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

#81
FunkySpoo said:
I get the overuse thing. Especially when you go into Guitar Center on a Saturday.
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Hey now, just this weekend I was in the Fairfax Guitar Center and I was slapping a little on an SUB Sterling with too-high action... oh, whew, that was Sunday, not Saturday. I thought you were talking about me there for a sec. =0)

I slap a little but am not proficient (it is fun though!), and when testing a bass I generally only slap a couple of riffs, one of which I wrote for a song with a band 10 years ago. I *try* to stay away from Higher Ground, lest I get a Wayne's World Stairway To Heaven reaction =0).
 
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#83
Nothing wrong with slapping and popping. That's something I liked to do a lot as a younger player. And now Im pretty good at it.
But I more or less do it just for fun by myself. It just feels good sometimes. And yes....if the song calls for it , do it. Just not too fast though, ok. Because you might start to grow hair on your palms and go blind.
 
#84
Smooth_bass88 said:
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.
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I look forward to doing popping and slapping.
 
#89
birminghambass said:
Congratulations to the OP, you're on your way to becoming an elite bass player. I believe it was Anthony Jackson who said slapping was the "ketchup" of the bass world. Me, I love ketchup. I work a few slap licks into every song. ACDC? Yep. Led Zeppelin? Of course. Willie Nelson? Definitely. Here's a few tips: put one leg on the monitor (see Creed) and point to a random chick in the crowd right before you tear into your tasty riff. Now as you start, close your eyes and make a face like you're dropping a deuce. This lets everyone know you mean business. After you're done blowing their minds it's time to blow on your fingers like you're putting out a fire. You might take a minute to high-five crowd members and dab the sweat from your brow before returning to the song. Don't worry about your backup band, they'll love it. You're welcome.
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Are you seeing a specialist for this malady?
 

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