• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

"Slap is overused"

#122
keb said:
As been mentioned a couple times already, the only slap that's overused is Guitar Center Wankery in Some Vague Key of E Somethingsomething with Dubious Timing. Just stay out of Guitar Center during peak hours and you'll be safe. ;)

That said, I love slap and I'll stop slapping when my hands are cold, dead things.
Click to expand...
Exactly! You can't gauge a style based on non-pro musicians and situations!
 
#124
Musical opinions are great and funny things. I wonder how many of the people putting down slap are actually fans of music styles in which rhythm is the driving force (funk, various African or Latin styles for example). I'm guessing many of them would rather listen to Rush than Pleasure. That's not a put-down, it's just a matter of keeping in mind that a lot of people on TB are not into the kinds of music in which slap is more likely to show up and work well.
 
  • Like
Reactions: T-Funk
#126
I started learning slap before finger style - I grew up on chilli peppers - and I never thought it as being the more skilled technique. I love that question sequence someone mentioned earlier, the 'are you good?/do you slap?' LOL I don't think they (listening punters) rate it in terms of ability, I think they love it because the deep percussion and melodic cracking gets (demands?) a physical response from their bodies. It makes guys want to boogie and it makes chicks twitch. Isn't that the essence of music? I think it has a more limited opportunity to be effective, stylistically, than other techniques, but gee whiz it some fun **** to play - look at this guy, he loves it :)

Invalid Link Removed
 
#127
tbasstreble11 said:
I think it has a more limited opportunity to be effective, stylistically, than other techniques, but gee whiz it some fun **** to play - look at this guy, he loves it :)

Invalid Link Removed
Click to expand...

I love that stuff :). Definitely doesn't seem like shredding or overplaying to me. He's having fun grooving and making music.
 
#128
I don't know, it certainly is a showy technique when employed on solo bass, in a music store or on the NAMM floor. In those instances, yes, it can be tiring.

But when used well with a band, I think it's excellent, and I know the average listener LOVES it. It's flashy, propulsive, and distinctive. That whole "slappa da bass" thing didn't catch on for no reason! If I was better at it I would certainly do it more myself.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Need Gigs
#130
sounds fine on record, by pros, most of the time
9 out of 10 of locals I see employ that "technique" wouldn't know good taste if it was the one slapping THEM

Let Victor and Bootsy do whatever they want and sound legendary doing it. I ain't gonna do it and I don't wanna see the guy in the alt-rock band opening for us do it either.
 
#132
bass12 said:
Musical opinions are great and funny things. I wonder how many of the people putting down slap are actually fans of music styles in which rhythm is the driving force (funk, various African or Latin styles for example). I'm guessing many of them would rather listen to Rush than Pleasure. That's not a put-down, it's just a matter of keeping in mind that a lot of people on TB are not into the kinds of music in which slap is more likely to show up and work well.
Click to expand...


+100

This right here is one of the biggest reasons some people have an issue with slap. Their personal choice of music does not incorporate this technique effectively. I also don't understand why it is viewed as showing off. I understand the role of bass in a band but depending on the dynamics of that group the bass could have a more upfront role and carry the group. I play a lot of gospel and the bass is upfront and center. Guitars are relegated to either rhythm or support roles. The keyboard and organ are the primary melody instruments. I don't slap in every song but when I do it adds to the music. I am not trying to showoff or say 'hey look at me"!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Lo end PUNCH
#134
hampulator said:
All I can say is,everytime I start slapping everyone says "haha That's Seinfeld, and I'm not playing anything resembling that. But it is fun IMO
Click to expand...

And that is a sampled bass synth from a Korg M1.

110163d1234504156-korg-m1-hair-neck-korgm1.jpg


Strap it on, and slap-n-pop this, baby!
 
#135
bass12 said:
Wow- what kind of audiences are you playing for? I've never had anyone suggest that to me.
Click to expand...

I've gotten the same reaction. I don't know about hampulator, but it comes from friends and family in my case, and none of them are musicians. It's just the first thing that comes to mind with a lot of people. Kind of like the "slappa da bass" line. It's not meant to be insulting to us, at least from what I can gather. It's just their way of recognizing and acknowledging the bass is all. I don't get the hatred some folks have towards those reactions. Of all the vile and heinous things we witness around us on a daily basis, someone trying to connect with me as a bass player by saying "slappa da bass" or "that sounds like Seinfeld" is the least of my concerns.

Then again, some folks seems to thrive on being offended and outraged by the actions of others.
 
#136
I think that what offends some players is when others seem to think that slapping is expected of bass players. "You mean you don't (or can't) slap?" as if you must not be fully developed as a player. And as far as grooving goes, there's plenty of music that grooves without slap bass. I don't slap, ever. But I don't put it down or those who do slap. Just not my thing.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back