Slap style with a six string

domportera · #1 07-08-2011, 02:19 AM

I really want to learn but I primarily play a six string. Will my efforts be futile?

BananaKing · #2 07-08-2011, 02:33 AM

YouTube - ‪Alain Caron - Turkey Loose On The Kit‬&rlm;

No. You can do it. There are lots of players who slap on 6-ers.

T2k5 · #3 07-08-2011, 03:40 AM

The number of strings has almost no effect on what techniques you can or can not use. Slapping a six-string is very easy, especially if you have something with a string spacing of 18-19mm. In fact, I find it easier to slap on a sixer than on a four-string. Just go for it!

Bassbuster · #4 07-08-2011, 05:47 AM

Wider spacing would definitely make it easier, but it's not impossible on the narrower spacing. Here's another bassist that can slap proficiently on a six-string.
YouTube - ‪Tetsuo Sakurai BASS SOLO‬&rlm;

john grey · #5 07-08-2011, 08:26 AM

I understand your hesitancy but I agree that it could be done if you really worked at it. What I see is that you would need more exacting string strike - yet that can be a blessing in disguise as you'll not likely be sloppy.

I suggest that you work on getting a clear slap note. Your plucking would already be there since you have worked on the instrument previously.
Try running scales, sounding each note w/ your thumb until it becomes second-nature and very clear. The weight of the instrument and strength of the neck are in your favor to get a very clean slap sound.

LuckyBassPlayer · #6 07-08-2011, 08:35 AM

I slap from time to time, and my Ibanez 5-er has 16,5 mm spacing. You just need to get used to it.

nickbass79 · #7 07-08-2011, 08:40 AM

I slap on my 6 fretless all the time. It will take some getting used to. One thing I did was raise my bass up a little so my slap hand is more parallel to the strings instead of perpendicular. It's all technique, and getting used to the string spacing. Good luck!

domportera · #8 07-09-2011, 05:42 AM

Thanks for the responses guys! I got a lot of work to do then, but I'll do it. Slapping sounds too damn awesome to pass up.

flypejose · #9 07-09-2011, 09:13 PM

I had the same apprehensions at first but now I can do it even with my US Cirrus 6 narrow spacing! Like everything else, it boils down to getting used to do it (repetition).

How to do it?
- Be able to navigate with ease on your fretboard (muting, string crossing etc.)
- Learn easy patterns slowly and often

SLaPiNFuNK · #10 07-09-2011, 09:27 PM

For the longest time my 6 string fretted was my only bass I would use for slap (until I got a 5). and Ill tell you, it feels weird slapping on the 5 and not having the C string there.

You will have NO problem slapping on a Six... the only thing you need to do is make sure you are able to mute across all the strings with your left hand to keep things quiet.

My 6 is 34" / 18mm Ken Smith and its amazing.

A buddy of mine YEARS ago had a 5 string ken smith he converted to a 6 string... Crammed 6 strings on the 5 string, it was like 12mm spacing or something crazy like that, he had this technique where he would "thump" with a pick and pop with his fingers. bass was BLAZING for finger style, I couldnt slap on it as efficiently as other basses though.

I have some 6 string slap video's on my youtube.com/slapinfunk

chaosMK · #11 07-10-2011, 09:44 AM

I mainly slap on the B for what I do, but practice "aim" on the other strings (with a fairly tight Cirrus). Just a little practice... that's all you'll need.

Patrick61503 · #12 07-10-2011, 07:36 PM

i was worried about this too when i bought my first 6 string, i think its actually easier with finger style and slap, the accuracy with slap comes in no time and wen you get to double plucking i use the string below the one im hitting and use it to push off of with my knuckle, with both slap and finger style it makes it so u can bounce of strings easier and it adds more strings to bounce off of i rarely use the B and C string but still prefer a 6 string over everything else