Slapping and Popping for Bass Guitar

SLAPPING

The slap is probably the most fundamental element of the slap bass technique. Just like the name implies, this technique involves slapping your string... most often with your thumb. A common problem for people just starting is that they don't let their thumb bounce-off the string, which results in a choked sound.
Important thing in slapping:
- developing good speed
- it is especially important to relax the slapping hand

Keep your slapping hand at the end of the fretboard, with your thumb hanging over the last frets and your first finger between the end of the fretboard and your pickup. Now, twist your slapping arm so that your thumb moves away from the bass. The arm itself should remain stationary and just rotate. Practice hitting from string E, then move down to A...

Video lessons:





POPPING

The pop is another fundamental element of slapping. The pop is just a fancy name for pluck... you just pluck the string. Just a slight pull on the string, so it smacks back on the fretboard with a popping sound. A common problem for beginners is that they'll yank the string really hard... if you're just starting, be prepared to break some stings.



Enjoy!