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I just discovered I can Slap!

Appogee

Appogee

Jan 18, 2018
494
890
#1
For years I've made half-assed attempts to play slap. But I haven't been able to do it. I can 'pop' strings. But whenever I try to slap, I get lots of unsympathetic vibrations from other strings, even when I do manage to hit the right string. It just sounds awful and I have given up trying after 5 minutes.

But today I'm selling a secondhand combo amp to someone. To demonstrate to them that the amp is in perfect working order, I've retrieved from my rack a 5-string Squier Classic Vibe bass which I bought secondhand a while ago but haven't yet gotten around to setting up properly. It needs a truss rod adjustment as the action on it is way too high, as well as a set of string that are more comfortable than cheese graters.

But while I was using it to test out the amp, I tried a couple of slaps and - low and behold - they worked! With 5 minuets I was a-slappin' and a-poppin' like ... well, like a beginner slapper, I suppose. While I won't be applying for Flea's position anytime soon, when I'm focused and hitting the right string, it sounds just like a good slap should. Now I'm a real slap happy chappy.

The secret seems to be the action being "too high" vs my usual setups. On all my other basses, the action is low to facilitate my usual finger style playing. But this low action inhibits slapping (?)

Anyway, thought I'd share what worked for me in case it helps any other frustrated slappers amongst us :bassist:
 
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#4
Well in that case...

1753016644927.png
 
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#7
JamesGrant said:
Not too high, not too low and…. fresh round wound strings?
Click to expand...
The bass I was using today did have round wounds ... weren't all that fresh, though.
What I was able to do for the first time today for some reason was to strike the notes cleanly and clearly with my thumb, without the usual string rattle and other discordant vibrations.
I'm sure with fresher strings the tone would also be even better.
 
#8
I find it much easier to slap effectively on a bass that has medium-higher action. Low action in general I’m not a fan of. Everyone’s personal preference is at play here. Also depends on your technique. If I focus on thumb down (like Flea) I’m fine on a super low action bass. But that requires a longer strap length to get the bass lower and that forces my plucking hand to go into an awkward position for normal plucking.

None of the music I play with my band or at church has/requires any slapping however I do spend a lot of time slapping on my own because it’s fun. Since I wear my bass a bit more higher than usual (I guess) I adopted a more thumb UP approach like Victor Wooten after seeing a clinic of his with Anthony Wellington back in 2007? 2008? Learned how to double thumb as well.

Anyway, I’m super happy you finally figured it out. I’ve had those lightbulb moments that really elevated my playing a few times over the years too. Enjoy and have fun.
 
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#11
Appogee said:
For years I've made half-assed attempts to play slap. But I haven't been able to do it. I can 'pop' strings. But whenever I try to slap, I get lots of unsympathetic vibrations from other strings, even when I do manage to hit the right string. It just sounds awful and I have given up trying after 5 minutes.

But today I'm selling a secondhand combo amp to someone. To demonstrate to them that the amp is in perfect working order, I've retrieved from my rack a 5-string Squier Classic Vibe bass which I bought secondhand a while ago but haven't yet gotten around to setting up properly. It needs a truss rod adjustment as the action on it is way too high, as well as a set of string that are more comfortable than cheese graters.

But while I was using it to test out the amp, I tried a couple of slaps and - low and behold - they worked! With 5 minuets I was a-slappin' and a-poppin' like ... well, like a beginner slapper, I suppose. While I won't be applying for Flea's position anytime soon, when I'm focused and hitting the right string, it sounds just like a good slap should. Now I'm a real slap happy chappy.

The secret seems to be the action being "too high" vs my usual setups. On all my other basses, the action is low to facilitate my usual finger style playing. But this low action inhibits slapping (?)

Anyway, thought I'd share what worked for me in case it helps any other frustrated slappers amongst us :bassist:
Click to expand...
I'm glad you figured something that works for you, but a bass with action too high FOR ME is exactly the inhibitor of the slap technique or it is that which makes it much more difficult that it must necessarily be.
 
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#12
It’s more likely that your breakthrough was the culmination of all your “half-assed” attempts at slapping. 5 minutes here, 5 minutes there, and pretty soon you’ve spent a couple of hours at it. Eventually you get better at it, (despite your best efforts ;) ).

For as much as some people hate on the technique, it is a technique in its own right, and requires time, patience and persistence to master it. Same as playing with a pick or playing with fingers. IME, higher action does not generally help. However, what’s high for you is medium for someone else. Eventually you’ll figure out the setup that best supports all the techniques you want to use when you play.

But however you got there, you’re there. Now go forth and annoy the haters. ;)
 
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#16
Appogee said:
For years I've made half-assed attempts to play slap. But I haven't been able to do it. I can 'pop' strings. But whenever I try to slap, I get lots of unsympathetic vibrations from other strings, even when I do manage to hit the right string. It just sounds awful and I have given up trying after 5 minutes.

But today I'm selling a secondhand combo amp to someone. To demonstrate to them that the amp is in perfect working order, I've retrieved from my rack a 5-string Squier Classic Vibe bass which I bought secondhand a while ago but haven't yet gotten around to setting up properly. It needs a truss rod adjustment as the action on it is way too high, as well as a set of string that are more comfortable than cheese graters.

But while I was using it to test out the amp, I tried a couple of slaps and - low and behold - they worked! With 5 minuets I was a-slappin' and a-poppin' like ... well, like a beginner slapper, I suppose. While I won't be applying for Flea's position anytime soon, when I'm focused and hitting the right string, it sounds just like a good slap should. Now I'm a real slap happy chappy.

The secret seems to be the action being "too high" vs my usual setups. On all my other basses, the action is low to facilitate my usual finger style playing. But this low action inhibits slapping (?)

Anyway, thought I'd share what worked for me in case it helps any other frustrated slappers amongst us :bassist:
Click to expand...
Just relax, lay down and take some aspirin and get some rest. The nausea will soon go away and you'll feel better in the morning. 😝😝
 
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#20
Appogee said:
The bass I was using today did have round wounds ... weren't all that fresh, though.
What I was able to do for the first time today for some reason was to strike the notes cleanly and clearly with my thumb, without the usual string rattle and other discordant vibrations.
I'm sure with fresher strings the tone would also be even better.
Click to expand...
Have you tried going back to another bass of yours and slap on that one?
 
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