Slapping

[Q Bass]

I’m sure this topic has been discussed likely more than a few times. If the community would indulge one more I’d appreciate your thoughts.

I’m new to playing Bass. I’ve played keys over 30 years. I have brand new bass: Michael Kelly Custom Collection Element 5R 5-String (nothing fancy) And brand new amp: Markbass CMD 115 200 watt.

Been practicing my bass slapping, but it's a struggle. New bass, new amp, new strings, yet not getting the pull I want. Tried EQing per online suggestions (Bass and Amp). The action is definitely not high. Couldn’t get a finger under. Do you think a setup might be needed despite it being brand new? I’ve had it just three weeks. Any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks!"

 

[Lance Bunyon]

Where on the bass are you trying to get your finger under? I pop between the end of the fingerboard and the neck pickup.
Have you watched any beginning slap videos?

 

[Q Bass]

I am not focusing on popping right now. I’m focusing on slapping. When I mention getting finger under I meant I don’t believe the action is an issue as it is so low you couldn’t get your finger under the strings. I mean as an example of distance between the strings and the fret.

 

[Pyrrho Epoche]

Took me a year to switch from finger playing to picking and ultimately, pick sweeping. Broke alot of picks... LOTS of practice. 3 hrs a day sometimes. Keep it up, raise the action, get different strings, etc.

 

[jd56hawk]

Technique?

 

[Killing Floor]

Yeah, new basses need a setup. Unless it’s custom and the builder set everything to your preference it’s just going to be whatever the factory specs.

 

[Q Bass]

Do you think the need for a new bass setup is a common reason for my type of issue? Alongside the common others of course

 

[Les Fret]

You have your bass only three weeks and you wonder why you still can’t slap?

It needs time and practice and a teacher.

Without a video none can answer what you do wrong.

 

[Q Bass]

I appreciate your response. While it's true I've only had my bass for three weeks, I understand that mastering slap bass takes time. I'm actively practicing, but I also wanted to consider all potential factors beyond my experience level as any seasoned bassist understands a variety of factors affect this style of playing. I believe examining various aspects like technique, hand positioning, along with instrument setup factors can help address any issues more effectively. Your input is valuable, and I'm open to any specific advice or insights you might have on refining my slap technique and issues.

 

[Rib 13]

Technique?

I was going to mention technique as well......and also to keep in mind that classic/traditional slap and double thumping are practically two different slap techniques with different feels

 

[MotorCityMinion]

New bass, new amp, new strings, yet not getting the pull I want. Tried EQing per online suggestions (Bass and Amp). The action is definitely not high. Couldn’t get a finger under. Do you think a setup might be needed despite it being brand new?

I am not focusing on popping right now. I’m focusing on slapping. When I mention getting finger under I meant I don’t believe the action is an issue as it is so low you couldn’t get your finger under the strings. I mean as an example of distance between the strings and the fret.

As per your request for advice, the above statements are non-nonsensical. Forget about slapping and learn your instrument 1st. Set-up appears to not be an issue but I would suggest you take some lessons from a reputable instructor that is also into slapping so that he may observe your technique and how your instrument is set-up before you spend money on a actual set-up. You'll need to learn some basic skills before you can define your set-up requirements.

 

[Les Fret]

I appreciate your response. While it's true I've only had my bass for three weeks, I understand that mastering slap bass takes time. I'm actively practicing, but I also wanted to consider all potential factors beyond my experience level as any seasoned bassist understands a variety of factors affect this style of playing. I believe examining various aspects like technique, hand positioning, along with instrument setup factors can help address any issues more effectively. Your input is valuable, and I'm open to any specific advice or insights you might have on refining my slap technique and issues.

To be honest that's where a teacher comes into play, rather than a forum. Especially since you have no video to show. Then it's impossible to judge what it is wrong. I have written two slap books, with the third coming soon. But they are more for advanced players.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

I’m sure this topic has been discussed likely more than a few times. If the community would indulge one more I’d appreciate your thoughts.

I’m new to playing Bass. I’ve played keys over 30 years. I have brand new bass: Michael Kelly Custom Collection Element 5R 5-String (nothing fancy) And brand new amp: Markbass CMD 115 200 watt.

Been practicing my bass slapping, but it's a struggle. New bass, new amp, new strings, yet not getting the pull I want. Tried EQing per online suggestions (Bass and Amp). The action is definitely not high. Couldn’t get a finger under. Do you think a setup might be needed despite it being brand new? I’ve had it just three weeks. Any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks!"

Your strings are too close together. Buy a bridge that let's you adjust it. You want closer to 19mm between the strings. Like a normal bass.

 

[smtp4me]

I’m sure this topic has been discussed likely more than a few times. If the community would indulge one more I’d appreciate your thoughts.

I’m new to playing Bass. I’ve played keys over 30 years. I have brand new bass: Michael Kelly Custom Collection Element 5R 5-String (nothing fancy) And brand new amp: Markbass CMD 115 200 watt.

Been practicing my bass slapping, but it's a struggle. New bass, new amp, new strings, yet not getting the pull I want. Tried EQing per online suggestions (Bass and Amp). The action is definitely not high. Couldn’t get a finger under. Do you think a setup might be needed despite it being brand new? I’ve had it just three weeks. Any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks!"

Since you are new to playing bass, you may not have developed a preference for the setup, yet. One would think that every guitar is setup at the factory before it ships. Some resellers (Sweetwater, purely as an example) will setup each guitar before they send it out.

But... things can change between leaving the seller and getting into your hands. I do my own setups and I have very specific preferences for neck relief, action etc. When I get a new bass (whether it is brand new or just new to me), I always swap the strings and set it up.

I would recommend a setup regardless of whether or not it is making the process of learning slap, difficult. It could be part of the problem.

 

[MattZilla]

I think we’d need video to see what you are doing to be able to say what you’re not doing.

 

[Les Fret]

I was going to mention technique as well......and also to keep in mind that classic/traditional slap and double thumping are practically two different slap techniques with different feels

Forget about double thumbing. The OP is just playing for three weeks. First learning basis (slapping) skills.

 

[6-3-2]

As general advice, slapping really requires focusing closely on your technique and style. So, I'd really look at what your slapping/popping hand is doing. When you're not doing what you want or getting the sound you want, examine what in your technique is causing the issue. You'll probably discover some small quirks in your technique that are getting in the way of a good slap sound. With slap technique really is everything. And IMO it's the hardest playing style to get decent at on bass.

If I were to start over, I'd learn the slap through/double-thumb technique. It's not the easiest to start, but it will allow you to play practically anything.

 

[Rib 13]

Forget about double thumbing. The OP is just playing for three weeks. First learning basis (slapping) skills.

I posted this because the internet often doesn't make a distinction between traditional slap and double thumping: often, it's all rolled in one ball called "Slap" and a beginner may not know there is a distinction between the two .... it can be very confusing for a beginner searching videos about how to slap and being shown two different methods without realizing it. That was my entire reasoning and incentive for making this video in the first place

 

[Egg250]

so low you couldn’t get your finger under the strings.

I have my action set to where my E string is about .065" - .075" away from the 12th fret. For slap bass, you really need a low action, to where you get a bit of buzz when you don't lightly pluck the strings. A bright eq profile helps, at least that's what I like.

 

[Q Bass]

All of you have provided incredible feedback! And several things for me to consider explore. Thank you (all)!