Slap Speed Training

Beginner Bass · #1 03-14-2010, 12:47 PM

After about a year, my private bass teacher sent me home with some music to practice over spring break that utilized something I haven't worked on in a while. Slap. It's some standard 16th-octave runs, but the problem is I haven't really been keeping my technique in shape for a while. My clarity is poor with my thumb. My solution is a bit more force, but that subtracts from speed. Is there another fix for it that wouldn't slow me me down so much? I play just past the FB, if that's any help.

irishpride28 · #2 03-14-2010, 12:52 PM

are your strings fresh?

Beginner Bass · #3 03-14-2010, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irishpride28

are your strings fresh?

They're stock. Got the bass in early Nov. I don't play it enough though to make them die this early, though. Are you trying to say it may be the strings, not my technique?

irishpride28 · #4 03-14-2010, 01:11 PM

Not necessarily, but a fresh string will respond differently and sound more lively. Try to only contact with the side of your thumb joint, just get a feel for it and work out what works best for you.

ausf · #5 03-14-2010, 03:01 PM

Are getting good wrist rotation?

To be clean and fast, you need a good snap which requires rotation like the Hawaiian 'shaka bra'.

You can try palm muting, which keeps you hand close to the strings, forcing a good thumb stroke.