Slapping and popping question

[Tony Oppenheim]

Originally Posted by Just J

I got this book on a recommendation from my teacher as well. I'm kinda stuck on the cross string hammer, I can't get a clean tone, maybe because I use my pinky on octaves...

However, I'm able to slap lines I could only dream about, so it's been a great help. Still not really comfortable slapping in public tho.

I use my third finger for cross string hammering rather than my pinky. You might want to try this and see if it gives you a little more leverage, which in turn might give you a cleaner sound on those hammered on notes.

Just have fun with it.

Cheers!

Tony

[Tony Oppenheim]

Originally Posted by makaky

Wow Tony on TB !

I dont know if that was directed at me but i think my name is the closest to Koki maybee the post got deleted too

Makaky,

Sounds like you're giving your students great advice, BTW.

and...

No, my post was not directed to you. It was a reply to a user who was offering up a PDF version of my book. That post seems to have been deleted.

Cheers!

Tony

[droskobass]

Slapping (like playing in general) requires the development of muscle memory. Just try to slap for 5 mins a day in a very relaxed manner and see if you can improve your technique at all. if it gets just a little bit easier every day you're on your way.

Don't be afraid of sounding bad. you MUST sound bad before you'll get better. it's part of the process. embrace your sound along the way. Every note you play will bring you closer.

When I originally bought my 1975 p bass, i bought it because I thought it would be USELESS for slap. I had no intention of ever learning to slap. and once I made the decision that I wouldn't need to slap, all the pressure went away and i soon becme a very proficcient slapper...

[Just J]

Originally Posted by Tony Oppenheim

I use my third finger for cross string hammering rather than my pinky. You might want to try this and see if it gives you a little more leverage, which in turn might give you a cleaner sound on those hammered on notes.

Just have fun with it.

Cheers!

Tony

I've tried, but I lack the flexibility to cross many strings with my ring finger so it's frustrating. That and I hadn't found any lines that took advantage of the technique so I wasn't sure of it's practical use.

I've been working on cleaning up my basic technique before I start gettin fancy as well.