Popping with multiple fingers

Illbay · #1 05-06-2009, 02:02 PM

I've been learning (about thirty years too late) how to slap-n-pop lately. I'm a "book-learner" so I bought books. The ones by Oppenheim, and by Leibman (what is it with Jewish bassists who love to write method books? Are they trying to make up to their parents for not becoming Isaac Stern?)

Anyway, these methods have helped tremendously; it seems like the "slap" technique could open up a whole new world for my playing.

But one thing I just can't get: "popping" with just one finger. For one thing, IT HURTS LIKE ****! For another, I just don't seem to get much control. I do better with my middle than my index finger, but it still feels unnatural - and I'm a guy who always plays "fingerstyle," even with guitar.

But if I use my fingers in a sort of "clawhammer" arrangement, all three of them (except for the pinkie) bunched together, it seems as natural as anything.

I suppose there is no "right way or wrong way" to do this, but I'm wondering if anyone else has made the same discovery? I'd welcome any comments at all.

Stickk · #2 05-06-2009, 02:03 PM

I use two to pop: my middle and index fingers.

Lo end PUNCH · #3 05-06-2009, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Illbay

I've been learning (about thirty years too late) how to slap-n-pop lately. I'm a "book-learner" so I bought books. The ones by Oppenheim, and by Leibman (what is it with Jewish bassists who love to write method books? Are they trying to make up to their parents for not becoming Isaac Stern?)

Anyway, these methods have helped tremendously; it seems like the "slap" technique could open up a whole new world for my playing.

But one thing I just can't get: "popping" with just one finger. For one thing, IT HURTS LIKE ****! For another, I just don't seem to get much control. I do better with my middle than my index finger, but it still feels unnatural - and I'm a guy who always plays "fingerstyle," even with guitar.

But if I use my fingers in a sort of "clawhammer" arrangement, all three of them (except for the pinkie) bunched together, it seems as natural as anything.

I suppose there is no "right way or wrong way" to do this, but I'm wondering if anyone else has made the same discovery? I'd welcome any comments at all.

I first learned to slap as a teen, there were plenty of blisters and cuticle splits due to the el cheapo bass I had and mile-high strings but after some time and a few changes it began to feel as natural as fingerstyle. There is no "right way" maybe easier, but whatever works the best for you. Good luck and keep persuing.

Illbay · #4 05-15-2009, 08:59 AM

Bump. One problem I've now noticed is the amount of extraneous noise. I know that should calm down after some amount of practice, but is there anything I can do effects-wise for this? Noise gate?

Rickett Customs · #5 05-15-2009, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stickk

I use two to pop: my middle and index fingers.

Same here.

Illbay · #6 05-15-2009, 09:21 AM

I have been trying the two-finger thing. I like it better than just one, for sure.

JLP · #7 05-15-2009, 09:37 AM

I,m learning myself after 30 yrs. I,m using both fingers to pop as well. Just feels easier. Are you having trouble w/ consistent volume? I,m having trouble w/ that.

Illbay · #8 05-15-2009, 09:39 AM

No, not volume - I really think having played double bass and (believe it or not) classical and fingerstyle guitar has helped because I'm accustomed to the articulation and have strong fingers.

My problem is just extraneous noise.

Deacon_Blues · #9 05-15-2009, 10:13 AM

Just tried popping with two fingers. How on earth do you make that work??? If it hurts while popping with one finger, are you using the "pad" of your index' fingertip or the side of the fingertip? I can imagine it hurting if you use the side....

What I can't do consistently is popping with the middle finger, like you need to in for instance a typical 8th-16th-16th disco pattern. Or actually, I should be saying I can't slap or pop consistently at all... Despite having played bass for 8 years and practiced it every now and then for about the same time, I just have never gotten it to work. A guitarist I know is much more fluent on it... D*mned lefthandness (see sig)... Not that I mind too much though.

BB75 · #10 05-15-2009, 10:34 AM

I have an Ed Friedland Slap Bass DVD. Ed suggests using both index and middle finger for popping. Index finger for the D string and middle finger for the G string. This is the technique that I use. Finger per string as a "rule of THUMB".

Illbay · #11 05-15-2009, 10:35 AM

It's funny, isn't it, how what's a natural technique for one guy hurts like h*ll for the other. I can't imagine NOT using at least the index and middle fingers together, and if I have to use only one, my middle finger feels more natural.

McDreads · #12 05-15-2009, 10:42 AM

Being lefthanded playing righthandedly sure doesn't help; I can slap and pop but I'll never be a slapmonster. I use the tips of my middle and 3rd finger to pop. Luckily I have calluses from playing slap on DB.

Illbay · #13 05-15-2009, 10:44 AM

That's interesting about having problems as a lefty. It means you're using your "off-hand" to do the slap/pop. Surely that does present a problem as to strength.

capnsandwich · #14 05-15-2009, 10:54 AM

It's just a matter of practicing slow. At first, just do some slap and pop exercises really slow, kind of like practicing para diddles on drums. Just slap one string with your thumb, pop the octave with your middle and then the same note with your index. After a while you'll find yourself getting faster and more fluent in your movement and timing. Then try to incorporate other notes like 5ths, 9ths, or 10ths. When you get that down try to use your ring finger in there too. It takes time but you'll get it. Start off slow and DO NOT GET FRUSTRATED when you you're not getting it right away. Patience young padawan, patience.

Hiromakuta · #15 05-15-2009, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deacon_Blues

Just tried popping with two fingers. How on earth do you make that work??? If it hurts while popping with one finger, are you using the "pad" of your index' fingertip or the side of the fingertip? I can imagine it hurting if you use the side....

It's the opposite for me. If I use the side of my fingers to slap, it feels like butter, but if I use the pads, it's harder for me.

Illbay · #16 05-15-2009, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capnsandwich

At first, just do some slap and pop exercises really slow, kind of like practicing para diddles on drums. Just slap one string with your thumb, pop the octave with your middle and then the same note with your index....It takes time but you'll get it. Start off slow and DO NOT GET FRUSTRATED when you you're not getting it right away.

+1.

And while you're doing that, GO FOR THE TONE. It's much more immediately SATISFYING to get up to speed ASAP, but if it sounds like crap, then it's pointless.

quale213 · #17 05-15-2009, 01:47 PM

The only problem with using multiple fingers to pop is when you want to add double stops or even triple stops to your repetoire. As capnsandwich said, keep practicing.

Illbay · #18 05-15-2009, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quale213

The only problem with using multiple fingers to pop is when you want to add double stops or even triple stops to your repetoire. As capnsandwich said, keep practicing.

First, I'm not sure that "double- or triple-stopping" will be high on my list of things I must learn before I die. I may be wrong, but I don't think so.

Second, if you're going to "double-stop," etc., you're going to be using your middle finger as well (at least).

quale213 · #19 05-15-2009, 02:14 PM

Which would be why you would not want to be using an index and middle finger on the same string.
To each their own

Illbay · #20 05-15-2009, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quale213

Which would be why you would not want to be using an index and middle finger on the same string.
To each their own

Well, back to the classical guitar analogy.

The only finger on both hands not used is the right pinky finger. ON the right hand, the I, M and A fingers (Index, Middle and "Annular" or ring) are used fairly equally, and any finger can be used on any string.

I would think the same thing would be true in popping with the bass. You can certainly use the I and M together most of the time, and if you want, use the I and M on separate strings from time to time.