How to Play Triple Slap Triplets on Double Bass

Learning to play the double bass with confidence is important when playing with other band members and in a solo situation. The basic techniques are essential to learn before adding more complex ones, like the triple slap triplets, which is a great technique to be used with blues or Latin music.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Hold the double bass in the correct position. This is standing with your left hand wrapped around the back of the neck with your fingers resting on the strings. The right hand is now available to strum, slap or do a number of other techniques.

2. Learn the basic chords, frets and other playing techniques. The key of C is the most important when playing string bass, and the major chords are used in more songs than the minor chords. These should all be learned first and practiced to the point of familiarity. You should be able to play basic chords and keys fluidly and quickly.

3. Master the single, double and triple slap techniques. These are a progression to the triple slap triplets and once they are mastered you will more easily learn this new technique. For the single slap, strum the strings with your left hand and slap the strings with your right hand, at any point along the strings. Different places will give different sounds.

4. Continue practicing the single, double and triple slap techniques until you can do them without even thinking and speed up your techniques, making the sound smooth. Pluck the bottom of the strings with your right hand, then slap high on the strings and lower on the stings for the triple slap triplet technique. This can be worked into the tempo of the song. Use the same beat count you would normally for the bass, but throw in the triple slap triplet for a sharper sound.