Slap Groovin'

[MikeyFingers]

For some reason, I find it quite difficult to improvise a good slap groove. I can play pre-existing slap lines just fine, I know how to slap very good. I can play a bunch of Flea's stuff and a couple Wooten songs just fine. But when I try to make something up on my own, I always end up trying too hard and I can't make it flow the way I want it to. Any advice on making nice flowing, grooving slap line will be very much appreciated.

[Whafrodamus]

Originally Posted by MikeyFingers

I know how to slap very good. I can play a bunch of Flea's stuff and a couple Wooten songs just fine.

What does that have to do with slapping well ?

[JimmyM]

+1. Your description of your problem sounds like you suffer from Wooten-itis. Simplify what you're doing. Don't try to be all elaborate with it. I would much rather hear someone slap something simple like "Everyday People" and do it well rather than slap like "Sinister Minister" and screw it up.

[The Clap]

Try singing or humming a cool improvised slap groove and then playing it on your bass. Even if you can't pick out the notes you want to play from what you sang, the rhythmic aspects will be easy to pick up on and you'll be improvising in personal style.