Am i an alien?

[citizenchris099]

Just to put it in perspective: The fact that I don't slap doesn't mean I hate it. It's just that I don't. I'm a flatwound addictive and flatwounds and slapping don't really match.

+1 to that

I don't slap/pop or whatever because it just doesn't seem to suit my musical needs/tastes.
Its difficult to hate a technique per say. I'd say its much easier to "hate" the practical application of said technique.

 

[DLKasim]

I must be the only bassist i nthe world that completly dislike the slap stuff. The 'pop' tech. i like and even use, just as some other percussive aproches (such as the John Entwistle's type writer). But the slap, FOR ME, is really overrated and kindda anoying.

Am i the only one who thinks like this?

Slapping tends to be hit or miss for me. Most of the local players that I see (especially in music stores) seems to be of the opinion that slapping=awesome, no matter the context. When misused, it amounts to nothing more than masturbation.

Used tastefully, however, it can be a highly effective technique. One of the best uses I have heard for it was in a local church band for an upbeat end-of-service song. It fit the song perfectly, and melded with the rest of the instruments so well that I was probably one of the few people who noticed it.

 

[Mike M.]

I think it's a great style to know....and I can't do it to save my life!! But I love watching/listening to someone who's got it down and who knows when and when not to use it. Makes them that more versatile.

The only time I HATE the slap style is when someone is reviewing something I may be intersted in, be it a bass, an amp or an effect and all they do is the slap style. It's really nothing more than "hey, look what I can do" on thier part and nothing more. Drives me nuts.

That's why I love when our friend Ed Friedland reviews something because he'll do it all. Fingers, pick and slap.

 

[hibachiduck]

I use it in two songs in my band's entire set. In both songs it's less than a measure of one of the phrases. In my last band it was sorta the same deal. I agree with comments above: if slap belongs there you'll know it (if you've been exposed to enough music which properly uses slap and have developed an ear for it at least). If you find that your entire set doesn't call for slap a single time, don't worry about it. Slap doesn't work 95% of the time. Nobody will think any less of you if you don't slap (except that same crowd who expects guitarists to sweep and tap their way through every verse and chorus of every song.....yeah.....tapping and sweeping diminished 7ths is just what Layla needed....Eric Clapton must suck at guitar ). I will say that people, especially your bandmates, WILL think less if you if during your punk song you start slapping and popping octaves.

 

[Peace Cee]

Has anyone seen the South Park spoof of High School Musical where the dad slaps everyone? Man that was funny.

 

[FrednBass]

That's pretty closed minded to shoot down everything that's slap. I'm sure there's something out there you'd like.

Yes, there is a few examples of slap that i enjoy. But they are rare, and only as one part of a whole bass line. Not that thump-di-dump all the way.