Why so much hate for slap??

[Altitude]

It’s fashionable to hate slap in this community, especially by the 98% of the people here who never play outside of their bedroom or at Guitar Center.

I don’t get much pushback on it in the real world, though. I try not to slap in places where it doesn’t work. I guess that’s how we should use any playing style.

 

[Altitude]

Slap can be weak on the 1.... I've seen guys that do it well and hit super rock solid downbeats but many players who slap for their groove are really weak on the 1. How is that funky?

That’s not wrong, but it’s about the player, not the style.

 

[eJake]

That’s not wrong, but it’s about the player, not the style.

Absolutely agreed

 

[McFarlin]

It's almost impossible to play anything from the 70's & 80's without
using slap...so why all the hate?? I get that some folks try to apply it
to everything, which slap really isn't meant for everything...but it does
have legitimate playing uses!

So is it a case of folks hating on it because it's really best for Disco/Motown,
and should never be used elsewhere?? Or just a general slap hate as a whole??

It should be a tool in every bassists arsenal, to my way of thinking.
Not the only tool, just one of several screwdrivers...

For further reading:

Why do so many bass players hate on slap bass?

In Defense of Slapping

The Beef with Slap

Why Does Jeff Berlin HATE Slapping?

ARE SLAP HATERS PLAYER HATERS?

 

[jd56hawk]

Just one thing, not liking it's got nothing to do with envy, at least not for me. I can do it, but I can do this, too.

Haven't had to do either in my band, though.

 

[john_g]

I havent read all the posts here, so if I repeat something thats already been said, my apologies....I love slap. It was one of the first things I wanted to learn back in the 80s when I started playing. However, IMO, it can be the equivalent of "tapping" on the guitar: used mostly to sound impressive and show off.

 

[Whippet]

I love slap. I did it for some girl and she thought I was a pro.

No not that kind of pro.

 

[WhenTheDrumsStops]

Without the slap style I would probably have never picked up the bass. I personally love to hate people that play the bass as a guitar, I can't stand it

 

[Doc Savage]

Depends whether it's self or professionally taught?

I kid, I kid. Because it's boring and unmusical when it's done poorly. Bad fingerstyle doesn't hurt my ears....as much anyway. And I don't like it much better when it's done well. It's a sound that doesn't appeal to me personally. I love RHCP but not the earlier slap heavy stuff. I don't much care for Marcus Miller's slappy stuff. When Victor Wooten goes at it I'd rather not hear it. But I think it's generally disliked by many because it's hard to do well and easy to do badly.

Gorn.. your last line hit the nail on the head!

 

[phangtonpower]

It’s fashionable to hate slap in this community, especially by the 98% of the people here who never play outside of their bedroom or at Guitar Center.

I don’t get much pushback on it in the real world, though. I try not to slap in places where it doesn’t work. I guess that’s how we should use any playing style.

I find it's usually bedroom players that slap the most because they can't focus on playing with others.

 

[rico bass]

Alot of players think the fastest slapper s the the greatest bass player after 2 bars I want it to stop, too much time wasted on being the fastest slapper . Please stop the madness.

 

[Sgtpepper89]

Just like with every technique ever I can find enjoyment from it when done well with a intention of expressing musicality and emotions or whatever. I have no interest in hearing another one challenging for the speed slapping world record.. just like I dont bother watching Yngwie Malmsteen shred for more than one song..

 

[Paulabass]

All in one video. Everything that is wrong with slap bass. This kid is horrible. The only thing even vaguely interesting is the title- Insane kid. Save me from the music this goes with.

 

[klejst]

I think it works in the right music style or when it calls for it (perhaps tastefully), however straight slap all the way through for everything being played I have never been a fan of.

 

[Bassbeater]

I tend to treat slap like just another articulation option. I think if it's overused it gets stale, but as an accent it has more dynamic impact.

 

[AztecViking]

I still don't get why slap hasn't caught on yet like wildfire in country music.

 

[Paulabass]

I still don't get why slap hasn't caught on yet like wildfire in country music.

Cause you can't dance at 230 BPM.

 

[Bassbeater]

I still don't get why slap hasn't caught on yet like wildfire in country music.

Because Stu Hamm slapped and tapped every country lick ever written in one psychotic track and people are still traumatized to this day.

 

[AcridSaint]

I think it's because there are a bunch of mediocre slappers using up all of the "funk" and creating a shortage for skilled slappers.

 

[Paulabass]

I think it's because there are a bunch of mediocre slappers using up all of the "funk" and creating a shortage for skilled slappers.

They are striving for mediocre. Youtube killed slap.