Slap Bass Problem

[snoopyjc]

Ok - after playing bass for over 20 years, I finally need to learn slap/pop bass, because my band wants to do "Higher Ground" by RHCP. Is it possible for an old dog to learn new tricks???

My problem is that when I use my thumb to hit the low string, it only makes a "thud" noise, even if I pull it off the string right away. When I listen to the RHCP track, I hear a solid note coming out of Flea's bass each time he slaps it. Any ideas what I may be doing wrong?

--joe

[BustinJustin]

Originally Posted by snoopyjc

Ok - after playing bass for over 20 years, I finally need to learn slap/pop bass, because my band wants to do "Higher Ground" by RHCP. Is it possible for an old dog to learn new tricks???

My problem is that when I use my thumb to hit the low string, it only makes a "thud" noise, even if I pull it off the string right away. When I listen to the RHCP track, I hear a solid note coming out of Flea's bass each time he slaps it. Any ideas what I may be doing wrong?

--joe

Just off the top of my head... raise your action. In addition, make sure your thumb is in fact "bouncing off".

Yes any dog can learn new tricks! Practice Practice Practice....

BTW we will see you at the NYC GTG right!!!!! I am kinda telling you.... ok, so be there!

[Bruce Lindfield]

Originally Posted by snoopyjc

Ok - after playing bass for over 20 years, I finally need to learn slap/pop bass, because my band wants to do "Higher Ground" by RHCP. Is it possible for an old dog to learn new tricks???

My problem is that when I use my thumb to hit the low string, it only makes a "thud" noise, even if I pull it off the string right away. When I listen to the RHCP track, I hear a solid note coming out of Flea's bass each time he slaps it. Any ideas what I may be doing wrong?

--joe

You may want to experiment with where you hit the string with your thumb - that is, try playing back at the bridge and then move gradually towards the neck until you find the right spot and then remember that!!

The other thing is that you don't have to really wack it - just use as little effort as you can and this wil probably help...?

[geoffkhan]

Here's what I do: slap with your thumb perpendicular to the string rather than the usual "hitchhiker's" way (parallel to the string). It's a lot easier, more relaxed, and there's nothing you can't do using that method than using the traditional parallel-to-strings method. Yes, even double/triple slapping.

[BustinJustin]

Originally Posted by geoffkhan

Here's what I do: slap with your thumb perpendicular to the string rather than the usual "hitchhiker's" way (parallel to the string). It's a lot easier, more relaxed, and there's nothing you can't do using that method than using the traditional parallel-to-strings method. Yes, even double/triple slapping.

agreed, although ones finger attack my be altered.... good suggestion though.

[secretdonkey]

If you're just getting a "thud" it sounds like you're not getting the required bounce. Regardless of action, thumb position, or anything else, your thumb has to bounce off that string for it to work - let the natural string tension help launch your thumb back off the string once it strikes the frets. On the one hand, Higher Ground is the classic first "slap line for the rock guy" bit to learn. On the other hand, remember that you could always go back and listen to Stevie Wonder's original (which has no slap bass) and come up a line cooler than the ummpteenth thousand straight cover of the RHCP version.

[metron]

I think I can get a pretty good slap sound but when my strings lose life theres is no way to get anything other then a thud out of the E string. New stainless steel strings are the best place to start for a good slap sound.

[metron]

Originally Posted by secretdonkey

If you're just getting a "thud" it sounds like you're not getting the required bounce. Regardless of action, thumb position, or anything else, your thumb has to bounce off that string for it to work - let the natural string tension help launch your thumb back off the string once it strikes the frets.

Have you ever seen Victor Wooten play? He doesnt bounce his thumb off the strings at all and I dont either. A great way to use your thumb is to sort of graze the string and follow through to rest it on the string below. Now when I do "bounce" (usually the result of getting too excited when playing a slap line...) all I get now is a thud. Try following through. Once you get used to it you will never bounce again.

[matt_chew]

Originally Posted by metron

Have you ever seen Victor Wooten play? He doesnt bounce his thumb off the strings at all and I dont either. A great way to use your thumb is to sort of graze the string and follow through to rest it on the string below. Now when I do "bounce" (usually the result of getting too excited when playing a slap line...) all I get now is a thud. Try following through. Once you get used to it you will never bounce again.

He probably wont get that higher ground flea sound hes looking for by playing it that way though. I do agree that the way Victor way works very well but it probably wont sound like what he wants it to.