Slap Bass quesitons.... (funk, pop, member, solo, quote)

littleknowitall · 05-17-2006, 05:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thebassistX

ok sooo....

1. what part of your thumb is supposed to hit the string? ie side, middle etc.
2. are you supposed to lock the side of hand and then slap or is it supposed to be free
3. how far in and out should your thumb go when u slap?
4. this ones sorta stupid but its supposed ot make a slapping sound right cuz in the demonstration i saw there was no slap sound just the note
5. is my thumb muscle the only thing moving or my whole wrist or arm or all?
6. how do u mute? wit ur left hand or right?

*please explain anything else important!!!!!

yes some of these questions sound stupid but i wanna make sure im doing everything right so i dunt have to correct it l8ter

right im here to help,
right for a start you slap with the side of your thumb and its supposed to hit just below the end of the fretboard, you can lock your hand or slap freehand, i slap freehand, in and out? the twisted sister bassist literally lraises his arm in the air before he comes down to the next note and victor wooten barely twitches, whatever feels comfortable...
aslong as your strings aren't nackered like mine itll make a sorta popping sound.
i use my wrist when i slap too i suppose, not sure about the arm, supose you could. i think just your thumb would be a little weak.
mute with your left hand, (assuming you play right handed)