Slap Tone

[thestratomaster]

Just wondering what everyone does to get a good slap bass tone. Ive been messing around with slapping a bit more and cant quite get that perfect slap tone. Let me know.

[t3ch]

There are lots of different ways to do it, you won't get a definitive answer. I have a slap dvd, have read a few slap guides, etc.... Most will say the "best" or "proper" way to slap is right on the edge of the neck. I personally prefer to do it back by the bridge, but that's probably because I have poor technique and it's easier for me to get the sound I want.

 

Look around on youtube for instructional videos or just people playing covers and see what they do. Go watch fan videos of RHCP - Aeroplane

[Brother Mango]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[RSBro]

My MTD -> ftw.

 

Really don't need much else except some good IEMs.

[Bryan316]

Slap.

 

 

The ketchup of the bass world.

[bassplayer7770]

Just wondering what everyone does to get a good slap bass tone. Ive been messing around with slapping a bit more and cant quite get that perfect slap tone. Let me know.

 

Out of curiosity, what amp and bass are you using? The owners manual for some amps include some suggested settings, so that might be worth a look. I don't slap much, so I'll refrain from commenting.

[thestratomaster]

 

There are lots of different ways to do it, you won't get a definitive answer. I have a slap dvd, have read a few slap guides, etc.... Most will say the "best" or "proper" way to slap is right on the edge of the neck. I personally prefer to do it back by the bridge, but that's probably because I have poor technique and it's easier for me to get the sound I want. Look around on youtube for instructional videos or just people playing covers and see what they do. Go watch fan videos of RHCP - Aeroplane

 

 

I was more wondering about the settings used. I know how to slap but cant seem to get that funky slap sound

[thestratomaster]

 

Out of curiosity, what amp and bass are you using? The owners manual for some amps include some suggested settings, so that might be worth a look. I don't slap much, so I'll refrain from commenting.

 

 

A genz benz gbe 500 and an American Deluxe Jazz.

[thestratomaster]

My MTD -> ftw. Really don't need much else except some good IEMs.

 

What are IEMs?

[hi.flyer]

Bright, maybe steel I guess, strings help alot. Maybe a bridge pickup.

[t3ch]

 

I was more wondering about the settings used. I know how to slap but cant seem to get that funky slap sound

 

 

"Funky" can be had in a lot of ways. Again, how you play will be one of the more important factors. Where/how you play will sound different on each amp/bass setting. As I said, there's no magical answer. No one on here is going to be able to point at something and say "do ___ to get ___"; you're going to have to experiment.

 

Classic funk is deep, thumpy rhythms. It wasn't really slapped though... If you aren't looking for that 70s thump, crank up your high-mids/highs and slap away. Do you have any clips for the type of sound you're looking for?

[blueyedmule]

A genz benz gbe 500 and an American Precision Bass.

 

Fiss'd it ferya!

 

Truth, I know Jazz basses are used these days by lots of slap players, but P basses have a sweetness all their own when slapped and if you like some of what guys were gettin' for tone in the early 70's funk/r&b, it might just be a P-bass you're hearing.

[Kindness]

Your technique is going to be the most important aspect to square up first. The bass, strings, amp, cabinets, settings, etc. are just tweaks off of your technique.

[basste]

Bartolini P/J with both pickups full ON

strings d'addarios EXL 220 (40-95)

tone

[LanEvo]

Since everyone else has already mentioned the importance of technique, I'll skip that part.

 

But, I suggest you study this clip:

 

[YOUTUBE]NHdN_O5k3WM[/YOUTUBE]

 

 

I was more wondering about the settings used. I know how to slap but cant seem to get that funky slap sound

What kind of bass and amp are you using? You can get a good/great slap tone out of just about any bass...but there are some tricks with specific models. It would help if we knew what gear you were using and what kind of tone you were going for.

 

Some people like the scooped-mids/sizzling-highs slap sound (think: Mark King).

Others prefer a deeper/smoother sound (think: "Forget Me Nots" by Patricia Rushen).

Some people like a slightly overdriven sound (think: Flea).

Some folks add effects like envelope-controlled filters or chorus (think: Bootsy Collins).

 

One of the "tricks of the trade" is to add quite a bit of compression. Tube compressors, like the EH Black Finger, can help you nail the classic funk sound of Larry Graham or Verdine White. But they tend to be very noisy. These days, most people seem to prefer less obtrusive compressors (e.g., Demeter Opto Compulator, EBS MultiComp). In any case, a dose of compression can help you bring the funk.

[thestratomaster]

 

What kind of bass and amp are you using? You can get a good/great slap tone out of just about any bass...but there are some tricks with specific models. It would help if we knew what gear you were using and what kind of tone you were going for. Some people like the scooped-mids/sizzling-highs slap sound (think: Mark King). Others prefer a deeper/smoother sound (think: "Forget Me Nots" by Patricia Rushen). Some people like a slightly overdriven sound (think: Flea). Some folks add effects like envelope-controlled filters or chorus (think: Bootsy Collins). One of the "tricks of the trade" is to add quite a bit of compression. Tube compressors, like the EH Black Finger, can help you nail the classic funk sound of Larry Graham or Verdine White. But they tend to be very noisy. These days, most people seem to prefer less obtrusive compressors ( e.g ., Demeter Opto Compulator, EBS MultiComp). In any case, a dose of compression can help you bring the funk.

 

 

Yea. Ive been working on that song. Its a great song. Im using an american deluxe jazz through a genz benz gbe 500 head with the neo 2X12 cab.

[FloydianAnimal]

Technique is key obviously, but for me the best slap tone I've gotten is using lots of compression, a jazz bass or stingray with SS DR Lo riders, and just dialing in a good, punchy tone. Slapping at the end of the neck seems to sound the best and is the most consistent and to get fast it helps to practice slap/pop stuff to a metronome...

[LanEvo]

 

...through a genz benz gbe 500 head with the neo 2X12 cab.

Again, it'll depend on what kind of sound you're after. Basically, you can scoop the mids or bump up the mids depending on your taste. If you have separate low-mid and high-mid controls, you'll generally want to turn down the low-mids and bump the high-mids. Then add a bit of bass and either turn up or turn down the treble to suit your tastes.

 

If you have a good compressor, add a bit of compression. Something in the neighborhood of 1.5:1 to 2:1 (nothing too extreme).

[DevilRaysFan]

New Strings

 

Good setup

 

Technique

 

New Strings

 

Amp is irrelevent but nothing beats a Genz Benz

 

New Strings

 

Cabinet should have an attenuating horn for crispness

 

A compressor should be used

 

Did I mention New Strings?

 

 

 

 

Thats all you need

[Jazz Ad]

I like old strings, a P pickup and a slight boost of lows and hi mids.

[DevilRaysFan]

I like old strings, a P pickup and a slight boost of lows and hi mids.

 

you hate me, dont you?

[thestratomaster]

 

New Strings Good setup Technique New Strings Amp is irrelevent but nothing beats a Genz Benz New Strings Cabinet should have an attenuating horn for crispness A compressor should be used Did I mention New Strings? Thats all you need

 

 

My cab does have an adjustable horn. Where should it be set?

[EZ3X3]

IMHO Technique, good SS Rounds and a MusicMan Bongo = good slap tone.

[Goofball Jones]

Slap. The ketchup of the bass world.

 

[thestratomaster]

Where should my horn on my cab be set?