My Bad Slap Tehcnique

[chaosMK]

Lately I've been listening to/watching this recent jam of mine (collaborating with Giann Rubio from Aghora, mad talent).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dJqkOdI8T4

I am wondering what you guys think about my slap technique- I am starting to have second thoughts about it. Basically, I slap to get an aggressive metal sound and very rarely ever pop. I hit the string with more of a vertical attack than a glide down (which would facilitate popping).

Thing is, this gives me a sound that I like. You cant really hear it on this mix, but I can control the mutes well doing it this way. Also, when I play fast rhythms using a pattern like this T-3-2-1 (mainly for powerful accents and mutes), it seems to make more sense to use this type of vertical attack.

Should I rethink my slapping, or switch styles when it's appropriate?

[JAUQO III-X]

It sounded solid and that's whats important.

Next time you talk to Giann tell him I said whats up.

[alexofc69]

The deal is you use whatever works best for you. Techniques such as slap were developed by folks doing what worked for them to get a cool sound etc. So maybe your starting something new???
As for slap - Ive never seen anybody slap at the bridge??? It really seems like you should really be using a pick. Im a finger style and slap player. When I used to play metal it was with a pick for more a percussive attack are finger style for a heavy tone.
This is the perfect slap technique.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMzXtizKcXY

[Vengoropatubus]

that's slap technique with a slap ring alex. We don't all have metal for a thumb.

[alexofc69]

Originally Posted by Vengoropatubus

that's slap technique with a slap ring alex. We don't all have metal for a thumb.

Mark King uses a piece of black electrical tape. To keep his thumb from getting tender etc. My thumb has basically hardened and built up a callus over the years. That was just 1 example of slap tecnique. There are many others that do it like this.
It has nothing to do with if he is using a ring, tape etc.
Its the tecnique. I would imagine the strumming downward by the bridge would tear up the skin on your thumb worse.

[JAUQO III-X]

Thumping at the bridge has been going on with bassist since the late 60's through out the 70's onto the 80's and beyond.

Again what chaosMK is doing in the video works.

[elpelotero]

keep doing what you're doing now, but don't be afraid to try and learn a conventional slap technique. It will take you a couple of months to get it right. When you're comfortable with it, try it out with the band a couple of times to see if you like the change. That's really the only way to know and you won't lose anything by having two techniques under your belt.

[alexofc69]

Originally Posted by JAUQO III-X

Thumping at the bridge has been going on with bassist since the late 60's through out the 70's onto the 80's and beyond.

Again what chaosMK is doing in the video works.

Yep, I stand corrected! I totally forgot Larry Graham has a tendency to thump down by the bridge too!
Yeah, what he is doing is fine. It gets him the sound that he needs. In fact what they are playing is awesome! And like I said if it works for him why not?

[steve66]

The notes sounded very consistent. Solid thump.. Keep on rockin