How to get AWESOME at SLAP BASS (The 8 Step Formula)

Slap bass battles have become rare… too rare!

And there’s a key reason that’s made the technique an in-joke of bassists around the globe – it all comes down to quality control! So today I’m excited to share our own slap battle, and my 8 step formula that will instantly improve your slap bass!

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Video Breakdown:

00:00 - Introduction (Slap War)
01:17 - Layer 01 - The Foundation
01:37 - Method 01 (Thumb Down)
01:47 - Method 02 (Parallel Thumb)
02:55 - Layer 02 - The Pop
04:10 - Layer 03 - The Dead Note
04:45 - Layer 04 - Dead Pop
05:35 - Layer 05 - The Slide
06:17 - Layer 06 - Pull Off
07:16 - Layer 07 - Open Hammer Pluck
08:25 - Final Layer - Space
10:00 - The Full Breakdown
11:07 - Summary
12:36 - Up to SPEED!

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ABOUT SCOTT’S BASS LESSONS (SBL)
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As the largest online bass education platform in the world, with an ever-expanding course library and 40,000+ active members, Scott’s Bass Lessons (SBL) has everything you need to master the bass, all in one place.

Featuring beginner level bass lessons, engaging courses from expert instructors, step-by-step development curricula, direct feedback on your playing, real-time mentorship from A-list bassists and a thriving and incredibly supportive community, SBL is the perfect platform to uplevel your bass playing, whether you’re a total beginner, or an advanced pro-level bassist.

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[CharlesBerthoud]

Haha so true - I can confirm I started slapping by watching Flea and had to feel like a beginner again for about a year while I re-learned the technique… great lesson! 🔥

[macpaul]

This is the most excellent free Lesson for years. Well done guys and thank you.

[chrisggoodwin]

It's so good to hear it takes about a year. I've been getting so discouraged when trying parallel thumb and double thumb because I don't get it down within a day or so.

[adammono]

All bassists need an Ian in their lives! He'll always shout encouragement when you need it

[nunofernandes]

Oh man, that Kubicky gets my juices flowing!

[erhanmusician]

This is one excellent lesson. You didn't teach how to play a prepared line but gave insight how to create any bass line from scratch. Thank you very much!

[Mark-dbok]

Scott throwing down a nice Stuart Hamm vibe slapping on that Kubiki. Great lesson video guys! Excellent job of building layers and explaining.

[arthurjackson]

The most practical video on YouTube regarding how to learn slap techniques. And the video is only ten minutes!!!🔥🔥🔥.

You guys do an awesome and are an awesome team!!!

[TheJimboe]

The two of these guys together is a brilliant combination. Just fantastic 👏

[viniciuscomacento]

you guys are going to teach a generation of musicians with this solid videos. you make something that sounds impossible really comprehensible and even maybe reachable, lol. thanks a lot!

[billcummens]

That lesson gets me fired up. What get me going is the energy that the two of you have. You guys work great together, keep it up, you're fun to watch.

[williefilmore]

What a freaking great lesson. I was just working on my slap technique. I love that you started with the very basic of the groove & progress to add elements that takes the whole thing to a higher level with each additional round. Giving us a way to practice that will see results 😅

[bane]

MAN WHEN IAN DOES THE SLIDES ON THE JAZZ BASS HOLY SHT THAT TONE

[Ross]

Thank you so much! I was struggling with figuring out how to do the parallel thumb technique and after watching this video and practicing it for a bit, I'm finally starting to get it.
It was like a light switched on and now I can finally do it!

[grizelda]

What a great lesson! Thanks for making my Saturday practice super fun.

[joannalewis]

Love the layering approach. Always wonder how and why open hammer plucks work even when they are non diatonic (unlike this example)

[kevmac]

I have struggled with slap despite being a long time player.I even did your slap excellerater course.I can't however get the good tone like you guys and i follow the advice like removing mids etc.

[tortolita]

It's ridiculous how good these guys are. Inspiring.

[coryjayeu]

idk how you gents did it but I'm starting to get the hang of it *tears of joy* thought I'd never learn this technique

[josemanuelflorencia]

You both are amazing og so inspiring, I am guitarist but since a being watching you guys, I got my self a bass and now I am grooving.
thanks a lot