Double Thumb. I cannot.

[M Attacker]

Hi, first post!

So I just can’t figure it out. I’m a good slapper. Play lots of RHCP and Primus and such. I got the flea technique down, mix in some flamenco, and do it lots. A majority of my band’s songs are me using the rock/funk slap. So my right hand technique was pretty good I thought. Then I tried double thump. I want the double thumb grail. I’ve tried and try again...I fail!

What am I missing? I watch videos, I get that the thumb is a pick, go though the string and back up. I can’t get the thumb part down, let along start mixing in the pops. It’s just not consistent enough...I can get a good sound if I’m lucky for like 5-6 notes. But altogether the timing and the tone are a mess. Who does this? What am I missing?

The latest video said don’t try to do the percussive fret board knock at first...just literally pick it for awhile. That’s fine....but now I want to get the slap tone. Downstroke is troublesome, upstroke is atrocious. Am I to hook the strings more? Am I just to hit it so forcefully that the string vibrates so fully that it slaps the fret board itself? Am I overthinking this entirely? Thanks!

 

[SirMjac28]

I just started doing this on my five string I'm getting there and it's weird but l find that letting the nail on my thumb grow out a little bit longer helps and light strings are a big plus

 

[enricogaletta]

Well, most of the time the reason for failing to reach some goals could be the way how we apply a new technique concept and last but not least how we use in our daily playing routine.
For example, to me, double thumb was impossible to learn using a part of my thumbnail as the "hit portion" especially on the upstroke movement, so after experimenting a while I found out more useful use just the side of my thumb, right in the middle, to be less painful and more comfortable. Everyone has a different approach on bass, find yours even if different from the others, is vital.
Then the other point is to apply the new technique on your playing style, on what you daily play, because the key is shaping it to your needs and not to learn licks that will be just another memory tool that you will never use instinctively in a real playing.
I attached some videos of double thumb used in different scenarios. Hope this helps and if you need more help, just let me know.
Cheers.

 

[M Attacker]

Thanks man, I will watch those vids. I appreciate the encouragement too.

I never thought it would come easy. But you are right, just keep at it. I’ve had it in my routine...twice now. But it’s always kinda been on the back burner, since sometimes I need the time to work on band stuff. Lately I switched to 5 strings. Now I got a show on saturday but I’m only 60% sure I’ve not gonna fumble with the extra string lol. But I’m past the point of no return...oh yes, I s happening.

I’m gonna get gud at double thumping next week, I will let you know if I have questions.

 

[Badwater]

Have you ever played guitar? If you learned to strum a guitar, it's much the same wrist action as the double thumb. But with a slap like in bass, and a upstroke like a guitar. One practice you can do is to use just the tip of your thumb to strum a string giving it a up and down attack. That will condition your wrist for the motion. Once you get good and feeling good with it, bring the palm of your hand closer to the strings while still strumming with your thumb. This will allow you to palm mute the strings for more variation in the technique.

 

[sninja]

Same here. Just can not figure it out!
maybe my strings are too low? (1,3mm at 12th fret)
my thumb is thick and straight so I cant do double thumb almost at all
I can while I am using only a tip and thumb 45 degree perpendicular to fretboard

 

[OptimalOptimus]

It is almost impossible to do with the thumb pointing down like Flee or Les Claypool.

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

It is almost impossible to do with the thumb pointing down like Flee or Les Claypool.

+1

I was also going to suggest learning how Victor or Marcus slap. Flea pops off the strings so his slap style isn't really conducive to double-thumb. It takes a lot of time to get the technique down decently though.