What is this technique called, and how do you do it?

[bassplayertom77]

A lot of people do it, but I'll use Vic Wooten and Tal Wilkenfeld as examples.

It's like a trill, but their left hand slides lightning fast between two notes. It's so quick, I can't wrap my head around it. It's so cool. Any links or help would be appreciated.

It's probably so simple.

[Thump Jr.]

It looks to me like an application of fretless-style vibrato to a fretted instrument.

As to how you do it? I'd suggest . . . sliding your hand lightning-fast between two notes.

[bigblondeafro87]

It sounds a lot faster than it actually is, and usually sounds better with very new/ bright strings.

Call it the bumblebee technique if you must have a name.

[bassplayertom77]

Originally Posted by Thump Jr.

It looks to me like an application of fretless-style vibrato to a fretted instrument.

As to how you do it? I'd suggest . . . sliding your hand lightning-fast between two notes.

Thanks Thump Jr, it's all so clear to me now.
Sincerely, that was funny.

[JimmyM]

Funny but true. Just try to make it steady and do it to accent the music, not to show off. Also, bear in mind that sometimes they don't go between two frets. They just do a wide vibrato on one fret.

[JimK]

I think it's called a "shake".
Back in the '70s, EW&F's "Shing Star" was a big tune for that technique.

[bassplayertom77]

Originally Posted by JimK

I think it's called a "shake".
Back in the '70s, EW&F's "Shing Star" was a big tune for that technique.

EXACTLY! How is this done? Is it reallt just as simple as sliding quickly between notes?

[ryco]

More of pivoting on your thumb on the back of the neck while rolling the finger on the fret board back and forth.
I mean, you *could* slide your whole hand as one rigid unit, but takes a lot more energy.

[bassplayertom77]

Thanks everyone for helping me demystify this.

Isn't it funny that you have practice certain techniques often, only to use them sparingly?

[JimK]

Originally Posted by ryco

More of pivoting on your thumb on the back of the neck...

I just tried it...my thumb actually comes off the back of the neck.YMMV.

[JimK]

Originally Posted by bassplayertom77

EXACTLY! How is this done? Is it reallt just as simple as sliding quickly between notes?

I would say so.
The 'trick' is to pick your spot(s) & make it musical.