How to Slap Bass

Slapping is a percussive technique that is used primarily on the bass guitar. This technique involves using the thumb as a means to strike the string, as opposed to regular finger plucking. Slapping is often used in conjunction with the popping technique which involves the index or middle finger pulling up a string off the fretboard in a "popping" action. Slapping and popping creates a more emphatic tone than regular finger plucking and is used in various genres of music, including funk, heavy metal, alternative and jazz.

Things You'll Need

• Bass guitar

Instructions

Right Hand

1. Turn your right hand into a fist with the thumb parallel to the fretboard. Your right hand will be hovering off of the fretboard at this point and should be prepared to strike any of the four strings below. Certain players may find it easier to rest the top of their fingers on the strings for easier access to the strings.

2. Rotate your wrist clockwise by ninety degrees with the thumb still protruded (in a thumbs up position). As you advance your slapping abilities, you will not need to turn your wrist the full 90 degrees. Doing the full 90 as a beginner will help you understand the motion of the right hand.

3. Swing your wrist back 90 degrees counter clockwise in one fluid motion and strike any of the strings with your thumb creating the "slap" effect. Your thumb can either lay in place (making the sound dull or possibly even muting the string) or your thumb can bounce back off of the string that was played. Performing the latter will allow your right hand to be in motion for another slap following the initial note struck.

4. The popping technique (which is used in conjunction with slapping) is executed by using either the index or middle finger to lift the string up off of the fret board. Place your index or middle finger underneath a string and try to pull the string off of the fretboard (not too hard). Although you can "pop" on any of the four strings, bass players primarily perform this technique on the "D" and "G" strings. Have fun and be patient with these techniques. They're easy to learn, but difficult to master.

Tips & Warnings

• Each of the four strings may require different striking angles for beginner players. The middle "A" and "D" strings will need to be hit perfectly parallel (to avoid hitting other strings) while the low "E" and the high "G" string can be struck at a slight angle.

• Excessive and aggressive use of slapping and popping can cause severe blisters on the thumb and index fingers. Take breaks between practice sessions; calluses will form over time.

References

• Slap Bass Tutorial
• Slap Bass Video