Slap Bassics by Scott Whitley Lesson 4 - Slap Pattern 2

More slap material for you to sink your teeth into here in lesson 4! In this slap bass lesson you'll learn another complete slap bass pattern that you can use to progress your understanding of slap.

This introduction to SLAP BASS by Scott Whitley explodes some of the myths and misconceptions surrounding the technique!

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[ScottWhitley]

Thanks so much for the kind words!!! Really glad the tutorials are helping inspire you :-)

[ScottWhitley]

Thanks paulbass186 - I'm so pleased the videos are helping!! Makes it all worth while...

...thanks again,
Scott.

[TerryRomanio]

You're one of the few guys who know what they're doing and your pattern isn't just typical octaves.. great work man, I'm digging it. More of the syncopated stuff because us as bass players need to learn that!!




-terry

[ScottWhitley]

Thanks very much for the kind words!!

Scott.

[ScottWhitley]

Hi Marc - thanks for the kind words :-)

I personally find 4 string basses more comfortable for slapping mainly because it's easier to mute strings etc. Having said that lots of people slap away quite happily on 5, 6 and even more string basses.

The crucial thing is setup. You want only the slightest amount of relief in the neck and a reasonably low action (doesn't have to be stupidly low). Lighter strings help A LOT! I'm sure the Schectors are perfect for slap.

Cheers,
Scott.

[ScottWhitley]

Thanks so much for the kind words and so sorry for the late reply!!!

The bass I use is a Richwood Jocker bass. I've modified it with Dimarzio Model J pickups, a better bridge & an EMG BTC control preamp.

Thanks again,
Scott.

[ScottWhitley]

Hi and thanks for your comment.
I agree that sometimes anew pattern may feel unnatural/awkward. The trick is to play/practice through that so the new move becomes just as comfortable as things you can already play easily.

[ScottWhitley]

Yes. He was my main inspiration to play the bass.

[BurningBushPedagogy]

IF ANYONE SAID YOU ARE THE BEST SLAP BASS TEACHER IT'S NOT JUST TO MAKE YOU FEEL HAPPY. IT IS ACTUALLY TRUE.
THANKS A LOT MAY YOU LIVE LONG AND GOD ALMIGHTY BLESS AND KEEP YOU AND THAT MATTERS TO YOU FOR US ALL.
THANKS!!! FREE WE GET ALL THESE FROM YOU AND ALL WE SAY IS THANKS ? I ADDED A PRAYER SO IN A WAY I AM PAYING !!!

[ScottWhitley]

Thanks :-) Just uploading two new ones as I type :-D

[ScottWhitley]

Hi perfectforths - thanks for the comment/question :-)

Both have their merits...

It's more fun to play with a drum machine - sounds more like music. But I'd also recommend periodically practicing with a plain old metronome set at quarter notes as it starts to make you do the subdivision work (i.e. no hi-hats etc to follow in between beeps of the metronome).

Cheers,
Scott.

[arfurlife]

there s simply no exscuse anymore now for not being good at this. well done scott you re the king of teachers end of story!

[YouSoCouldHaveGotMe]

What I really like about your videos is the length of each lesson, they are very manageable for someone like me who gets distracted easily.  Thank you for teaching me slap!  This is a ton of fun!!

[ScottWhitley]

Hi there & thanks for the kind words & the question...

The setup of the bass makes a MASSIVE difference to the tone. If the bass is easy to play and has new strings it'll sound sooo much better.

Generally lighter guage new strings (35-95) would be good), very little neck relief, and a low-ish action work best. This setup requires a lighter touch so you can relax more and concentrate on getting a good sound.

The player does make a huge difference of course too, but good setup helps you a LOT

[captgrock]

Scott, thank-you so much for taking the time to put these vids together for us. I've played bass (of a sorts) for years but never felt really confident. After seeing some of your lessons I've now dusted off my bass again and having yet another go - wow, I love the bass & always have. I mostly play rock but love having a go at slap & your explanations are so good. Any chance of some lessons in the style of Geddy Lee (Rush)? Thanks very much again, Geoff.

[grimbeavers]

Enjoying the lessons, keep them coming

[ScottWhitley]

Hi there!

I use Rotosound Funkmaster 30-90.

Cheers,
Scott.

[alainfraca]

your videos really help to demystify slap bass for me. thanks Scott

[christopherwright]

Just stumbled on your great slap tuition videos the best yet by far more please .

[ScottWhitley]

Hi Tom!

The left hand slap is sometimes a bit tricky to get the hang of. It's all about keeping the hand/fingers relaxed. What I do is kind of fire my fingers towards the strings, but before they even hit the strings the fingers are relaxed. So you don't 'press' onto the strings, you slap/smack them.

Let me know if I can be of any more help. Maybe a one off Skype lesson could help? ;-)