I’m at the very beginning of learning the bass at 65 years old and l’m trying to soak up as much knowledge as possible in as shorter time as possible. I should have tried to play it a long time ago. Like when I first saw Jermaine Jackson playing it at age 15 in 1970. I was 13 at the time.
I love it and that's maybe because I started my self as 68 years old. I'm not going to use it for anything, just to have a good time by my self and keeping my brain "fresh" 😊 would love to hear how you are doing now.
I'm 70 and started playing at 18 years old. I played in many bands in Ireland and now play in a great five piece 80s tribute band. I LOVE IT! You guys starting off, you will love it too.
Hi Mike, I've been struggling with slap for a long time, but when you described it as being like trying to get an insect off your thumb it really helped me, I was being far too unrelaxed with my thumb, now it's coming a lot easier and I'm actually enjoying it. fab exercise as well. thanks heaps for your brilliant videos
I’ve been playing bass since ‘82(!) and my slapping has always been complete garbage. Thank you for breaking down the right-hand technique-I’ve finally got it!
I've been avoiding learning to slap by saying I don't care for it, but it's just been an excuse for not wanting to learn. I'm an old school Rock and R&B guy, but we're starting to incorporate Sly Stone and EWF, etc. - so I need to expand into grasping this style of play. Your method of teaching is the best I've seen in the small sample size I've watched so far. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Like most great things, the slap bass technique came about by pure accident. As a child Larry Graham (Grand Central Station, Sly And The Family Stone) was in a band with his mother. For whatever reason she fired the drummer and she and Larry would perform as a duo. Graham missed the percussive element of the drums and decided to play his bass in a way that would mimic the instrument. The slap became the kick drum and the pop became the snare. This opened up a whole new universe of sonic possibility with the instrument.
A+ WOULD RECOMMEND TO A FRIEND I've been struggling to understand how the slap actually works on the higher strings as I'm new to this technique. Your picnic analogy made it clear AF and I saw results within 10 seconds. Amazing. AMAZING.
@@mikebrandenstein5425 thank you very good and simplified explication, it has helped me out alot as a semi beginner bass player. Awesome keep the videos coming!
Thanks for this great explanation really usefull for my first steps of slapping the bass 😄 Gonna watch video 2 as well and hope to see more exercises for beginners, have a nice day
I'm at 4:51 in the video. I always wanted to learn how to slap bass, and this is, I think, the first video I'm watching on the instruction. I've never had a bass guitar as of yet. I want to try this on the bottom four strings of my acoustic guitar. Everything seems to be going fine, except that, to be honest with you, I think you're taking a lot of time getting into the essential ideas. I am guessing you could have done the same instructing in one minute that you've done in almost five. I'm like that too. I like to talk a lot. Thanks
Thank you for this lesson, I was beginning think maybe this technic is not for me, but I can't allow myself to give up,quitting is not for real bassist so I'm starting to get it now.
hi Moises! Thanks for the comment! I'll probably be working with some of the songs I've already covered, but will also check out the Israel song, love his grooves!
Hey Chris, I’ll be recording a video about this topic soon. Much of what you’re explaining can be due to your tone and touch as you learn this new technique. Shoot me an email with a video of what’s happening and perhaps we can deal with it together. Thanks!
@@mikebrandenstein5425 Thanks for the quick reply. Elsewhere I read it might be the configuration of either the bridge (too hallow/bendy or straight) or it could be the action on the snares. I notice it especially on my A string. The thinner the string, the less frettbuzz. I'm using a Squire for two years now and its my first bass (including the stock snares). I can't slap for shit so far, but you can't go wrong I just 1slap I guess. Does this extra info help in anyway to zone in the problem. I do understand a video would be more helpful, but im so hangover and strung out so that might take a few days. Ps, gonna order new strings next month. Thanks in advance.
Ps, you already earned my subscription even without solving to problem so far, for your quick and kind reply. And I'm feeling generous today. Which on second thought probably means I'm not sober yet. (:
I'm having a lot of trouble muting the B string. It always rings. I sometimes try to mute using my left thumb or middle finger but its unconfourtable. ANy tips?
Great!!! Incredible patience to explain us! I'm a beginner but you really make it seems so easy! I'm practicing right now! Thanks. Greetings from Mexico city.
One thing you haven't explained properly (like so many other you tube tutors) is the left hand slap mute. I tried it an ended up doing left hand hammer ons because I was only hitting one string with one finger. I just couldn't get a loud enough thud that way. What you should be explaining is to land two or three fingers across two or three strings. That way you can get the thud noise. But the multiple strings act as a restraint and stop you hitting the string on to a fret and sounding like a hammer on note.
For slapping, does the action need to be higher or lower? My fave bass I own/play is a Goth Thunderbird w/ Dean Markley nickel round-wounds. & a .40μf drop capacitor-Ive been a pick player all my life & trying to broaden my horizons & trying out the slap texhnique to add to my repitior'e-Obviously, the 'Bird doesnt sound very pleasing as it does with Metal, (God does she growl) but how much would I need to adjust things to make it sound right or should I just gut it out until I get my Jackson/Charvel w/P-bass pickups restored? i plan on using GHS Bass Boomers in Heavy.......ANY advice for setup would be welcomed!!!
Great lesson thanks! I started out on acoustic a few years ago and recently shifted to bass. There are a lot of great worship acoustic resources out there, but not so much for bass players. Thank you for helping grow this area of ministry. God bless.
Enjoyed the lesson. I get a lot of fret rattle when i play. Need a little help with setting up the action with my bass. Any recommendations? A video would be cool.
You know, ever since I picked up the bass guitar about a year ago, I put off learning slap. I always told myself it was because it just wasn't my thing, and truth be told, not much music I enjoy listening to or playing includes it, but I think it was also antithetical to how I had been trying to improve my overall technique. I always tried playing different styles of music, and even using the dreaded pick occasionally, and yet, I would still say, "No, slap just isn't my thing." Now I'm finally gonna actually put some effort into it, because even if I don't use it much, it will be there if I feel like I need to. Also, your video was very informative and to the point, which I greatly appreciate.
The only problem is, I'm not comfortable with my thumb in the same position as what you use, my natural inclination is more the thumbs up up or parallel , I know the concept is still the same, it just seems to be a little more difficult. Thanks for the vids:) Peace:)
unbelievable! Thanks Mike! I subscribed to your channel, I definitely need and can use the help... I've been so blessed and honored and humbled to be in the praise band for the past 6 years, but I still need to grow in my skills, so again thank you for doing this awesome work of ministry to get these helpful videos out to the saints! God is so good to lead me to your channel. God bless!
Thank you! Very helpfull video. Just one question: can I mute other strings with my left hand when I'm slapping open E or open A string with my right hand or do I need to improve my accuracy in my right hand to hit only one string at a time?
