• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Diggin in too much

T

Tommy-P

Nov 9, 2007
36
0
North East Coast, England
#1
This is probably a simple rookie mistake that you've been asked before but I need help. When I slap I tend to hit the scratch plate with my fingers when I pop (moreso when playing faster). I've tried just playing slower and practicing really hard not doing it but everytime I stop thinking about it I do it again?

Is this common?
Is it that bad?
Will people laugh at me if they realise? (my mate thaught it sounded cool unplugged)
 
#2
Tommy-P said:
This is probably a simple rookie mistake that you've been asked before but I need help. When I slap I tend to hit the scratch plate with my fingers when I pop (moreso when playing faster). I've tried just playing slower and practicing really hard not doing it but everytime I stop thinking about it I do it again?

Is this common?
Is it that bad?
Will people laugh at me if they realise? (my mate thaught it sounded cool unplugged)
Click to expand...

I think it's very common. I'm not sure about any techniques to overcome it. I do know that this is the reason a lot of players install "slap ramps" on their basses. Basically all the ramp does is reduce the distance between your strings and the body of the bass so you can't get as much of your finger under the string. There are two benefits to the ramp: 1) Your pops will not be too loud (reduces need for compression) and 2) The less finger under the string, the faster you can play.

If you do a search, I think there have been some good threads here on slap ramps.

Ralf
 
#7
#8
Tommy
My opinion is that you just need to keep working on your technique. Getting a "ramp" of some kind is not a quick fix and in fact might make things worse since you'd be making the distance even closer. Most guys that use a ramp AND slap don't place it near the neck so it doesn't interfere with their slapping.
Just keep practicing economy of motion, relax and play slow so you can find the "feel" of slapping without hitting the scratch plate.
I'm certain with more practice you will get better at it and most likely it will stop all together.
all the best
Ray
 
#10
rayriendeau said:
Tommy
My opinion is that you just need to keep working on your technique. Getting a "ramp" of some kind is not a quick fix and in fact might make things worse since you'd be making the distance even closer. Most guys that use a ramp AND slap don't place it near the neck so it doesn't interfere with their slapping.
Just keep practicing economy of motion, relax and play slow so you can find the "feel" of slapping without hitting the scratch plate.
I'm certain with more practice you will get better at it and most likely it will stop all together.
all the best
Ray
Click to expand...

I agree 100% that practicing correct technique is the best way to go, especially for a newbie. In my case I had been using bad technique for so long that putting the ramp on my bass actually was a quick fix! About 6 months after installing the ramp, I got a new bass that had less space between the strings and the body. I found, that I didn't really need the ramp anymore. So I guess that in my case it acted more as "training wheels" than anything.

BTW, I learned about slap ramps from Norm Stockton. His ramp is actually more of a pickguard that sits between the neck and neck pickup.

Ralf
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back