Why can't I slap decently?

[ZoSoIV]

I've spent a lot of time practicing slapping using various sources from this site and others, and I've decided unless I'm the worst slapper in existence, maybe my cheap bass isnt configured for it really. Its a decent shape Squier Bronco Bass. I have the action very low. The strings only seem to make a "slap-resembling" noise within an inch to four inches from the bridge. Do I need to change something here to get a good consistent technique going, or what? Any input appreciated.

[Eublet]

Tough to answer based on what you've said here.

A GREAT resource for slapping is Ed Friedland's dvd on the subject. You could get it pretty cheap from somewhere like Amazon. It has lots of good exercises, and some good close up shots of what Ed is doing. Highly recommended to make sure you are on the right path with technique.

[xkimsungminx]

hm.. well as you said, if you're able to only produce "slap-resembling" noise from 1 inch to 4 inches from the bridge, it may be your bass.

I guess what you CAN do is go to a Guitar Center or any other music store with basses around you and go try your slap technique out on other basses to see if you get the same results.

The slap sound on my bass, by all means, does not sound very good, but I'm still able to produce, what I consider to be at least decent, slapping or better sounding slapping on my friend's Stingray, and another friend's limited edition Warwick Corvette.

[John Wentzien]

Is it a short-scale bass? If so, it might not have enough string tension to produce a good "slap".

[rockwarnick]

i played a bronco bass the other day, i found it very awkward to slap on. try out another bass just to see if the problem is your technique or your bass. plus i wouldnt set the action too low.

[JimmyM]

Stanley Clarke does great slapping on a short scale bass. Of course, it's a $12,000 short scale bass, but still, I don't believe in fixing playing problems with equipment. Short scale basses, especially Fenders, are slappable. They're not my favorite for slapping, but they can be slapped and can sound pretty good.

I would concentrate on one aspect of slapping at a time. Work your thumb playing only quarter notes on open strings at a medium tempo for a few minutes at a time, and concentrate on getting them to sound clear and consistent. Then work on some fretted notes, and maybe go to eighth notes as well for a few minutes. Then start doing octaves slapping and popping quarter notes and eighth notes and try to be consistent and solid.

[tswd]

What does the 1 to 4 inches from the bridge comment mean? Where, exactly, are you slapping? Your thumb should be hitting the last fret of the fretboard, with your fingers plucking half an inch or so from it.

My teacher once said that the primary mistake most people make when learning to play slap is having their hand too far from the fret board. If you're trying to slap over the pickups or something, it won't work too well.

[ThatGermanDude]

"slap-resemblig noise close to the bridge"

maybe the strings are hitting your pickups, making a very "clacky" noise

[00Funk]

Theres alot of GREAT bass players that dont slap decently.

They do the best they can and develope their own style.

Example : Abraham Loborial

[Koki]

It's ok. You just need to get a teacher

[Eublet]

Originally Posted by 00Funk

Theres alot of GREAT bass players that dont slap decently.

They do the best they can and develope their own style.

Example : Abraham Loborial

What? Abe is incredible at this. Sure he does it a little differently, but he is a great slapper.

[JimmyM]

I missed this 1 to 4 inches from the bridge thing. You should be slapping with your thumb hitting the end of the fingerboard and your finger pulling the strings just past the fingerboard. Get away from the bridge.

[Cristo]

+1 to that. Most people get a "typical" slap sound nearer the neck than the bridge.

Also, the strings have something to do with the resulting sound. Most people slap with roundwound strings, often fresh ones, although there are certainly exceptions. Some also use lighter gauges. So if you are using heavies or flats or old strings, it might not produce the tone you are expecting.

[Audiophage]

What is slap bass supposed to sound like?

[CraigG]

Originally Posted by Eublet

What? Abe is incredible at this. Sure he does it a little differently, but he is a great slapper.

Actually, Abe doesn't slap, he "snaps" with both his thumb and fingers.

On his "Beginning Funk Bass" video (which is a cool video if for no other reason than to watch Abe) he acknowledges that he doesn't play slap, rather, he "snaps" (aka "pops") the strings with thumb and fingers. He does state, when he plays "thumb only" he's comfortable "slapping" (he calls it "striking") but when he's playing with thumb and fingers, he prefers to do what he calls "snapping."

He certainly has his own very impressive technique, clearly much of which finds its roots in playing flamenco style guitar when he was younger.

Craig

[sandmangeck]

with just about any technique i tackle with the bass, i usually concentrate on one hand at a time. with slapping, start slow, then work up your speed. i use dr brights, and keep em fresh, and set the eq right. you should be able to take the different techniques you learn to any instrument. i can slap an acoustic guitar, and electric very well. its just time. pick an easy song to start, like the chili peppers version of higher ground. get some confidence, than get to the tougher songs.

[Dr_Funkdamental]

Something else you might want to think about. Alot of times we compare our slap sound to a professional recording or album. Kinda like the "record your own voice thing" when you hear your voice on a recording it doesnt sound the same as when you talk. During one practice session record yourself slapping then play it back. Ive found in my experience that the sound I make when I play (standing in front of amp, etc) doesnt always sound the same in a recording. I thought my slap sounded weird (and Im pretty good at it), but after I listened to a recording it actually sounds like what I was looking for.

[DocBop]

Originally Posted by CraigG

Actually, Abe doesn't slap, he "snaps" with both his thumb and fingers.

On his "Beginning Funk Bass" video (which is a cool video if for no other reason than to watch Abe) he acknowledges that he doesn't play slap, rather, he "snaps" (aka "pops") the strings with thumb and fingers. He does state, when he plays "thumb only" he's comfortable "slapping" (he calls it "striking") but when he's playing with thumb and fingers, he prefers to do what he calls "snapping."

He certainly has his own very impressive technique, clearly much of which finds its roots in playing flamenco style guitar when he was younger.

Craig

Abe is like another bass player I knew and their slap technique came from traditional guitar music from the Caribbean. I heard them play this amazing guitar stuff with slapping in the rhythm technique.

[owensea777]

Practice your muting just as much as the actual slap and pop. You have to make the slapped notes just as clean as finger-plucked notes (kinda hard at first)

[iceshaft07]

Here are a few tips/things I learned

1) Practice "higher ground", it will make you really goot with octaves when you can play it.
2) Mute notes.
3) ABSOLUTELY learn double thumping. It helps alot.
4) Go to a local store and try another bass. You may find your action is absurdly high due to poor maintenance (I speak from experience).
5) Pluck multiple strings with 2 fingers to make a two-note chord (i forget what they are called).
6) Try making a drum beat with it. I think that helps alot.