Spank Bass?

[charliefreak]

So I've been killing time at work and dealing w/ a serious hangover so I decided to wikipedia bass guitar. I was just looking through the techniques and they site a method of Spank Bass which is using an open palm to slap the strings. I've never heard or seen this before. Does anybody here... spank.. their bass? If so, why?? I can't imagine getting any good clear sounds that way.

I'm honestly not starting this thread to rip a technique of playing. I mean, different strokes right? (pun intended!) I'd just like to know what the practical application of this style would be.

Thanks!!
CF

 

[Mushroo]

This technique is usually used as part of a slap & pop line to add a percussive or "dead note" effect. For example: slap pop spank slap (repeat).

 

[tmntfan]

I've seen this technique used in bossa nova's. Useing the palm of the right hand to slap all the stings and slide down the neck. works kinda like a bass drum.

 

[charliefreak]

So typically when this technique is being used people are muting w/ their left hand? I don't really get a noticeable sound when I do that- it seems like the drums would overpower the basses percussive note making it kind of useless, unless it's a really bass heavy (good) song or acoustic w/ bass. I'll have to play with this technique a little. It's always exciting to have your eyes opened to a new style of playing!

 

[TOOL460002]

For using it as a slap dead note it's not exactly like changing hand position from closed palm to open palm. You still can keep your fingers curved and hit a couple strings with your lower palm. Hitting your lower palm on the E and A (and maybe you hit the D a little too) is enough to get the percussive hit. Don't completely open your hand between slaps and pops. That'd just be extra work.