Double thumbing up-down(not double thumping) help with slap technique

[vindibona1]

I'm not a slap player, but I would like to have the technique at my disposal. If I had to cite a style that I like and player I'd like to emulate it would be Ida Nielsen. Very solid and I like the tone she gets. And while Flea is admired by many, that's not what I'm going after.

I think I have the wrist thing going for single thumps and finally working out what for me with the pops. But I can't seem to get hold of how to get a solid up stroke with my thumb. I've worked my thumb downstroke to where it isn't parallel with the strings, but somewhat down and a bit toward the body so it's below the upper adjacent string, theoretically so the left side of my right thumb can catch the upper string that I've just struck. I haven't done it enough to build any sort of callous there and wondering if that is hindering me. But even so, I'm not catching the upstroke right.

Any thoughts or advice?

 

[Groove Doctor]

I liken it to shaking my hands dry with loose wrists, swinging my forearm & bending the elbow slightly.

It’s also a bit like strumming a guitar with a pick - the motion starts at the elbow but you barely see the elbow bend.

Firstly - Try just doing rapid down & up strumming of one string with just your thumb, and focus on keeping the arm relaxed until you find a comfortable rhythm to it.

Then - gradually add a bit more force until the string hits the fretboard.

Light Strings and low action make a huge difference. I found the G string easiest to start with. Lighter & more responsive, plus no strings hindering me from getting my thumb under it for the upstroke.

Some basses it’s easier on too - I find DT much easier & cleaner on my Sandberg California P bass (Ida plays her signature Sandberg) with light gauge D’Addario nickels.

I tried all the YT lessons & they felt very rigid. YMMV. I hope this helps.

 

[JonathanPDX]

Can you post a video of yourself playing a little bit? It's much easier to help with technique questions when we can see what's going on. Even a little shift of the bass, your body, angle, hand position, etc. can make a big difference. But without seeing it I'd just be guessing.