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5-String Slap: Muting?

OldSchoolFlats

OldSchoolFlats

May 29, 2021
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822
#1
I'm working on my (beginner-level) slap. I have a 5-string, and muting is an issue. I am coming from 6-string bass, so prefer not to go 4-string at this point.

Are there any good videos, or tips, for slap muting, on a 5?

I would prefer to not wrap my thumb around to mute the B or E, but am having trouble if I don't. The guy from TalkingBass talks about a "home position" on the fretting hand, with all the fingers on the strings, but not pressing against the frets. This doubles as a palm-slap.

I realize a variety of muting techniques are ultimately needed, but I am trying to stay away from (for now):
  • Wrapping thumb around fretboard.
  • Fret-wrap (e.g. hairband).
  • Palm of my thumping/plucking hand.
It seems like I can get much more mileage from the "home position" from TalkingBass, but I can't afford to buy a lesson right now, and don't even know how much TalkingBass talks about 5-string slap muting. I have searched quite a bit on YouTube, but have not found much specific to 5-string slap muting.
 
#3
OldSchoolFlats said:
I realize a variety of muting techniques are ultimately needed, but I am trying to stay away from (for now):
  • Wrapping thumb around fretboard.
  • Fret-wrap (e.g. hairband).
  • Palm of my thumping/plucking hand.
Click to expand...

Most effective muting techniques require both hands both in finger style and slapping. Why are you concerned with using the palm of your plucking hand for muting? I don't slap a lot, but when I do, it's on a 5 string and I use my palm all the time. I can't effectively mute the B string without it, and it works fine.
 
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#4
Spin Doctor said:
Most effective muting techniques require both hands both in finger style and slapping. Why are you concerned with using the palm of your plucking hand for muting? I don't slap a lot, but when I do, it's on a 5 string and I use my palm all the time. I can't effectively mute the B string without it, and it works fine.
Click to expand...

I actually thought a bit of thumb/pluck hand palm muting could make sense (and had some luck at it). Still learning...
 
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#7
The standard slap muting technique is, left hand fingers for the high strings, and left hand thumb for the low strings.

Watch some youtube videos of Larry Graham, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Stanley Clarke, etc. to learn more.
 
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#9
Spin Doctor said:
Not sure how well that would work for a five (or six) string. The guys you mentioned all play four string.
Click to expand...

While very much a slap novice, I do pretty well using the thumb and non-fretting fingers of the fretting hand.

My main concerns are:
  • Fretting-hand palm slap tends to "clank" on the B string. Not a muting issue, but seemingly 5-string.
  • As a long-time (hobby) non-slapper - pick and finger-style - I feel like the Bass Gods will "smite" me for using the thumb on my fretting hand!
 
#11
Mushroo said:
The standard slap muting technique is, left hand fingers for the high strings, and left hand thumb for the low strings.

Watch some youtube videos of Larry Graham, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Stanley Clarke, etc. to learn more.
Click to expand...

That’s not really going to work on 5 string. You have to do some right hand muting to prevent the B string ringing.

The key is to use your right under arm or palm.
 
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#12
Les Fret said:
That’s not really going to work on 5 string. You have to do some right hand muting to prevent the B string ringing.

The key is to use your right under arm or palm.
Click to expand...

I could live with a little palm/arm muting, since I otherwise like the extra string. My last go-to bass was an Ibanez 6-string, but it had narrow string spacing and flats, so I never got anywhere with slap.

Question: Does the fretting-hand slap for percussive grooves work as well on a 5? Soumds kinda-clanky on the B, but mostly just an issue without an amp.
 
#13
Mushroo said:
Why would the bass gods smite you for playing exactly like them? Go watch Stanley Clarke play "Lopsy Lu." You have some weird misconceptions about how you are "supposed to" play, that aren't grounded in bass-playing reality.
Click to expand...

That's what I thought, but wanted to check. I just play "for fun" these days (with my playing, giving up my 'day job' would be unwise), but am trying hard to get better fast. I am trying not to pick-up any bad habits along the way that I have to unlearn.
 
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#14
I slap on a 4 and 5 string basses, as someone already pointed out,use your right hand palm to mute the B or E strings. And the left for the other strings. Just takes some practice to get right.
Another good tip is use the floating thumb technique. Lastly,practice standing up,it is much more difficult then sitting,but will prepare you for when you get to try out your new licks live .
 
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#16
OldSchoolFlats said:
...Question: Does the fretting-hand slap for percussive grooves work as well on a 5? Soumds kinda-clanky on the B, but mostly just an issue without an amp.
Click to expand...

If you can't hear it through the amp, it doesn't matter. However, even playing finger style, you touch the B string differently than the rest of them.

When figuring out muting, string skipping or anything for that matter, being aware of the problem is the first step, so good job on that. Then you just sit with it and work it, until you figure a way to solve the problem.
 
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