Slap and High action

[belaxa]

Im continuously learning slap n pop technique. Im trying to develop rythm and control the dynamics. But in question of dynamics I found that my slap technique its much louder than my fingering. So I ever tend to fingering a little hard, producing buzz and rattles in the E string. So I decided to release 1/4 turn of truss rod, but there was no noticeable changes there. then, I go for higher E string adjusting the bridge. At hard playing, the buzz at lower positions dissapear, but continue at the 12 fret (Im talking of hard playing, relatively new three finger plucking style in the fatter string).
Ok. but when I´d return to the slap technique in this E relatively high action string, the characteristic slap sound of my new stingray dissappear. The fat was, the string when was beated, can´t reach the last fret to produce harmonics. Now I lower te E string again, I think I must control my slap/pop dynamics to equalize to the hardest buzz-free fingering style, and control again the hyperfast three finger plucking (I want to play a la Entwistle, typewriting style).
I´m confused, I read a bunch ot articles about setups, I try them in my cheaper Ibanez. I watch John Entwistle doing his typewriting stile in a fast fingering way, it must be a lower action or not? Flea beat the strings harder in fingering style , he must wear high action, and he produce a good slap sound !

 

[Golem]

I'd recommend a mentor or teacher if you can hire one, somebody who can watch what you do, hear the result, and who knows set ups. I know a great wooten-style player who can teach the playing, but he can't do set up to save his life [altho he knows where to refer someone to get a great set up].

There's nothing like the personal touch. If there is no one in your area, I'm sure some of the forum members can help. But no matter how much help you get here, if there is someone local to you, do it both ways.

You mention you have a "cheaper Ibanez". But you now have a StingRay, so stick with that. Since you recently had only the Ibanez, let me tell you I know a Monster popper snapper, blow away anyone, and he does it all on a cheapo SoundGear 4-string PJ. He is very powerful and pretty much uses up and discards the Soundgear every year, but using a 'disposable' ax hasn't limited him in any way. This is all occuring part time, as he also has a family and drives crosscountry truck.

BTW, the trucker/basser has plenty of buzz and other noises in his performance, and all the noises occur in rhythm with the groove. Has it occured to you that snapping and popping is really noise? Noise put to good effect, noise in proper time and rhythm, noise that follows the changes, but compared to longstanding standards and expectations of what stringed instruments are about, pop-snap is quite noisy. Are you being too hard on yourself? Are you judging your results at practice without hearing how it works in a band mix? That will drive you crazy. A band is an ensemble, not a collection of soloists sharing a gig. The sound is an ensemble sound, and you are in the rhythm section. Jangling, buzzing, snapping, whacking, pinging and popping are all rhythmic tools. Get them all running on time, and working with the band, and I'd expect you to have fewer complaints about set up. IOW, all music is just organized noise. So if you can't get rid of a noise, organize it, make it work for you. What is the difference between a wildflower and a weed? Mostly it's our attitude toward it.

 

[Figjam]

I think it has a lot to do with technique. At first , a few years ago when i got into slap, my slap tone was actually QUIETER because i was not slapping effectively yet. Then it got to be a little louder. As time went on, they are now balanced, my slap and finger volume. I think its just a feel thing. I can play on a bass with high or low action and get the same result. But for the record, i have low action.

 

[UKFIN]

Musicdojo.com has some great slap lessons , with great mentors/instuctors if you cannot find a mentor/instructor in your area

Well worth checking out

 

[belaxa]

Sorry for my poor english, but I had several Ibanexes years ago. Now I want to make my Stingray as my unique axe to slap and to fingering.
The problem its when I do a low action setup for slap (beautiful clickes-clackes, plenty of harmonics), a mid hard fingerstile playing show fret buzz. I must play really very light to avoid it. When I raise the E string, the fingerstile fret buzz dissappear, but the E string slap kick in the theeth dissapear.

 

[skabassist13]

Id say calm down on the finget style then. Use less force. It will allow you to play with more speed and control. If you miss the umph produced by digging in up the bass knob a bit, or turn down the volume when you slap and when you finger again turn it back up to make up for the difference in force.

 

[Golem]

......I want to make my Stingray as my unique axe to slap and to fingering.
The problem its when I do a low action setup for slap (beautiful clickes-clackes, plenty of harmonics), a mid hard fingerstile playing show fret buzz. I must play really very light to avoid it. When I raise the E string, the fingerstile fret buzz dissappear, but the E string slap kick in the theeth dissapear.

