Are you starting to learn the slap technique with the bass? This article offers a brief introduction as to what you should do. You will need to use your thumb (for slap) and index or middle finger (for pop). To perform a pop (or pluck) you will have to slide your finger slightly under the string and pull it away from the fretboard. You should produce a nice funky sound.
Steps
Step 1. Keep your hands perpendicular to the strings and your thumb at a 50-60 degree angle to the string you are slapping on
You will need to hold the arm at a particular angle. Think of a scarecrow with stiff arms. Your arms may hurt after some time playing, but you will eventually get used to it.
Step 2. Remember, it's all in the wrist
For a simple slap exercise, you can slap and pluck on an octave - to play an octave range you'll need to go up two strings and two frets. Play an octave with the first and third fingers of the left hand.
Step 3. First, place your right hand
You will need to keep your thumb parallel to the strings (let's use the E string first).
Step 4. Now, using a movement similar to that of a hitchhiker, slowly bring your thumb down and hit the rope
Try to hit the bottom half of the string when you hit it - the bottom of the thumb should land on the next string.
Step 5. Keep practicing this movement until you have mastered it
The sound you should get is a solid thud.
Step 6. Now try to do the pluck as well
For this movement you will need to pull the strings.
Step 7. Put your middle finger or index finger (whichever you are most comfortable with) under the string - we use the G string - and pull it until the string returns to the fretboard
Step 8. Now try to practice both of these techniques:
S P S P S P S P G | ------ 9 ------- 9 ------- 9 ------- 9- | D | -------------------------------- | A | --7 ------- 7 ------- 7 ------- 7 ----- | AND | -------------------------------- |
Variation
S P S P S P S P G | ------ 5 ------- 6 ------- 7 ------- 8- | D | -------------------------------- | A | --3 ------- 4 ------- 5 ------- 6 ----- | AND | -------------------------------- |
Advice
- Listen to slap masters: Toshiya from Dir en Gray (listen to Different Sense or Lotus), Les Claypool from Primus, Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fieldy from Korn, Mark King from Level 42, Stanley Clarke, Louis Johnson, Marcus Miller, Victor Wooten of Béla Fleck and the Flecktones, Bootsy Collins, Larry Graham and Emma Anzai of Sick Puppies.
- The slap and pluck technique always sounds great on the octaves, but that doesn't mean it can be used ONLY on those.
- If you want a real challenge to put your technique to the test, try "The Awakening" by The Reddings. If you want a less demanding challenge try the song "Blackeyed Blonde" by Red Hot Chili Peppers. An even simpler song is "Undisclosed Desires" by Muse.
- Play as much as possible to develop a callus on your thumb and finger that you use for plucks. Your fingers will hurt at first, but you'll get used to it.
- When performing a slap, lift your thumb off the string immediately after hitting it. Otherwise you won't produce any sound!
Warnings
- This article assumes that your dominant hand is your right.
- If your thumb starts to hurt, stop playing for a day or two. If you keep using it, a painful wound will start to form in your thumb. If this happens, apply a healing product, cover the wound with a band-aid and let it heal.
- When doing a pluck, be careful not to pull the string too hard. Otherwise you will spend a lot of time retuning your instrument.
