Question about Tapping

[nope14025]

When tapping, the thin string (D or G) , always have little volume, how you guys handle this? Boost the high frequency seems not work.
Another question, when I tapping to low position on neck ( 15 - 22 fret ), there is a little buzz in sound. What's the problem? Should lower the bridge? or grind out some part of frets?

[Jake of Bass]

Originally Posted by nope14025

What's the problem? Should lower the bridge? or grind out some part of frets?

Grind out the frets?!?

NO




This is a technique issue first and a setup issue second. DO NOT in any way shape or form even think about doing anything permanent to your frets, unless you really would like to permanently **** up your bass.

I'm inclined to think this is just something you need to practice more. I'm no expert on tapping so I'm the wrong person to give you advice in this area other than to say you will get much better at it over time, just like hammer-ons and pull-offs.

If you need to adjust the action/relief of your truss rod (I say this with caution as you seem very new to this), check the very numerous truss rod threads in the setup/repair forum and how to adjust the action.

If you really do think there is a physical fault with your instrument, take it to a qualified technician.

[mjwhit]

Originally Posted by Jake of Bass

This is a technique issue first and a setup issue second.

i agree. Try going slow, real slow and just trying to get the best possible tone out of each note to start off with. May be a little bit boring but it will save you major issues (and ultimatly time)down the road. Its hard to say though, without seing you play. For all I know you are a far better player than me...


Dont suppose you have a teacher to give you pointers? if not i suggest one. not only to help your technique but a new teacher will show you a side of music you never imagined. In my experience anyway.

[tom once dead]

when tapping on d and g just hit a bit harder, but it will come to you as you do it more.

[pseudoxh4]

Originally Posted by Jake of Bass

DO NOT in any way shape or form even think about doing anything permanent to your frets, unless you really would like to permanently **** up your bass.

This isn't necessarily a bad thing-- messing up the frets might just mean he'll have to go fretless.

Anyway, as others have said, this is either a setup issue or a technique issue. If it's the latter, one thing that might help is planting your right hand thumb on the neck to gather enough strength to tap.

[VTbassplayer]

Sounds like a technical issue. Just keep practicing. The more you do it the stronger and more forceful your fingers will get, giving better results. I try holding the notes for a bit each time while practicing, slower but works that finger strength. The buzz may also be for the same reason.

[Jake of Bass]

Originally Posted by pseudoxh4

This isn't necessarily a bad thing-- messing up the frets might just mean he'll have to go fretless.

That's a lot of grinding!

Anyway, as others have said, this is either a setup issue or a technique issue. If it's the latter, one thing that might help is planting your right hand thumb on the neck to gather enough strength to tap.

Good advice. I think along with that, just practicing a lot will build up finger strength over time.

[wdinc01]

The D and G strings usually have a little less volume, I find, most probably because they're smaller strings. Not too much you can do about it other than tap them harder. You may also want to find a scrunchie or something to put at the one of your headstock on the strings (on the first fret). This will dampen the unamplified part of the strings and I find it gives me more volume. The only disadvantage is you can't play an open string.

[johhn smith]

Originally Posted by tom once dead

when tapping on d and g just hit a bit harder, but it will come to you as you do it more.

or tap a little more lightly on the e and a strings and turn your volume/gain up a bit, experiment to find what works for you, probably a combination of both. just like with any other technique practice and listening will even out your sound. a little compression wouldn't hurt either.

[jsingles]

compressor

[Jake of Bass]

Having the lowest action you can without gaining fret buzz will help too, as the further the strings are from the frets the harder it becomes.

Originally Posted by jsingles

compressor

That was the other thought I had, but it would be better if you can get it working through technique instead of technology.