Slapping Bass Technique in Regard to Small String Spacing

[Donald Thompson]

Hello, I was wondering if there was a different slap bass technique for small string spacing. I had troubles in the past with this bass guitar Google Image Result for https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2062/6813/products/01-traveler-guitar-tb-4p-sunburst-front_75a0f93b-4706-47a0-88d4-8ca10c1c06ab.jpg?v=1532365242

I used this technique with no success. I can't get a clean sound when fretting the upper strings, opened or not.

 

[Les Fret]

I don't think there is any special technique. I have a six string with 14mm spacing and I can slap on it. I even slap on my electric guitar sometimes with even smaller string spacing.

You can try to use more the front of the finger. Don't try to put your whole fingertip under the string when pulling.

 

[enricogaletta]

Well strings spacing is one thing that really can influence your playing especially for some technique as the slap.
It's true that when you're playing always and only the same instrument you get used even on narrow strings spacing but it's also true that it depends from what kind of lines you have to play .
The fact is that if you have to slap a particular line that require a lot of plucking on "inside" (as the example attached with double stops) strings as A or D (or G if you play a six strings) merged with complex rhythm, then is another story and narrow spacing could be very uncomfortable..
That's why many players usually, play instruments with the same strings spacing, if you wanna be versatile and be able to play the same thing you do on a regular four strings bass then you always need the 19mm strings spacing, several bassist feel comfortable to use also the 18mm on 5 and 6 strings instruments, others as me prefer just always use the 19, because I can even feel 1mm of difference.
If you don't wanna feel any limits on your playing when you switch basses then use always or almost the same spacing otherwise you need to get used to play different lines on different basses

 

[Spin Doctor]

Well strings spacing is one thing that really can influence your playing especially for some technique as the slap.
It's true that when you're playing always and only the same instrument you get used even on narrow strings spacing but it's also true that it depends from what kind of lines you have to play .
The fact is that if you have to slap a particular line that require a lot of plucking on "inside" (as the example attached with double stops) strings as A or D (or G if you play a six strings) merged with complex rhythm, then is another story and narrow spacing could be very uncomfortable..
That's why many players usually, play instruments with the same strings spacing, if you wanna be versatile and be able to play the same thing you do on a regular four strings bass then you always need the 19mm strings spacing, several bassist feel comfortable to use also the 18mm on 5 and 6 strings instruments, others as me prefer just always use the 19, because I can even feel 1mm of difference.
If you don't wanna feel any limits on your playing when you switch basses then use always or almost the same spacing otherwise you need to get used to play different lines on different basses

What strings do you have on that Ibanez?

 

[sean_on_bass]

Tighter string spacing makes no difference really. You can actually play slap technique on a guitar, so tighter spacing on a bass should be a non-issue. It just means you move your hand less to get to the next string. While there may be a slight adaptation period from moving between basses, your technique will quickly adjust to the new spacing through practice.

 

[enricogaletta]

What strings do you have on that Ibanez?

DR LoRider Stainless Steel

 

[Spin Doctor]

DR LoRider Stainless Steel

Nice. You get a great sound out of them. They really fit your playing style. I'm a big DR fan.

 

[enricogaletta]

Nice. You get a great sound out of them. They really fit your playing style. I'm a big DR fan.

Thank you so much man, glad you enjoyed it. I'm using these model since a decade, I found them so versatile, at the first approach, people think they're are too bright, but I think you can really get several tones from them, plus they are soft as butter !

 

[Spin Doctor]

Thank you so much man, glad you enjoyed it. I'm using these model since a decade, I found them so versatile, at the first approach, people think they're are too bright, but I think you can really get several tones from them, plus they are soft as butter !

Well, Stainless Steels are bright, but they are supposed to be. They work well for what you play. I use DR Sunbeams, because they are more mellow, but I'm still working on controlling my tone with my hands to make it sound the way I want.

 

[enricogaletta]

Well, Stainless Steels are bright, but they are supposed to be. They work well for what you play. I use DR Sunbeams, because they are more mellow, but I'm still working on controlling my tone with my hands to make it sound the way I want.

That's it Spin, I definitely agree with you, everything starts from the hands ;-)

 

[tshapiro]

Like others have said - string spacing is not a factor and I regularly slap on my guitars. However, low action and a relatively flat neck are critical for me. For that reason, I have a tough time slapping on most basses until the action is lowered. I like it just before it buzzes with fret noise.