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Popping without the slap?

L

loinmute

Feb 11, 2011
294
5
Wimberley,Texas
#1
I really like the tone I get when I pop the strings. It sounds really funky. The thing is...I am not slapping at all. I am just using my fingers to lift up from under the string and letting them spring back. I do use my thumb but to pluck notes on the E, A strings. So, with no pun intended, what is this technique called? Do any other bassists use this? Remember, there is no slapping with the thumb. (I know this technique has been used before)

thanks
 
#9
there are easier ways of doing it instead of reaching under the strings. you can do that by playing regular fingerstyle as well. it's called "digging in." reaching under strings slows you down unless you're full-on slapping.
 
#10
JimmyM said:
there are easier ways of doing it instead of reaching under the strings. you can do that by playing regular fingerstyle as well. it's called "digging in." reaching under strings slows you down unless you're full-on slapping.
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I dunno, digging into the strings and popping them are definitely 2 different sounds, and used to different effect. Ending a run on a pop sounds sweet, I find myself doing it on the final note of a song if its a sudden end. Also practice naturally doing it with 2 fingers at once....so finger up a nice little ditty and end it with a pop on the D and G strings.
 
#11
Toastfuzz said:
I dunno, digging into the strings and popping them are definitely 2 different sounds, and used to different effect. Ending a run on a pop sounds sweet, I find myself doing it on the final note of a song if its a sudden end. Also practice naturally doing it with 2 fingers at once....so finger up a nice little ditty and end it with a pop on the D and G strings.
Click to expand...
there is a slight difference since you get more of a fretboard rebound with going under the string to pop, which makes it sound slightly "crisper," but the difference is way more noticeable to you than anyone else, and in the context of a band mix, they sound identical. well, at least as identical as you make them sound. i can get almost identical tones either way and you'd never be able to tell the difference when i play with a band.
 
#12
JimmyM said:
there are easier ways of doing it instead of reaching under the strings. you can do that by playing regular fingerstyle as well. it's called "digging in." reaching under strings slows you down unless you're full-on slapping.
Click to expand...

I agree here.
Doug Johns does this VERY well.
His tone when digging on like thatcan range from just full on grindy to "popping".
 
#15
JimmyM said:
there are easier ways of doing it instead of reaching under the strings. you can do that by playing regular fingerstyle as well. it's called "digging in." reaching under strings slows you down unless you're full-on slapping.
Click to expand...
Yeah if you play moderately hard at the Bridge pup you can get a pop sound. Your action can't be too low though or else you'll just get clack. Pop and clack are not the same thing.


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#16
Recently i became very fond of slapping and popping,but after i saw that double thump technique wooten uses i'm trying to do something like that... its pretty awesome you should check it out! It gives an awesome feel to almost everything you can play :)
 

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