Slapping on bass guitar involves using the edge of one’s knuckle, where it is particularly bony, to quickly strike the string against the fretboard. On bass guitars, this is commonly done with the thumb, while on double bass, the edge of the hand or index finger may be used.
How hard is slapping bass?
Slapping can be really tough for beginner bass players that want to imitate their heroes like Flea, Marcus Miller or Mark King but some of the issues are easily fixed with some simple tips.
Does slapping a bass hurt?
No, it isn’t to bad if your hand get sore that’s probbally cause your not used to it. But if your arm get’s sore that’s because your moving your arm when you do it.
Can you slap all basses?
You can play slap on any bass. However, different basses will be optimal for the sound of slap such as having hot pickups, steel strings and the bass being constructed of high-quality wood matched with a set up for optimal playability. Technique and amp EQ settings are also very important factors.
Why do people slap the bass?
The invention of slap on electric bass is generally credited to funk bassist Larry Graham. Graham has stated in several interviews that he was trying to emulate the sound of a drum set before his band had found its drummer. Graham himself refers to the technique as “thumpin′ and pluckin′”.
Why can’t I slap bass?
Sounds like you might have been putting too much oomph into the slap, causing the string to hit the pickup. Adjusting pickup height can alleviate some of that but you probably need to adjust your technique too. Slap playing is more about finesse then it is hitting hard.
How can I improve my bass slap?
Slap Technique
- Be precise with thumb attacks.
- Only hit the string you want to sound.
- Muting strings is critical.
- Muted thumb attacks should be struck with the same intensity as sounded notes.
- Pull attacks should not be louder or more intense than thumb attacks.
Can you slap on a fretless?
A fretless bass can be slapped just like a bass with frets. However, the lack of frets produces a warmer sound that is atypical for slapping. With the right technique, a slap plate, and EQ, a fretless bass can produce a great slap sound, but it will still sound dissimilar to a bass with frets.
How do you slap a 5 string bass?
Tips for slapping a 5-string bass
- Mute with the index finger – To me, the best way to keep unplayed strings muted is by using the index finger of my fretting hand.
- Thumb control – Due to the narrower string spacing on the 5-string, you will need to work on being precise with your thumb.
Which bass is better for slap?
If you want a great slap tone one of the best options is a jazz bass with an ash body and a maple fingerboard.
Is P Bass good for slapping?
Slapping sounds great on a P bass – it’s thicker and fatter than on a J or Musicman. However, it’s probably not what you’re used to hearing. You might like the sound or you might hate it, but either way, its character comes from where the pickup is placed.
Is slap bass necessary?
Over 40 years later, the slap bass technique has become a mandatory skill for serious bassists, and it’s found in everything from rock and metal to jazz and art music.
Who invented slapping on bass?
Larry Graham
Larry Graham is generally credited as inventing slap bass guitar. Graham has said that he was simply trying to create a drum-like sound to flesh out the rhythm in the then drummerless Family Stone.
Can you slap bass with high action?
In general, you can slap any bass guitar. However, not all basses produce the type of sound associated with slap bass. Having high action on your bass will make slapping more difficult and produce a less desirable sound. Slapping also becomes more difficult on basses with strings that are old or too thick.
Can you slap on a jazz bass?
The Jazz is definitely right on for slap! I slapped mine like crazy this past weekend! Just roll your highs off a bit!
How do you get the lowest action on bass?
Select the proper tool for the adjustment hardware on your bass. Typically, tightening (turning clockwise) bridge height adjusters will raise the action and loosening (turning counterclockwise) bridge adjustment adjusters will lower the action.
What is the point of fretless bass?
Well, with a fretless bass, you essentially have more freedom to move around the fingerboard. You can smoothly slide in between notes, which is considered as their main advantage over fretted basses and is key to their expressive, distinctive voice.
Is it harder to play a fretless bass?
Playing fretless bass is at least a little more difficult than playing fretted bass. If you are buying your first bass, you probably don’t want a fretless bass unless you know for sure that’s the sound you’re after. It takes a good bit of extra practice to accurately play the notes on a fretless bass.
Can you play rock on a fretless bass?
All of the Music
According to Hans, slap bass is actually the only thing you can’t play on a fretless bass. “Besides that, you can play everything. Even rock and heavy metal where everything needs to be straight forward.
Is a 4 or 5 string bass better?
The biggest reason to choose a 5 string bass over a 4 string is the lower range available thanks to the 5th string. This opens a wide range of possibilities for scales, arpeggios, and chords that are not possible on a 4 string. Many also feel the wider fretboard is more playable than the long, thin 4 string neck.
What songs use a 5 string bass?
10 Awesome Rock And Metal Songs To Learn On A 5-String Bass…
- Korn – Got The Life.
- Meshuggah – Rational Gaze.
- Metallica – All Nightmare Long.
- Alien Ant Farm – Drifting Apart.
- Heart Of A Coward – Distance.
- Between The Buried And Me – Condemned To The Gallows.
- Polyphia – G.O.A.T.