How to Play the Double Slap Boogie Woogie on Standup Bass

The slapping of the standup bass when playing boogie woogie is a must. It takes some doing, but once you get it, you'll be able to play along with any boogie woogie music that's out there.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Break down the double slap note by note.

2. Learn how to slap first when double slapping boogie woogie on the stand up bass. Slap with your hand on the strings and soundboard with your hand before playing a note.

3. Pull the note with your fingers after slapping the soundboard and the strings.

4. Do the slap and pull with one note, practicing the motions over and over until you are able to do it accurately and cleanly. Double slapping can be a bit tricky to pick up, so it pays to take your time learning it.

5. Start playing a chord on your double bass while double slapping the note. Start slowly at first, slapping then pulling each note of the chord.

6. Add more and more speed as you double slap boogie woogie on the stand up bass. Soon you will find that you do not have to pause between each note, but will be able to play the notes smoothly and with the proper boogie woogie syncopation.

7. Try playing along to recordings of boogie woogie music as you double slap boogie woogie on the stand up bass. When you are able to play along with recordings well, you will be able start playing along with live musicians.

Resources

• Ken Steiner demonstrates double slap on the standup bass.
• This forum talks about playing boogie woogie bass.