Where are you fingering? If you finger on the neck, you'll get a lot more buzz and noises. If you finger just ahead of the PU, that will be minimal noise.

String guage can make a difference. Most slappers I know go for lighter strings, in stainless steel roundwound, and they keep them fresh. Nonslappers can play strings for months or more per set. Slappers get new ones all the time.

 

[Randracula]

I'm a closet slapper.I almost never slap when playing with a band.........my strings ususally last a couple months.I prefer Nickel over Stainless Steel.IMO higher action seems to give a better tone for slap and fingerstyle. Just experiment and keep practicing.You'll eventually find what works best for you........

 

[drgroovenstein]

Quick answer: You can use compression to help you control some of your dynamics.

Better answer: Work on your technique. My slap was CRAZY loud compared to my fingerstyle volume. Then I realized all the inefficiency in my slap technique. I was overcompensating for my poor aim with harder strikes. I was slapping hard because I knew I wouldn't hit the string correctly. The pops I really had to work on, but I can control them now. You'll be surprised how little effort it takes to make the pop sound solid.

The less wasted effort and motion, the cleaner and faster you'll be able to play in the end. I'm not saying I am an expert, I'm still learning too!

I don't have my EBMM yet, soon! However, on my bass, I have pretty low action with no difficulty in getting a good slap tone. I'm talking like .013 or less relief, and 4/32" string height from the last fret on the B-E strings.

 

[mmplayer89]

Well i had the same problem when i first learned to slap. But i slap super hard just cause i like the sound better when i beat the thing. My pops would come out really loud compared to my fingerstyle too. But what i did was played with the controls on my bass and the my head. My head is an ampeg b2re so i can us the eq to help out too. But mostly youd have to adjust the treble in the bass so they work together and you can lower the treble some because thats what caused my slap to be louder. You just have to play around with it until you get what you like. Hopefully its just a simple fix for you. Good luck

 

[sir funkytown]

slap the bass

You should pick up the Larry Graham video "Super Slappin' bass"...or something like that.I learned a lot from that.
You don't need to exert a lot of energy to get a great sound out of the bass.You might want to experiment with dynamics...see how little force you have to slap and pop with to get a great sound.Same goes with finger style.You will find that your "attack" is more important than sheer muscle power
.Use less motion , you don't have to pull your arm way back and smack the bass hard to get the sound you want,if the strings are bright you only have to pull your thumb back about an inch or so(less even!)let the amp do the work(thats why they make em with a volume knob).I know, you see all these classic funk guys whaling the **** out of the bass...but take it from me,with the new technology out these days , you don't have to do that anymore.

 

[Bryan G.]

I am more of a closet slapper, but I have always considered my self a pretty quiet slapper. Even so, it usualy comes out a little louder than my finger style. The way I see it, if I'm ever slapping it's probably in a more energetic part of a song so the extra volume isn't too bad. If it did start to become a problem I would just get a compression pedal or something.

Also a little buzzing isn't a bad thing. I know stingrays are known for there desired fretbuzz. I have always thought it was part of their aggressive tone.

Check out this thread.
http://www.ernieball.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14162


Bryan

 

[roballanson]

On thing I remember hearing about practicing slap was to stand close to a wall when you play - stops you lifting your hand and thumb too far back....might be of help.

 

[Psycho Ward]

I’m more of a slappie than a slapper, the other night at the jam I was getting ready to go up for my set and I asked this girl, “hey would you hold my Bongo?” and *SLAP*, she gave me a quick one across the chops!!!

 

[roballanson]

I’m more of a slappie than a slapper, the other night at the jam I was getting ready to go up for my set and I asked this girl, “hey would you hold my Bongo?” and *SLAP*, she gave me a quick one across the chops!!!

You need to learn to duck quicker dude........

Perhaps someone can refer you to the Chuck Norris website for that extra sensory perception training......

 

[Randracula]

You need to learn to duck quicker dude........

Perhaps someone can refer you to the Chuck Norris website for that extra sensory perception training......

 

[Randracula]

I’m more of a slappie than a slapper, the other night at the jam I was getting ready to go up for my set and I asked this girl, “hey would you hold my Bongo?” and *SLAP*, she gave me a quick one across the chops!!!

RICK JAMES STYLE !!!!

 

[roballanson]

pure genius