Seeking help with Slap technique...

[foslock]

Hey I recently got a new Fender custom, the Roscoe Beck model (4str). I'm pretty new to bass (about 1-2 years) and I haven't really explored anywhere except for jazz with walking bass lines. I was wondering if it was a good idea to try slap. I have seen people do it a lot and always want that person to be me So, I was wondering if it was a good idea to get into that, I really like the sound and WISH I could replicate it but I just can't ... yet

I have looked online and seen the basic Slap and Pop but the site I was at wasn't very detailed so if anyone could take some time and explain how they do it and how it works for them, that'd be great.

If I am in the wrong place, or doing something completely wrong, please tell me.

Thanks!

[lemur821]

Nope, don't do it. It will destroy your hands, your bass, and your family.

Why wouldn't it be a good idea to try slapping?

There's really very little to it. To slap, you bounce your thumb off a string. It's probably best to keep your thumb roughly parallel to the strings. If you keep your thumb loose it can just bounce up on its own.

To pop, hook a finger under a string, pull it upwards, and let it go. Grab the string as little as possible so it slides of on its own. Just use the very tip of your finger.

The idea is to make the string smack against the fretboard with both of these.

[iplaybassguitar]

Originally Posted by foslock

Hey I recently got a new Fender custom, the Roscoe Beck model (4str). I'm pretty new to bass (about 1-2 years) and I haven't really explored anywhere except for jazz with walking bass lines. I was wondering if it was a good idea to try slap. I have seen people do it a lot and always want that person to be me So, I was wondering if it was a good idea to get into that, I really like the sound and WISH I could replicate it but I just can't ... yet

I have looked online and seen the basic Slap and Pop but the site I was at wasn't very detailed so if anyone could take some time and explain how they do it and how it works for them, that'd be great.

If I am in the wrong place, or doing something completely wrong, please tell me.

Thanks!

id say, if you always hear it and think, wow i wish i could do that, then there is no reason not to try it, that pretty much goes for anything in music...unless you happen to see a video of a guy throwing hiss bass off a roof and say boy that sounds cool...dont try that one.