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slapping on a 5 string
- Thread starter whitehawk55
- Start date
This could be anything. What type of bass do you own? What's your configuration when slapping? How's your amp? Maybe a technique issue?
Hard to say. Please supply more information.
Hard to say. Please supply more information.
it's definitely a technique issue, i have a IBANEZ GSR205SM 5-STRING BASS, SPALTED CHARCOAL BROWN BURST, and a Fender Rumble 350 Bass Combo Amplifier (350 Watts, 2x10") amp. i have new strings so that's not a problem. i was hoping for some tips on how to hit the strings (all of them) with out missing
sorry i miss spoke my bass is a Fender Rumble 75 Bass Combo Amplifier (75 Watts, 1x12")
Hitting the strings with precision is a matter of muscle memory. As with anything muscle memory related the key is to work slowly. Practise hitting each string from your B to your G and back down nice ans slowly. Once you feel confident doing that try skipping strings (play your B then A then G). Mix it up and gradually increase the tempo. The other important factor is muting (mostly with your fretting hand). I’m sure there are some decent videos out there on the subject.
Practice slowly and precisely. Be critical with your listening and don't allow yourself to be sloppy. I have a 206 six string and if the spacing is the same as the 205 then the spacing is a little narrower than some other basses and require more precision and practice. You'll get used to it.
Groove Master
Commercial User
- Apr 22, 2011
- 1,808
- 1,291
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- Author of Groove 101, Slap 101 and Technique 101
Are those bass have narrow spacing? I believe so. Hard to slap on a narrow 5 strings bass without hitting the other strings at the same time.
There's not many 5-strings with narrower (more narrow?) spacing than the Music Man Stingray 5-string.
If I can do slap-style (fairly) cleanly on that bass with my short fat fingers, anyone can play slap on most any 5-string.
It did take some work, several practice sessions, and playing slow and building up the speed, but it finally came around.
If I can do slap-style (fairly) cleanly on that bass with my short fat fingers, anyone can play slap on most any 5-string.
It did take some work, several practice sessions, and playing slow and building up the speed, but it finally came around.
Strings muting is part of the solution in your case.
In terms of tone for slap bass is VITAL the action of the strings, currently how is on your bass?
Muddy tones usually can depend from three things and in my personal opinion in this order of priority:
- strings action: to get a good slap tone is important to have at least a medium-low action, is a good starting point, more high action on your bass more mid and consecutively muddy tone you will get:
- preamp setting/bass amp: if I remember correctly the combo you have doesn't have the tweeter (or horn as people usually call it) and this especially for slap tone is a weakness, because even if nowadays modern speakers cover a huge frequency field, it's impossible to get some high frequency that features slap technique sound. The preamp is also important too, always start from a flat set on your bass preamp and the amp.
- muting; the strings partially cause your issue, muddy tones depend mainly from the factors described above, clean playing affects your playing in terms of distinguished notes, even if you play all the strings together you will be able to hear perfectly each note if you got the first two factors.
Anyway, to help you I attached the first two exercise from my bass books, that help you to reach the "thumb calibration" important to hit the focused string only.
Another important thing is learning how to use the forearm to help you muting especially in slap and even other techniques.
I attached a video where you can check how the forearm could be a great tool.
Hope this helps and if you have other questions just let me know.
Ciao. Enrico
In terms of tone for slap bass is VITAL the action of the strings, currently how is on your bass?
Muddy tones usually can depend from three things and in my personal opinion in this order of priority:
- strings action: to get a good slap tone is important to have at least a medium-low action, is a good starting point, more high action on your bass more mid and consecutively muddy tone you will get:
- preamp setting/bass amp: if I remember correctly the combo you have doesn't have the tweeter (or horn as people usually call it) and this especially for slap tone is a weakness, because even if nowadays modern speakers cover a huge frequency field, it's impossible to get some high frequency that features slap technique sound. The preamp is also important too, always start from a flat set on your bass preamp and the amp.
- muting; the strings partially cause your issue, muddy tones depend mainly from the factors described above, clean playing affects your playing in terms of distinguished notes, even if you play all the strings together you will be able to hear perfectly each note if you got the first two factors.
Anyway, to help you I attached the first two exercise from my bass books, that help you to reach the "thumb calibration" important to hit the focused string only.
Another important thing is learning how to use the forearm to help you muting especially in slap and even other techniques.
I attached a video where you can check how the forearm could be a great tool.
Hope this helps and if you have other questions just let me know.
Ciao. Enrico
