Slapping...

Rufio · Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2003 4:48 am Post subject: Slapping...

Are you supposed to keep your thumb parallel to the strings? Should I not move my arm... only my wrist? Any tips on helping me get a bit better?
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SteveJazz · Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2003 1:37 pm Post subject:

Hi Rufio: Some folks keep the thumb parallel to the strings, which will help you if you move on to double thumbing, described in another thread nearby in this forum. I find it easier to keep my thumb at about a 45 degree angle to the strings, but I don't double thumb. Try to strike the string with the knuckle in the middle of your thumb. If your thumb is parallel to the string, you will tend to mute the string with the end of your thumb unless you are very careful.

Try to keep your hand very close to the strings at all times, avoid lifting your hand away from the strings. Most experts seem to thing only the wrist should move, not the entire forearm.

Your thumb must quickly jump away from the string after striking, so the string can vibrate freely. Also, keep your hand close, so that your forefinger or middle finger stays close to the d and/or g strings for popping. Good luck.

SJ Cool

Rufio · Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2003 2:35 pm Post subject:

Thanks

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bassman80189 · Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2003 4:33 pm Post subject:

Here's the DVD that really helped me with this problem (in addition to private lessons):

Slap Bass by Ed Friedland

It really helped me, so if you get it I hope it helps you. Sometimes you just need to see how it works.

SteveJazz · Posted: Wed Aug 27, 2003 7:58 pm Post subject:

Bassman80189:

I like the stuff Friedland does in BassPlayer, and this DVD sounds like something good, I checked the link. Thanks for posting it...

SJ Cool

MulletBurden · Tadpole Joined: 09 Sep 2003 Posts: 25 Location: Scotland

Slap is my main style and I find that the movement comes from your shoulder, all the way down. If you use everything slightly then there will be less movement at your hand/thumb with the same results. Because there's less movement involved, you can increase your speed.

It's worth trying out.

Experts may know how to play but you know what's comfortable for you. I find that you shouldn't sacrifice comfort for others technique too much... it takes away from the feel of the 'you' coming from your instrument when you play.
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urbanfunkmaster · Sea Monkey Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Posts: 10

Hey there. I learn't to slap before anything else strangely enough (cause slapping was the reason i wanted to learn bass!) I notice that alot of people use the 'traditional' method of slappin, keeping you thrumb parallel or 45 degrees to the string and quickly bouncing of the string in a prima facie 'slapping' motion.

I played like this for about 1 month until I realised that by bouncing off the string you are reducing the speed at which you can slap because your thumb is distancing itself from the strings constantly. So what i started to do (and its abit hard to describe and initially do) is (take E string for example) still use the slap motion, but instead of bouncing off the top of the string, I tried to brush\hit the inner edge of the string and insead of pulling the thumb away come to rest it on the next string. When you are playing fast obviously this last step is void cause you would end up muting the string...its hard to describe, though when done right it looks as if you aren't even slapping the string. This way gave me far more volume in my slapping as well.

hope that helped some what! sick with whatever style suits you though

Neil Gray · Posted: Sun Oct 19, 2003 9:04 pm Post subject: slap bass

just keep doing it, and you will eventually get it right. It's kinda like tying your shoelaces... every one does it just a little different, but when you try to bring that little bloody rabbit in on the situation, people get confused. In my experience, parallel to the strings causes fatigue in the forearm very quickly, and I liked the way someone else put it (excuse the impersonal touch.. I'm in a hurry and can't scroll back to give credit properly) with the idea that it comes from the shoulder and works down. I find my whole forearm rotates, and while you may appear awkward, it helps in finding a rythym. "Double thumbing" is easy if you know the sound you're after, even on a 45 degree angle. But it all comes back to one word... practice.
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JoEBaSS · Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2003 7:23 pm Post subject:

I am a total perfectionist when it comes down to slap... I keep my thum parallel to the strings cuz' since I really only play 5 string bass if I mess up slapping that E string I could hit the low B and it would hum in the background and make it sound like *Poop* and I would have to waiste time muting it

Neil Gray · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2003 4:40 pm Post subject:

JoEBaSS, I share your frustration.
I play a six string mainly these days, and I find that with the 45degree angle thing does interfere with my low B on occasions.
It's too late to change though! I can't go back. I'm beyond the point of no return. I have reached the event horizon. It's all down hill from here on in, and I'm gonna go as fast as I can...
In other words, I'll work with what I've got.
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Shockland · Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2003 4:40 pm Post subject: ok

I think I understand
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CaptainSaveAHo · Bear Cub Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 647

Can you explain it to me? I been playing 2 years and still can't slap :/. I can pluck/tap/pop just fine, but the whole hit the e string with your thumb knuckle just doesn't work for me ^_^.
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Holy crap, I just figured it out, thanks guys! Sounds a lot better than just popping the e string like I have been. Not quite so harsh! Now to practice it.

Shockland · Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2003 7:39 pm Post subject: t

I said I think understand lol not hiw to do it
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Neil Gray · Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2003 3:49 pm Post subject:

Rufio · Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2003 3:59 pm Post subject:

It takes time, but you can learn how to do it without moving your forearm. It's really not that hard, unless you've been playing for a long time with your forearm.
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