Slap/Tap Bass

[datsamunky]

I am the prowd owner of an Aria 6-String bass guitar. I can play it ok as I've been playing guitar for many years before it. There's one thing I just can't seem to do with it. Learn how to play slap and tap bass. Does it have anything to do with the action of the bass or the strings?

[jenich CZ]

no...you gotta practise more.

[ergodynebass]

Originally Posted by datsamunky

I am the prowd owner of an Aria 6-String bass guitar. I can play it ok as I've been playing guitar for many years before it. There's one thing I just can't seem to do with it. Learn how to play slap and tap bass. Does it have anything to do with the action of the bass or the strings?

Could be, technique is most of it from what most people say. I think in some way it does deal with strings, I get a much better tone out of brighter strings. I have a problem myself slapping on anything higher than a 5 string because of the string spacing. Check your action though, plenty of guides on it on the internet.

[tswd]

Tapping shouldn't be a problem. If you're having trouble with it, the most likely cause is your action. The lower the action, the easier it is to tap. Watch Victor Wooten tap. He has very little travel distance in his fingers when tapping. If you lower the action enough, barely touching the strings will be enough to get them to ring out.

I have the same problem as ergodynebass w.r.t. slapping on basses with more strings because the strings are so close together. I tend to hit the wrong string too much and have trouble getting under the middle strings to pluck. I'm sure I could get it eventually if I practiced, but I stick to 4 strings for slapping.

[datsamunky]

Thanks lads.