How to Play Slap Bass

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Keep your hand perpendicular to the strings and your thumb at a 50-60 degree angle with the string you're slapping.

   You will need to have your arm at a particular angle.
   
   Think of a traditional scarecrow with rigid upper arms.
   
   This may ache after a long period of playing, but you'll get used to it.
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   Step 2: Remember

   For a basic slap exercise, you can slap and pop an octave
   - an octave is 2 frets up and 2 strings up.
   
   Play an octave with your first and third fingers on your left hand. , You need your thumb parallel to the string, (let's use the E string first). ,,, Popping is where you pull up on the string. ,,
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   Step 3: it's all in the wrist.

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   Step 4: to position your right hand.

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   Step 5: using a hitch hiker or flopping fish action

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   Step 6: bring your thumb down slowly and hit the string

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   Step 7: when you hit the string try to hit the bottom half of it

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   Step 8: the bottom of your thumb should end up on the next string.

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   Step 9: Keep practicing that action until you get good hits

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    Step 10: the ideal sound is a solid thump.

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    Step 11: try adding some popping to the technique.

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    Step 12: With either your middle or index finger

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    Step 13: (which ever is most comfortable) put your finger underneath the string let's use the G string

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    Step 14: pull up your finger until the string eventually snaps back down on the fretboard.

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    Step 15: Now let's try putting both of those into one technique:

Detailed Guide

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