Can I get advice on this

[Myles Daly]

Hello, I am a 13-year-old boy from southern Illinois I recently made Allstate conference as an electric bass player I've been playing about 6 months and I practice about half an hour a day. We had a funk tune that required me to slap the A string and I couldn't do it without hitting the E string so I was slapping with my middle finger of my right hand. It kind of locks in place and will come down with force. I was wondering if there were any drawbacks to slapping like that instead of my thumb

 

[BassFishingInAmerica]

If it works for you, I would say use your own method, temporarily. You need to be careful if you slap a lot or with a lot of force, your finger could get swollen. If you have no problems, use it until you can get the thumb down. The thing is that you may not be able to use this technique in every situation and on every song requiring slap. So, it may be a good idea to practice the more standard method of using your thumb. I'm quite sure there are many songs where your method would not work, such as slapping and popping.

 

[Stumbo]

I suggest watching some videos on YT.

 

[Rev J]

Doug Wimbish has a similar technique that he uses as a special effect. He explains it at one point in this video:



C/S,
Rev J

 

[Whousedtoplay]

Hello, I am a 13-year-old boy from southern Illinois

You are just at the very beginning of your path.

I've been playing about 6 months

Only 6 months...

I practice about half an hour a day

It's NOT(!) enough. At 13, you should have more time to spend with your bass.
About 90% of TB members have families to support, daytime jobs, etc...; therefore, just practice more than 1/2 hour.

I couldn't do it without hitting the E string

Yes, it happens to EVERYONE who just starts playing bass.

I was wondering if there were any drawbacks to slapping like that instead of my thumb

Your life as a bass player will show you if there are any drawbacks.

 

[Nev375]

It doesn't sound like something that would cause any repetitive strain injuries from the way you describe it.

If it gets you the sound you are after I say keep practicing and developing the technique. Nothing wrong with having a unique style.

At the same time I'd keep studying the more conventional thumb-slapping technique because it's always good to have access to several different methods of playing including picks. You never know when you might get a finger injury or something and have to play in different way.

Generally speaking though, if it sounds good, it IS good.

 

[Myles Daly]

Thank you all your advice has been noted

 

[flojob]

They used to call that chucking, I think.

 

[MalcolmAmos]

Hello, I am a 13-year-old boy from southern Illinois I recently made Allstate conference as an electric bass player I've been playing about 6 months and I practice about half an hour a day.

You are doing fine, and as others have said the E & A string will work themselves out. Understand there is a whole World out there that does not rely upon slap. My point; you have a bunch more to explore. However, 30 minutes a day is suspect, shoot for at least 45 to 60 minute sessions six times a week.

Does not have to be all at the same time. Have you found you best study time? Took me decades to figure this out. Once I figured out that I study best in the morning around 4:30 to 6:00 AM it is amazing how this helped me finish my degree 32 years after starting. Work related problems, presentations, etc. became easier if done at this time of the day.

When is your time? Kinda important you know this. After a day in school, homework was not something I wanted to spend time on. However, early in the morning, I was fresh and could really get some meaningful work done. Bad thing about this it took me 32 years to figure out. I bet none of your teachers have asked; "What part of the day do you get the best study results"?

.... So I ask again, when do you study best?

 

[sean_on_bass]

Practice bass lines you already know using the thumb slap technique to improve accuracy. Also practice scales utilizing all strings of the bass, all using the thumb slap. You will get better over time.

 

[StayLow]

You'll get it with the thumb eventually. Muting the E with the left hand can also help, in case you're striking both the E and the A.

The technique you've developed is great to have too, so don't lose it. You can even expand on it. Check out Ryan Martinie's technique.

 

[Groove Doctor]

What really helped me was learning to
- thumb slap EVERY string cleanly.
- mute the OTHER strings with my unused fingers of both hands.

Good technique + repetition = accuracy.

Keep at it man, its worth the effort.

 

[dreamadream99]

to slap the A string and I couldn't do it without hitting the E string

Work on a tight, compact motion with the thumb. It's actually a wrist twist.
1. Put your arm out, and make a thumbs up gesture.
2. Turn wrist till thumb points left.
That's the motion. Practice that on every string.
Also, make sure you aren't thunking the string. It's a ricochet.

 

[Myles Daly]

one year later turns out i have a trigger finger and was using that to slap