People who whine about slapping

[jimmydean]

I'll get back to you after I hear from Davie 504 .

 

[SpankBazz]

It’s definitely a TalkBass thing that rears its head fairly regularly. Someone sees a bass demo video and gripes because they slapped the bass instead of playing finger style or with a pick. Somehow that evolved into the silly notion that any amount of slap is too much slap.

Personally, on a demo video I want to hear fingerstyle and slap. I have no interest in hearing the pick. But I don’t whine about it. I just fast-forward. Some folks here should learn to do the same.

This is exactly what inspired this post.
A Fender demo video with phenomenal fingerstyle playing
The anti-slappers came in right away proclaiming victory over slap.
BTW, I'm the same way. Most bass players play fingerstyle and slap, so we want to hear both in a demo video.
I skip past the pick part (I use the edge of my thumb) and go about my day.

The video in question:

 

[Discount Bassy]

I'd like to have an argument, please.

 

[G On Bass]

I'd like to have an argument, please.

 

[SpankBazz]

Hey, slap yourself silly, I don’t care.

It is possible to be musical in slapping. Unfortunately you don’t really hear that too often.

What you usually hear sounds like somebody beating the crap out of a 2x4 like it owes you money.

But hey, you do you.

Oh, I will. Regardless.
But if it doesn't sound "musical", that's because somebody is doing it without understanding how to apply the technique.
That's the fault of the musician, not the style.

 

[Jamvan]

95% of people who whine about it simple can’t play slap. No shame in that, but please stop piling poop on others to make yourself feel better.

I can't figure out if the reason I don't like slap is because I can't play it or if I can't play it because I don't like it.

 

[Five or Six]

Really, who cares about how someone plays as long as it gets the job done!

 

[SpankBazz]

I'd like to have an argument, please.

I'd like to come to a discussion board and be snarky about discussions being had.
Even though I don't feel the discussion meet my standards, I'll call attention to myself anyway.

Yeah. That's how we roll in the morning.

 

[WI Short Scaler]

I don't whine about it as a way of playing. My whining would be based more on my inability to grasp the technique. Not something I think I'd use alot but would be nice to have the ability.

 

[Dincrest]

When it comes to bass demo videos, the only thing I take umbrage with is that they all play sitting down. Why can't they stand up so I can see how the bass balances while being played standing (since that's what I primarily do).

I feel like I slap differently seated and standing due to where the instrument and my hands are positioned. (I prefer to position my bass "classical guitar" style when seated so I'm not all hunched over).

I won't gripe about slap, but I will gripe about that. Will the bass YouTubers please stand up (like the real Slim Shady)?

Oh, and to remind the slap-unhappy folks an Internet slap meme to shout righteous indignation towards...
br-br-DENG baby!

 

[G On Bass]

For goodness sake, can people not just play what is right for the song? Knowing/not knowing how to slap is not the be-all/end-all of bass skill and it represents just one part of what is possible with basses. If someone doesn't like slap, or picks or finger-style (with/without fingernails), fine. Then they should avoid playing in projects where that technique is required and get on with enjoying the rest of their day.

IMHO a good bass demo will show various techniques, recorded and played well by a competent player who does not say much. We can, without comment, skip the techniques that don't apply to us.

 

[And I]

whining about people whining. do you see the irony?

 

[SpankBazz]

Lol, is this an actual thing? I've never in my life heard of this

Unfortunately.
It's very much a thing.
The great Anthony Jackson has gone on at length about how silly he thinks the technique is, which is interesting because there is great music that has come from it from very skilled players.

 

[Thegreatzambini]

I for one don't get people that don't see the irony in whining about people who whine

You’re doing what everyone in society right now does when you try to call them out on something, they deflect rather than actually responding to the original statement, or seeing that person’s point of view.

 

[SpankBazz]

whining about people whining. do you see the irony?

*holds mirror up to your face*

 

[devnulljp]

Oh, you'd be surprised. Try distorted guitar at a bluegrass jam, I triple dog dare ya!

Ironic, as the first recorded fuzz guitar was on a country tune



FWIW, I don't do slap because I've seen Larry Graham, Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller, Louis Johnson, Bootsy Collins, Victor ... and really have nothing to add to the conversation.
I think a more apt comparison for guitar players would be fretboard tapping -- interesting and musical technique, overused in the 80s.

It's whining all the way down

 

[SpankBazz]

You’re doing what everyone in society right now does when you try to call them out on something, they deflect rather than actually responding to the original statement, or seeing that person’s point of view.

You see it.

 

[Kevin Hailey]

I see many mentions of bass demo videos here.
Slapping, while not really my thing is great.
For me, bass demo videos are a complete waste of time.
“Here is what bass XYZ sounds like with YouTube audio compression played through your phone”

 

[dbsfgyd1]

We get it. You don't like it.
Go somewhere and do what makes you happy.
I don't ever hear anyone asking guitarists not to play with distortion.
It's not going anywhere.
Please get over yourself.
That's all.
*steps off soapbox*

I have no problem with slapping. Frankly, it’s an art form unto its self, and when well done very impressive.

I do have a problem when it used with poor taste in spots where it makes little musical sense. Kind of like when the poop escapes your little darling’s diaper. Nothing wrong with poop (an important bodily function), but most would prefer it to be in a proper location.

Further, it is only one way of many to play a bass, and over reliance on one can lead to a lack of other skills necessary for commercial work. JMO.

Have a great day.

 

[4stringfarley]

I’m only annoyed when people find out I play bass and immediately say “Slaps’ da bass!”