Author Topic: Advice for a novice slap bassist? (Read 181 times)

tmoney61092 · « **on:** August 16, 2012, 08:38:36 AM »

so recently I've really been trying to learn how to play slap bass, I can play a few Primus songs(Frizzle Fry, John the Fisherman, Antipop, and a few others) as well as Higher Ground cover by RHCP and can do pretty simple jams with my drummer at practice. Then I watch videos of guys like Brian Bromberg, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool and THAT'S how I want to play! does anyone know of any good instructional videos on Youtube or can explain how to get better at slap? I can pretty much only do downstrokes and it's harder to double thumb, any advice on excersises I can do to get better? thanks!

~Taylor

tubeperson · « **Reply #1 on:** August 16, 2012, 09:34:44 AM »

Alex Sklarevsky has an excellent DVD for slapping. Also the well known
book Slap It by Tony Oppenheim is excellent as well. www.bassbooks.com carries both. Good luck!

terryc · « **Reply #2 on:** August 16, 2012, 10:19:26 AM »

As a absolute fan of the technique and Mark King, have a look at this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sR9ZOSwi8XU
and this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQEO55-_tdw
Try a paradiddle which is a drummers technique so
the exercise is
thumb slap slap thumb thumb slap thumb slap

thumb = hit strings with the thumb
slap = slap the strings with the fretting hand.
Use a metronome to keep time
Good luck

hieronymous · « **Reply #3 on:** August 16, 2012, 12:52:36 PM »

I used to enjoy playing along with CDs and trying to play lines that were originally played with fingers or pick with double-thumping.

I remember reading someone saying that when they teach slapping, they require that people listen to Larry Graham. The fancy stuff is cool, but don't forget the groove!

I have to say I really like this short performance by Les Claypool: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5XeVLJeMdE&list=PL46A7F1398DB1BB58&index=3&feature=plpp_video - I wish it didn't end!

tubeperson · « **Reply #4 on:** August 16, 2012, 01:05:10 PM »

I love Mark King (Thunderthumbs), Marcus (the accent guy), Les Claypool, the incomparable Larry Graham, etc. There are transcriptions of Mark King's bass lines, a 5 volume set now condensed to one book at bassbooks.com. When tastefully done, it is marvelous the musical havoc a talented player can create. There are others that are awesome that I have on the tip of my tongue, and there are a variety of videos and books to study from. Still nothing beats a live teacher. Aaaahhhh Grasshopper!

No matter what style of music, we can never forget the groove.

white_cloud · « **Reply #5 on:** August 16, 2012, 01:21:42 PM »

I would suggest that if you are playing Primus songs already you are doing fine and are on the correct path!

Also check out Louis Johnson - there is plenty of footage of his 80's tutorials on slap bass on youtube.

David Houck · « **Reply #6 on:** August 16, 2012, 01:27:25 PM »

It you want to play like Victor Wooten, his Bassday 1998 DVD has some instructional things including the double thumbing and exercises to go with it.

that_sustain · « **Reply #7 on:** August 16, 2012, 01:28:47 PM »

Sounds like you're stuck without a pattern. Try slappin' the low E, pulling the D string, then..hammering the higher octave E on the D string. The position dictates the melody. There's a very good bassist named Gustav on youtube who utilizes this method.

Tap your foot while doing so. If you can't keep it as steady as you like, use a ticker.

That should get you going. take care

tubeperson · « **Reply #8 on:** August 16, 2012, 01:37:09 PM »

White Cloud, he (LJ) really helped John Taylor of Duran Duran, and even gave him the BC Rich Eagle that LJ used to record with Le Chic. And yes Victor's video is terrific, the one with Anthony wellington. Also, check out Brian Bromberg's video, he slaps on the big dog as well as electric bass.

artswork99 · « **Reply #9 on:** August 16, 2012, 02:41:02 PM »

Nice paradiddle example by Victor Wooten and Anthony Wellington, they use the modal concept of playing to create modes of rhythm (an interesting topic)... and in Monty Python fashion - 1) practice, practice, practice, then practice some more... and when you're totally tired of practicing, go ahead and practice again... then start at number 1)

Have fun! Art

piotr_c · « **Reply #10 on:** August 16, 2012, 03:38:01 PM »

Art, you have posted the perfect tutoring pattern... I've been practicing this one for a while now, and it still doesn't sound like the video...! Monty Python, here I come ;-))

terryc · « **Reply #11 on:** August 17, 2012, 05:51:00 AM »

Mind you Mark King uses 90 guage(on the E) strings, practice with 100/105 then go to 90's and suddenly you are incredibly fast(as I found out in the 80's)

terryc · « **Reply #12 on:** August 18, 2012, 03:24:48 AM »

And on another note, in the first clip he makes the excuse for the sound of his S2 has he has to use a noise gate...I guess his amps were picking up the lighting rig as opposed to his bass

Author Topic: Advice for a novice slap bassist? (Read 181 times)

white_cloud