Slap bass
 

So, I really want to learn slap, but don't know where to start. You guys have any ideas on beginner's slap?

Youtube is a wealth of free information.



Check out Marlowe`s site for more free lessons. Good Luck!

Play Bass Now with MarloweDK

Youtube lessons are a fantastic way to learn the theory behind the technique but nothing replaces practice. I'd recommend slower soul / funk tunes where you can slap every note to get used to the swinging motion you'll have to put your wrist through as well as developing accuracy with your thumb (you don't want to be slapping adjacent strings for the most part).

Once you've got the thumb action down you can start implementing the 'Pop' side of the technique. Old school 1980s Red Hot Chili Peppers is where it's at if you really want to start developing the method.

Here's an old Sly and the Family Stone cover -
If You Want Me To Stay by Red Hot Chili Peppers - YouTube

and here's the tab:
g-----------------------------------------------------------------
d-----------------------------------------------2*3-3-3-3-3-3-3--
a------------------------------------2*3-3-3---------------------
e--5-5-5-5-5-5-5---4-3-3-3--------------------------------------

g-----------------------------------------
d--4*5-5-5----------9-9--8-8--7-5---------
a-------------7-7---------------------7--
e-----------------------------------------

Slap every note, hammer-on where the * are, and don't be afraid to improv the lick at the end a little before looping over. It's not 100% but definitely close enough to get the gist of the song.