question about thump

[Mikio]

yeah, I know there are threads, but I didn't find anything about this issue I've got

well, it's quite simple... when you strike with your thump going UP... how do you do that? does your nail get in contact with the string? or is it only the side part of the thumb the one that picks?

should I put my thumb in an angle that goes in? or side paralel to the string?


well, those are my doubts, sorry to bother and thanks in advance

[Elmo Oxygen]

Thank you for not calling it "slap" or "slap with your thumb" or something like that. I've never heard of anything like that, but while trying to figure out what you could be talking about, I realized that if you're looking at a player straight-on while they're poping (pulling with index or middle) it could appear that they are up-stroking with their thumb. Is this maybe what you're seeing?

[thumpbass1]

Are you talking about 'slapping' with the thumb, or using the thumb to sound, or pluck a note? In all cases for me, I make contact with the side of my thumb (the fleshy part) and don't use my nail at all. Yes there is such a thing as thumb slapping, which has been part of the whole slap and pop technique as it's been called scince the days of my youth back in the 70's. I'm not sure exactly which type of thumb technique you are asking about.

[WalterBush]

Originally Posted by Mikio

yeah, I know there are threads, but I didn't find anything about this issue I've got

well, it's quite simple... when you strike with your thump going UP... how do you do that? does your nail get in contact with the string? or is it only the side part of the thumb the one that picks?

should I put my thumb in an angle that goes in? or side paralel to the string?


well, those are my doubts, sorry to bother and thanks in advance

My answer is, both. I started double-thumping using my nail to pop the string on the upstroke. After my muscles had developed a bit and my hand was more used to the position, I was able to use nail or no nail, depending on my mood and feel.

As to the angle of the hand, after watching lots of different people use the same technique, all I can say is, whatever works, goes. Everyone's hand is shaped different, and I saw amazing players all hold their hand in a different position to get the same sound.

[Mikio]

thanks Walter, I'll stick to my nail for now that I'm learning then ^_^

@thumpbass and Elmo: I'm not talking about regular slap, I'm talking about the thump technic, or more specificaly, double-thump, since you go up too, as in this vid is amazingly explained

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMxTIm0FkkU

but even if I watched it, I wasn't sure about how to go up, since it can be done in different ways, for me right now, using the "fleshy" part isn't working, so I thought I could use my nail, but wasn't sure, so I asked here. I'll stick to that from now on

[Elmo Oxygen]

WOW. I'll be.

[thumpbass1]

Originally Posted by Mikio

thanks Walter, I'll stick to my nail for now that I'm learning then ^_^

@thumpbass and Elmo: I'm not talking about regular slap, I'm talking about the thump technic, or more specificaly, double-thump, since you go up too, as in this vid is amazingly explained

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMxTIm0FkkU

but even if I watched it, I wasn't sure about how to go up, since it can be done in different ways, for me right now, using the "fleshy" part isn't working, so I thought I could use my nail, but wasn't sure, so I asked here. I'll stick to that from now on

By all means use your nail for the upwards stroke. You have to go with what works. Sorry, but I wasn't sure what you were asking about. I tend to be a finger stylist first, and downward stroke, thumb slapper second. I rarely do any slapping as it's not called for in much of what I play.The Victor Wooten video is quite good, by the way. He does a good job explaining and demonstrating his technique. I think I'll have to try to learn this technique for myself as well. Good luck and best wishes.