Vic wooten thumb technique

joeyzaza · #1 02-02-2006, 04:22 PM

Hello, I guess most of you must know this technique http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...=victor+wooten

Vic makes it look so easy, but it seems impossible to me, my fingers are about the same size as vics, but my problem is, I have a 5 string, and the string spacing is way smaller than on his bass, or most 4 strings, and the depth from the body to the strings is 15mm, with a big p pickup in the way, but anyway, would any of that make it more difficult to execute? Or should I be able to do it on any bass guitar? It seems so hard, maybe it's just me. Can anyone do that?

Jabinski · #2 02-03-2006, 07:51 AM

You need thumb narrowing surgery.
That's the best advice I can give today.

Redhotbassist · #3 02-03-2006, 09:08 AM

Im sure with enough practice, you can execute the technique on a 5 string, just as well as you could on a 4 string, etc.. its just about the practice.

**Mark Wilson** · #4 02-03-2006, 11:07 AM

Bill Dickens does it on a 7-string. No Excuses.

-Mark

Kobaia · #5 02-03-2006, 11:29 AM

Bill dickens dosent double thumb. i've asked him in person. he only uses pop slap and left handed mutes.

I have a very thick thumb, that is not double jointed. but i have 19mm string spacing on my 6 string that makes it much easier. also, i kind of cheat. I can only do it over a pickup or a finger ramp. it keeps my fingers from diggin in and getting under the strings. which will catch your fingers and slow them up.

Grueber · #6 02-03-2006, 11:42 AM

the thumping isn't so bad, but it's taking me awhile to get comfortable with thumping+plucking

slybass3000 · #7 02-03-2006, 11:48 AM

Hey,thanks for posting the link.
It is pretty well explained.
I'll try it even if I'm not a double thumb player.

SB

Kobaia · #8 02-03-2006, 12:19 PM

http://www.cliffengel.com/realmedia/...y_slapping.ram

this is one of the best video's i've seen on double thumbing.

ArwinH · #9 02-03-2006, 07:14 PM

Well, I finally understand what double thumbing is!!!!
I'm definitely going to be studying that video!
The double thumbing+double plucking is INSANE.

EmmSee · #10 02-03-2006, 10:20 PM

that's from his video/dvd with Carter Beuford from DMB.

he plays lopsy lu & money money money on that vid/dvd too (at the end with these lessons he does)

jamescalvin · #11 02-04-2006, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kobaia

http://www.cliffengel.com/realmedia/...y_slapping.ram

this is one of the best video's i've seen on double thumbing.

For some reason, I can't get the video to play. Could this video be in another location?

Kobaia · #12 02-04-2006, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamescalvin

For some reason, I can't get the video to play. Could this video be in another location?

its in real format

jenich CZ · #13 02-04-2006, 06:05 AM

Practise makes perfection...I can do this technique also on normal guitar...when you get used to it, then its no problem with any spacing...

Kobaia · #14 02-04-2006, 10:34 AM

here is a video i did with some double thumbing

http://youtube.com/w/4-finger-rollin...?v=fJ89L21X008

jenich CZ · #15 02-05-2006, 03:58 AM

Also I have to say, that double thumb technique is not necessary for playing Vic´s pieces...

for examle U cant hold no groove could be played without using doublethumb. My version is quite changed but i think its ok...the end of the song has been unfortunately cut...sorry.

http://nfbass.wz.cz/U%20cant%20hold%...e%20remix).wmv

EADG mx · #16 05-06-2006, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenich CZ

Also I have to say, that double thumb technique is not necessary for playing Vic´s pieces...

for examle U cant hold no groove could be played without using doublethumb. My version is quite changed but i think its ok...the end of the song has been unfortunately cut...sorry.

http://nfbass.wz.cz/U%20cant%20hold%...e%20remix).wmv

Except for Classical Thump, Norwegian Wood, Sinister Minister, A Show of Hands...

Erlend · #17 05-06-2006, 08:23 PM

The string spacing really shouldnt be a problem. i learned the technique on a 6-string. actually , ive never tried out any of the wooten stuff on a 4-string. practice makes perfect.

vyse933 · #18 05-06-2006, 08:56 PM

the only thing about this technique that i dont' get, is the original strick of the thumb...is it like your plucking very strongly through the string...or are you just doing a perpendicular to the fret board slap that some how ends up with your thumb on the A string?

Grueber · #19 05-06-2006, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vyse933

the only thing about this technique that i dont' get, is the original strick of the thumb...is it like your plucking very strongly through the string...or are you just doing a perpendicular to the fret board slap that some how ends up with your thumb on the A string?

I slap down towards the floor for double-thumping,
and towards the bass for regular slapping.

does that answe your question?

labgnat · #20 05-06-2006, 10:03 PM

i've been double thumbing for a year now. i never thought i'd learn it, now i'm actually pretty decent at it. when i use plucking with it it's usually just a single octave pop. but i've incorporated my right hand index finger into my double thumbing technique without using it to pop. double thumbing the d string and playing g string with index finger. or all on g string. its hard using 3 fingers on 1 string like vic does, unless it's the g string. don't expect to be doing the stuff he does anytime soon. he's been doing that since he was about 8