Ever since coming back to bass after a few years off, and a few injuries affecting my ability to play as I once did (using my fingers or using a pick as I did for the last 45 years) or reaching low notes because of a shoulder injury on my fretting (left side), I've been experimenting with different playing techniques.
I've played 4, 5 and 6 string basses in the past with no problem.
I'm still struggling to consistently pluck the strings with either technique (pick or fingers) for very long. I have some tendonitis in my right elbow, a bit of arthritis, nerve issues like tingling and numbness in my fingertips occasionally, etc. It isn't always an issue as it comes and goes, but I want to able to alter my technique as needed.
I have sort of adapted my "guitar chord, fingerpicking style" using my thumb and fingers to play bass. I have a 6 string bass right now (BEADGC) which is allowing me to play almost everything in and around the middle of the neck which gives me the most comfort (no extended reaching towards either the nut or bridge).
I'd like to learn slap only because my most comfortable arm/wrist position (and how I wear my bass, either standing or sitting) lends itself to slap (with my forearm more parallel to the neck). I've tried using a pick but can't always hold it in position (even with a thumbpick). Plucking with my fingers typically ends up with me doing the Jamerson single index finger thing. But, that too becomes limited because my fingers sometimes go numb and can't feel the strings. Funny thing is, my thumb and wrist rotation is about the only thing unaffected by my physical issues, which is why I thought slap technique might help.
Trouble is, I've always sucked at slap, and I am not looking to be some wild, funk soloist with it. Just another technique to learn I can rely on as needed. The more techniques I can apply as needed, the better. I've been working on it and checking every video out there to help me. I'm currently trying to play using ONLY my thumb and it's sufficient but only when playing slowly. Is it just a matter of ongoing practice?
Just wondering if anyone has some tips or some really good beginner resources on getting my thumb up to speed (so to speak).
I've played 4, 5 and 6 string basses in the past with no problem.
I'm still struggling to consistently pluck the strings with either technique (pick or fingers) for very long. I have some tendonitis in my right elbow, a bit of arthritis, nerve issues like tingling and numbness in my fingertips occasionally, etc. It isn't always an issue as it comes and goes, but I want to able to alter my technique as needed.
I have sort of adapted my "guitar chord, fingerpicking style" using my thumb and fingers to play bass. I have a 6 string bass right now (BEADGC) which is allowing me to play almost everything in and around the middle of the neck which gives me the most comfort (no extended reaching towards either the nut or bridge).
I'd like to learn slap only because my most comfortable arm/wrist position (and how I wear my bass, either standing or sitting) lends itself to slap (with my forearm more parallel to the neck). I've tried using a pick but can't always hold it in position (even with a thumbpick). Plucking with my fingers typically ends up with me doing the Jamerson single index finger thing. But, that too becomes limited because my fingers sometimes go numb and can't feel the strings. Funny thing is, my thumb and wrist rotation is about the only thing unaffected by my physical issues, which is why I thought slap technique might help.
Trouble is, I've always sucked at slap, and I am not looking to be some wild, funk soloist with it. Just another technique to learn I can rely on as needed. The more techniques I can apply as needed, the better. I've been working on it and checking every video out there to help me. I'm currently trying to play using ONLY my thumb and it's sufficient but only when playing slowly. Is it just a matter of ongoing practice?
Just wondering if anyone has some tips or some really good beginner resources on getting my thumb up to speed (so to speak).
