Double Bass Slapping Timing Question

[dc-upright]

I am trying to learn how to slap and have a timing question. When you pull the string and then do 2 slaps is the timing 1 &a similar to a boom chick-a guitar strum? i want to get started right do I dont have to break bad habits down the road.

Thanks

 

[Ben Noblit]

Most of the time, yes, other times no. You can slap in any rhythm you desire, I often use both regular and drag triplets and occasionally attempt quad slaps with varying amounts of success. That said, the basic triple slap (the boom-chicka Johnny Cash rhythm) goes like this: in a song in 4/4 where you would normally be playing root-fifth, it goes root-rest-click-click-fifth-rest-click-click.

 

[dc-upright]

Thank you Zoa, I appreciate your reply. I understand there are different ways to do it but I am just getting started and even though I watched a couple of videos on YouTube the timing was not clear to me. I don't want to have to undo my technique later. Your reply is very clear.

Doug

 

[Jeremy Darrow]

Most of what you need to know about Bluegrass slap can be learned by listening to Mike Bub.

 

[dc-upright]

Thank you Jeremy, I know Mike played with Del do you know who he is playing with now?

 

[Jeremy Darrow]

He plays regularly here in Nashville, and on the road with Ashley Monroe. He also played on Noam Pikelny's last record, it's great and it's an example of today's best Bluegrass musicians playing classic tunes. Definitely one to pick up and play along with.

 

[dc-upright]

Thank you, I will check out those names, i appreciate you taking time to reply.