I slapped...on a gig. I SLAPPED!!

[moody]

Who else just looked up the tab for "Something about you"...?

no.

 

[Jughead6]

no.

Just me then .

 

[cheapbasslovin]

I slapped on a gig, but that's mostly because I'm a self serving a-hole.

Run with it

 

[Journey55]

Just me then .

I did but my being dreadful at slapping quickly made me give up, I'll go back to my burst p with flats now

 

[bushbass]

There should be a slap-aholics 12 step program. Hi, I'm Randy and I play slap bass. JK

 

[jg42]

OMG, that's so weird...the song was "Something about you" by Level 42. I am so freaked out.

Good stuff, now choose what to learn next: "Lessons in Love" or "Hot Water"!

 

[jg42]

Well, not to brag or nuthin'... But I sometimes slap on a fretless. True story.
I think OP will be fine.

It all goes back to the reckless 80s: (start watching at 1:15)

 

[Blueinred]

I slapped...on a gig. I SLAPPED!!

Slapped who? The guitar player?! Good on ya, mate!

 

[Dojix]

I slapped on a gig, for two whole notes, because I thought they should be a little more punchy.
Quickly looked around to make sure no one noticed, and swiftly moved on.
It's okay, OP, the best bassists never let you know when they've slapped. They're like magicians in that way.

 

[/\/\3phist0]

OMG, that's so weird...the song was "Something about you" by Level 42. I am so freaked out.

Mark king is definitely one of the most impressive players of this style. Excessive technical and melodic.
If you "had" to slap at it wasn't on super freakm. Lol

 

[jg42]

I slapped...on a gig. I SLAPPED!!

Slapped who? The guitar player?! Good on ya, mate!

Gotta be careful with drummers tho. They might kick back. And beware of keyboard players, they use their strong fingers to perform those deadly throat strikes!

 

[darkblack99]

Don't think of it as 'slapping'...it's just doubling on the date in the percussion chair. Feel better?

 

[/\/\3phist0]

Well we did not ask....
He could have been playing upright. . In a rockabilly band

 

[MrWalker]

Better to slap than to be slapped, IMO

 

[99Z3]

I don't slap, but my body pops quite a bit!

 

[FrenchBassQC]

Hum... Exorcism if it is not too late...

 

[Delusionati]

Did anyone accuse you of "Slappin' da Baess!" after the set? You might have gotten away with it.

If anyone ever does, just tell them it's the bass synth sound, not you. Plausible deniability.

If you turn to face the drums a bit, you can hide the flying thumb AND that smile on your face (go on, admit it!).

However if you ever find black tape wrapped around your thumb, seek immediate medical attention.

 

[bassrich]

Once you've slapped you never go back

 

[Acoustic356]

For those of us that came in late... what's your aversion to slapping? Isn't it just another technique? Using a pick, using fingers, palm muting, slapping, tapping...

 

[tonemachine]

I cannot believe I'm about to say this. I'm feeling a little confused on the inside. But I just need to get this off my chest...

I slapped (& popped) at my gig last night. I know, I know, I've been vehemently opposed to using this technique for years unless it was absolutely necessary. But I can say with 100% certainty that is was 100% necessary, even required, to play this particular piece.

I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it. I was smart about it, even discreet. Didn't use too much treble, tried not to take peoples' heads off. I made it a point to keep the groove solid...and in the pocket. I think I pulled it off. It was only 1 song.

I hope this doesn't change things. I don't think it will.

I'm not fishing for support here. I'm just letting these feelings out. Maybe others can be inspired. I feel much better now. Thanks for listening.

Congratulations on bravely doing what many of the best and most successful bassists ever have done. A vocal minority of haters who cant do it started a movement that sucked up even people who can do it. One day I hope we live in a world without this faux disdain for slap.