I can already play bass at an acceptable enough standard to be in 2 gigging bands and an acoustic duo. However I would like to learn to slap, and I really have no idea of the techniques involved other than the obvious. Does anyone have a particular favourite "teach yourself" DVD or video?
I think they have that DVD and more at bassbooks.com, not sure, but they have a good selection of books there
That slap bass video is a great primer/intro to slapping. it will show you the basics. But i have to say the key is just to practice, practice some more, and then practice even more (use a metronome). As rudimentary as a thumb slap is or a finger pop, slapping didn't click for me until i got those basic techniques down pat, then i was able to segue into playing w/ time. Once the timing comes together w/ your techniques (your slap techniques have to be to the point where your not thinkin about it) then it gelled. Up until that point it sounded like me making clicking noises.
I am currently learning from louise johnsons bass lesson video, he shows u 20 differant licks and is most of them are slap pop or thumping, I am more familiar with Flea's way of slap poping just attacking the bass with all your might, but i have always liked the 70's style sharp snappy slap poping and have been wanting to learn it for ages and this video really helped me
I second the Louis Johnson Volume 1 only. Volume 2 is like 10 years later, he's wearing hobo clothes, and it doesn't cover slapping much at all. Volume 1 is very good for getting that traditional 70's slap technique down. Personally, I don't like the way people were slappin and poppin in the 80's. It was less funk and more "Mark King" flash. I have the Flea Instructional video and it's got some good licks, but his technique is fairly limited musically. -Eric.
I've used the search feature before to look up "best instructional videos" and this one by Slarevski is consistently touted as one of the best around. Might have to pick it up myself.
i too have got the ed friedland dvd and it is good. was a flea dvd that got me started but that was more interesting than instructional i would say.
I've got the Ed Friedland DVD too, it's really good. It helped me quite a bit with triplets, but I just can't get the hang of left handed slap.
I think the only music instruction video that I've ever owned was a Beaver Felton 'Slap Happy' VHS. Kinda old, though.
I have just bought Hal Leonard's "Slap Bass The Ultimate Guide" It is very good and the man on the video teaches you some really good tips and exercises. I got it off of MusiciansFriend.com for 20 dollars. It is a DVD and comes with a little booklet that includes all of the exercises. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to learn how to play slap.
I have been slapping for about 2 years now, and I've never read nor watched a video on slapping technique. I've pretty much taught myself, and I have been writing some really proffesional killer slapbass songs and rifts. It just has to come natural to the bassist i guess. Peace, ~Fish~
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