed-up

3) Plant the approximate middle of your forearm on the top of the bass (in the position when you play the bass) and rest your thumb on the E string, parallel to it.

4) To garner enough force to pop a string or slap one, use only the motion of your wrist and fingers.

5) Proceed to practice playing in this position and if need be, find some means to force your arm into this position (tape, rope, best friend, etc.)


If you are playing with heavy gauge strings, I suggest you switch to lights (I recommend DR Hi-Beams) until you get used to this style. In theory, if you can do octave jumps with your index and middle finger alone, you should have no problem with pop/slap aside from getting used to the new hand position.

[Jake of Bass]

Originally Posted by Mr_Sore_Fingerz

To keep you from dropping money on a bass teacher lesson, see if this helps you...

Actually, I think taking a few bass lessons would be the best thing here and the investment far more worth it than "dropping money". Correct technique is something that can truly only be instructed in person, and the benefits are soooooo worth it.

[johhn smith]

wow. sounds like you're trying to pull your bass away from your body by the strings ... lighten up your touch or as some of the other guys are telling you, take a few lessons or get someone who is knowledgeable to take a look at what you are doing ...