Slapping and Tapping the Bass

"zeontestpilot" (zeontestpilot) 02/22/2016 at 07:24 • Filed to: Musiclopnik

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Lately I’ve been playing the bass for church, but I want to improve and bring my A game. I’m looking for tutorials and guides, online, that can teach slapping and tapping the bass to beginners. There is so much content online already, I’m not sure what is good and what isn’t.

I’m semi-familiar with both techniques, and recently I’ve been incorporating hammer-ons and pull-offs while playing. But there is a lot of room for self- improvement, namely because I’m self taught on the bass and pick it up as I go. I’m especially looking for slapping techniques.

Thanks oppo!

swansong, rockin' the wagons > zeontestpilot 02/22/2016 at 07:43

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Couldn’t resist.

But seriously, as a self taught guitar player, I honestly learned more about subtle techniques (hammer-ons, pull-offs, string and palm muting, bends, pinch harmonics, etc) just from playing songs and emulating the sounds. Maybe a few YouTube videos for specific finger techniques. I never got much mileage out of technique exercises or books. Throw in some RHCP, listen carefully, and practice, practice, practice!

Sam > zeontestpilot 02/22/2016 at 07:46

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You’ll very rarely tap the bass, but for slapping I’d recommend going up to a 5 stringer. I’d sell you my old 5er for like, $100, if you're interested.

zeontestpilot > swansong, rockin' the wagons 02/22/2016 at 07:47

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That’s the thing about slapping, I’ve discovered multiple approaches that are wildly different. I’d at least like to het the right hand motion correct, or have someone “spell it out” for me so I can at least practice on my own. I can’t quite figure out how they do it, :/.

zeontestpilot > Sam 02/22/2016 at 07:52

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I like tapping because it’s a gentler sound then using your hands. Plus I tap with my left hand when I’m changing the music on my stand, :). I’m interested in getting the right hand motion down, because some songs need a gentle bass line.

I’ve tried 5 strings, it’s funky to me because they add a low B string. It messes with me head because low string always equals E. Though it might be I need to get used to it. I would take you up on that offer, but I got no extra money though. For curiosity’s sake what kind of bass?

Sam > zeontestpilot 02/22/2016 at 07:59

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It’s a Cort Curbow5.

I haven't played it in a long while.

zeontestpilot > Sam 02/22/2016 at 08:08

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Huh, never heard of that brand before. But I’m not too in the know-how of guitars, that's my wife's job.

Sam > zeontestpilot 02/22/2016 at 08:12

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If you do end up wanting it, let me know. We can work something out if you’re short on cash.

supra-squirrel > zeontestpilot 02/22/2016 at 18:02

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You kind of just need to feel out what works best for you and what’s most ergonamic for your body.

I wouldn’t recommend moving to a five string just yet if you’re just starting out with slap technique, the tighter spacing can be an issue.

I learned by playing a ton of red hot chili peppers, primus, and victor Wooten. And practice like a madman. But remember to stretch your tendons. Tendonitis sucks.

As far as tapping goes it’s very useful for playing low and high lines simultaneously and to create atmosphere but for a more subtle, soft tone move closer to the neck while playing finger style and use a light touch.

Hope this helps.

tromoly > zeontestpilot 02/22/2016 at 18:25

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For some reason it makes me smile to see a Norma Jean and Demon Hunter sticker on a bass played in a church.

zeontestpilot > tromoly 02/22/2016 at 19:16

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Haha, I have done so in the past, but not so much since I have other basses to use. The red has heavy gauge strings for drop tuning, the orange one is my usuall, and the blue one has flatwound strings for bluegrass. Though I am the only band member influenced by metal core, lol. I also have a coffin case for the red bass, :).