Thumping vs. Slapping

[g&lplayer]

Hey guys so Ive always slapped via bouncing my thumb off the string. I've always noticed though, that the better players usually always thump i.e. not bounce off but go through the string. So i guess my question is this:
-Can you get the same tone not bouncing off the string but going through it?
-How would you reccomend someone who has been bouncing off the string for ten years begin to change his ways?

[Samsound]

Good question. I just got Oppenheimer's slap book, and the text and illustration seem to direct one to thump the string against the fretboard. This is in contrast to the Wooton vids that show him going down and through. A bit confused myself.
I was practicing the latter, with the double thumb and two fingers on the same string - great fun. I can't imagine how to double thump...

[251]

Originally Posted by g&lplayer

Hey guys so Ive always slapped via bouncing my thumb off the string. I've always noticed though, that the better players usually always thump i.e. not bounce off but go through the string. So i guess my question is this:
-Can you get the same tone not bouncing off the string but going through it?
-How would you reccomend someone who has been bouncing off the string for ten years begin to change his ways?

- No you get a different sound. Bouncing sounds different than a pick or fingers. That's why you learned to do it. Thumping is yet another way to play. Worth learning, don't you think?

-Learn to thump as you would learn any other BG technique. Copy a friend who plays folk guitar or banjo. Buy instruction videos & books. Find a teacher who can guide you through thump patterns.