Slap On A 5 String

[SlapPopBass]

So recently I had the privilege of trying out my friend's 5 string bass, needless to say, the extra low b threw me off completely.(It was my first time ever touching a 5 string). Slapping wasn't very easy(I've learned to slap with Flea's technique, thumb pointing down, does that have any effect?). I have to borrow my 5 friend's 5 string for a mini rock/metal/funk fusion gig I'm going to soon, and the drummer of that band LOVES to play alongside slap bass, so I'll need to learn how to play slap on a 5 string. Any tips? Is there anything I should change in my technique so slapping on a 5 string would be easier?

 

[Dug2]

maybe not "changing" your technique per say, but maybe focusing more on
accuracy, and spending time with the 5 str. it could be string spacing that you
are not used too. gl

 

[deepseabass]

maybe not "changing" your technique per say, but maybe focusing more on
accuracy, and spending time with the 5 str. it could be string spacing that you
are not used too. gl

+1. it's all spacing. 4 stringers have their strings a lot farther apart than 5'ers.

 

[Ric5]

So recently I had the privilege of trying out my friend's 5 string bass, needless to say, the extra low b threw me off completely.(It was my first time ever touching a 5 string). Slapping wasn't very easy(I've learned to slap with Flea's technique, thumb pointing down, does that have any effect?). I have to borrow my 5 friend's 5 string for a mini rock/metal/funk fusion gig I'm going to soon, and the drummer of that band LOVES to play alongside slap bass, so I'll need to learn how to play slap on a 5 string. Any tips? Is there anything I should change in my technique so slapping on a 5 string would be easier?

For me slapping a 4, 5, 6 or whatever string bass is pretty much the same ... just keep track of where all your fingers are at.

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

Using Flea's technique where you are really bouncing off the strings works for some people, but you will probably find a much greater accuracy if you follow through the note and rest your thumb on the fingerboard.

I think that is how it is taught in Slap It! but I am not too sure, Wooten slaps that way for an example.

 

[Groove Master]

So recently I had the privilege of trying out my friend's 5 string bass, needless to say, the extra low b threw me off completely.(It was my first time ever touching a 5 string). Slapping wasn't very easy(I've learned to slap with Flea's technique, thumb pointing down, does that have any effect?). I have to borrow my 5 friend's 5 string for a mini rock/metal/funk fusion gig I'm going to soon, and the drummer of that band LOVES to play alongside slap bass, so I'll need to learn how to play slap on a 5 string. Any tips? Is there anything I should change in my technique so slapping on a 5 string would be easier?

+1 for strings spacing, this could be an issue you have.

Also, don't hesitate to practice open strings, all of them with your thumb. That way you will learn to control the distance between them and how to mute efficiently, which is a big part of good sounding Slap playing.

Here is a [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] with a whole chapter on this.

 

[mgalat]

got to agree with the string spacing. it just takes getting used to.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

You have to play it a lot to get used to it, and you have to pay serious attention to string muting.

 

[phillybass101]

There is no one way to slap correctly Victor does it his way. Marcus does it his way. larry Graham does it his way. Brian Bromberg does it in a fashion similar to what Flea does. For someone to indicate that one way is better than another does not take into consideration a players feel, and dexterity. It has to feel right for you. As long as you are executing at a high level and not executing yourself while doing it, if it works, it works.

 

[Groove Master]

There is no one way to slap correctly Victor does it his way. Marcus does it his way. larry Graham does it his way. Brian Bromberg does it in a fashion similar to what Flea does. For someone to indicate that one way is better than another does not take into consideration a players feel, and dexterity. It has to feel right for you. As long as you are executing at a high level and not executing yourself while doing it, if it works, it works.

+1

 

[Whousedtoplay]

Johann Asmundsson is slapping on his 5 string bass and having fun.
Mezzoforte, Bass / Drum solo - Four Corners

 

[Bassist4Eris]

I regularly slap my 6er, as well as my 4. I don't own a 5. For me, the tighter string spacing of the 6 requires much more accurate technique, and more fastidious muting technique too. Nothing a little time in the shed can't get you. It's just real easy to hit the wrong string and get a mess, so stay focused.

 

[Hevy T]

I am far from a good slapper but the 16.5 mm spacing on my 5ver makes me realllllly suck

 

[ejmy]

+1. it's all spacing. 4 stringers have their strings a lot farther apart than 5'ers.

Nope, both my fivers have 19mm spacing identical to most 4 stringers. Tried closer spacing, to me they were impossible to play.
But that's just me.

 

[Gladowsky]

The string spacing on my Sadowsky 5 is 19mm (same as 4) but this prevents left-hand thumb muting (as Marcus uses). I have found the right hand palm muting to create a type of noise all its own and does restrict the thumb from a good wrist-twist that results in a good slap tone. I'm seriously looking at the FretWrap as recommended by someone on the ScottsBassLessons forum. It's not just for tapping.

 

[Joe Nerve]

My suggestion is to not think about anymore. And practice. You'll get used to it if you do.

 

[LakeEffect]

Joe Nerve is absolutely right. But it is always good to be somewhat mindful of your technique, too. I slap with my thumb completely horizontal to the string (I learned slap double thumbing), so I actually find most 5 strings easier to slap on because most have slightly narrower string spacing. The narrower spacing allows me to control my dynamics better because there is a stopper, or rest, of sorts after I slap down through the string I am striking - then I am in perfect position to bring it back up.

Give it a try, worst case scenario you either don't like it, or you get good at both techniques and grow as a musician a bit - can't lose either way.

 

[Errol]

It sounds like your worried about accuracy? That would be my guess. Ive been slapping on a 5er for a while now and I am at a point where, if the energy is there, I can come into a hard slap from a good 12 inches away from the body of my bass and strike the right string. It took a lot of practicing, Thumb and wrist adjustments, that sort of thing and some good hand-eye coordination but it improved very quickly when I stuck with a practice routine.

Errol


..And what Dr. Cheese said..pay really close attention to string muting, thats crucial