Fingerstyle Slap Hybrid Styles?

[FreeFraser]

I mostly play fingerstyle

but lately ive been experimenting with trying to mix slap in with that. I think slap bass style is a little over the top sometimes. So ive taken to slapping only on the e string. I imagine this would be especially effective on 5 string though.

The other thing i do is that i attack that e string at an angle. It makes a softer warmer tone that still stands out from the fingerstyle stuff, but sounds very distinctive. The easiest way to get this angle ive found is to play standing up with the bass strap across the lower bout so it pulls the body at an angle that i find really comfortable.

The fingerstyle stuff is all floating thumb. So the thumb is either slapping or muting.


I was wondering if anyone else, pro or not plays in this style. Mostly because id like to learn where it can be taken. Im still pretty new to bass and can learn alot

 

[Groove Doctor]

Check out Abe Laboriel, he’s made a few instructional videos that are now on YouTube. He’s the closest Pro Bassist to the style of playing you described.

 

[FreeFraser]

Check out Abe Laboriel, he’s made a few instructional videos that are now on YouTube. He’s the closest Pro Bassist to the style of playing you described.

Thanks! Thats actually pretty helpful. Hes alot morr aggressive with his slap than i am, but it is the same sort of idea.

Im gonna check him out and hopefully i can find some tips from him


EDIT: And i also just discovered double thumb because of him. Really cool too!

 

[enricogaletta]

Well combining more then just one playing style could be an awesome tool because you can reach not only different dynamics but also, different tones could give you different phrasing ideas and at the ending you will reach your own hybrid style.
Give a check to a couple of my videos and if you need more help just let me know.
Ciao.

 

[Groove Doctor]

Simply The Best - Tina Turner, I mix thumb slap and finger style plucking of the low F.

Slap 1 2 Slap 1 2 1 2

 

[SteveCS]

I mostly play fingerstyle

but lately ive been experimenting with trying to mix slap in with that. I think slap bass style is a little over the top sometimes. So ive taken to slapping only on the e string. I imagine this would be especially effective on 5 string though.

The other thing i do is that i attack that e string at an angle. It makes a softer warmer tone that still stands out from the fingerstyle stuff, but sounds very distinctive. The easiest way to get this angle ive found is to play standing up with the bass strap across the lower bout so it pulls the body at an angle that i find really comfortable.

The fingerstyle stuff is all floating thumb. So the thumb is either slapping or muting.


I was wondering if anyone else, pro or not plays in this style. Mostly because id like to learn where it can be taken. Im still pretty new to bass and can learn alot

I occasionally use thumb slaps, but quite often use pops on the G or D strings for accents. Its quite easy when playing fingerstyle with floating thumb just to hook your index or middle finger under the string and give it a little tug without getting your hand out of position. Combined with the odd hammer-on it's an easy way to mix things up without going into full slap mode.

 

[FreeJBass]

Compressor helps alot with this style