Teach me how to slap!

madbassplaya · #1 01-12-2009, 10:53 AM

So, i've never really been into slapping. I mean, I dig it when others do it, but its never really been my thing. I've always been more into driving basslines/grooving.

I feel like to be a good bassist though, I should have the slap thing down in case I ever need it. I want to be a well rounded player. A guy gave me some advice one time, he said learn to slap and use it sparingly.

Anyway, when I try to slap and pop, I can slap the top string fine, but can't the rest. I have to pop them with my index finger. My Jazz has 19mm spacing. Also, when I've played a V string, I had trouble on the E string, but could slap on the B fine, so I guess i'm using the wrong technique.

Any help/advice would be appreciated!

**DougD** · #2 01-12-2009, 10:58 AM

No, You ar just not used to doing it

Like any other style, it takes time to develop. Just keep at it. There is no right or wrong way to do it, as long as you can get the sound you are looking for

madbassplaya · #3 01-12-2009, 01:19 PM

thanks...

i feel kinda like a DA right now. I just realized there was a sticky with some instructional stuff. I'll be looking at that now, sorry for spamming the forum guys...

jgroh · #4 01-15-2009, 09:38 AM

I have been messing around with some stuff on MarloweDK's website (playbassnow.com) It has some fun licks and other instructional stuff. Check it out.

johhn smith · #5 01-15-2009, 09:44 AM

if you go to youtube and type in alexis sklarevski there is sone slap instructional stuff there.

http://www.youtube.com/results?searc...=4&oq=alexis+s

also try to type in the name of a bassplayer who you know slaps and they is probably video there featuring him.

practice, practice, practice, it's the only way you'll get anything, there are no real shortcuts, i know, i've been looking for over 25 years and still haven't found any

good luck

2x4strgkramers · #6 01-15-2009, 10:02 AM

Just remeber slap is a spice not a flavor wel at least thats how I look at it. A touch hear and there can wake up a song but to much can make it sound bitter.

Drazon · #7 01-16-2009, 07:12 PM

Practice, practice, practice.

In the beginning, it's going to sound like crap. Just keep hitting the string, you'll find a tone you'll like and run with it. And when you start using it in songs and your arm starts stiffening up, you'll learn to use your wrist.

Also, practice.

MutilationInB# · #8 01-17-2009, 12:32 PM

I recently started practicing slap on my 5'er recently, had the same problem..slappin on the B went fine but anything higher and I'd get some buzz.On my 4 I can lift my hand and come back down and slap no problem. I dont know if this is common and I never noticed, but I threw like a litttle palm muting into my technique I guess. I mute the string above the one I'm slapping and it keeps everything sounding solid. Hope that can be of some help