Learn how to play the slap bass and you will become a more versatile and competent bass player - it is that simple. The slap style technique has been popular by many of the funk bands from the seventies but is still cool and never out of date.
This article is going to discuss the three things you must remember, no matter what level, when playing the slap bass: attacking the strings, popping the strings and practicing with a metronome.
As a player the first thing one should concentrate on is how the thumb is striking the strings. With your thumb extended, as if you were trying to hitchhike, strike the low-E string with the middle joint of you thumb and then immediately lift your thumb off the string. Repeat and repeat until you get it with the movement and are able to recreate the thump sound. This is the most important movement in playing slap bass. Next you need to know how to pop the strings.
Using either your index or middle finger grab underneath the thinnest string on the bass and simply pull up on the string and then let go very quickly. The string should create a buzz sound against the frets while at the same time making a popping sound. Try doing this several times along with what you learned earlier with your thumb.
To put all of this together you need practice and remember that you also need to practice with a metronome. Every time you practice a new riff chart your progress with the metronome. Each time you practice try to play a little faster than the last time you recorded. This will ensure that your slap bass technique will not become sloppy.
These tips seem simple but you must remember that all success must be built on the fundamentals. In the case of learning how to play the slap bass nothing is more important than thumping and popping the strings. You will get good results of good practice session discipline.
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