The Slap Bass Technique - Funky Bass Playing Style
The slap bass technique has become increasingly popular in the last several years since it has now crossed over from its funk roots into the pop and rock scene.
However, many people and fellow bass players never really knew where this style came from or how it developed.
This article will touch on some of the history regarding its development and at the end will present the reader with ideas on how to learn this style.
1) Slap Bass Technique - History The slap bass technique did not grow in popularity until the seventies and it actually originated much earlier - back in the 50's and 60's.
During that time many things were changing quickly in the music industry including the playing styles and rhythms.
However, the paramount change that transformed the music industry forever was the birth of the electric guitar.
2) Slap Bass Technique - Founder During that time the founder of the electric guitar, Leo Fender, was just introducing his new creation.
However, in addition to the electric guitar he also took his creation a step further with the development of the electric bass guitar called the precision bass - otherwise known as the P-Bass.
3) Slap Bass Technique - Slapping And Popping With the creation of the electric bass guitar came a greater versatility and variety of sounds.
By hitting one's thumb hard against the string with the middle part of their knuckle and pulling or popping the string with one's middle or ring finger different sounds developed.
By combining both the slapping of the thumb and popping of the ring finger the creation of the funk slapping and popping style was born.
Once discovered this method was quickly introduced into the funk and disco scenes of the 1970's.
This helped to elevate and popularize many landmark musicians like Bootsy Collins and Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
The slap bass technique still continues to evolve to this day but few would have realized, while back in the 50's, how much of an influence it would have on every person who picks up the bass today!
However, many people and fellow bass players never really knew where this style came from or how it developed.
This article will touch on some of the history regarding its development and at the end will present the reader with ideas on how to learn this style.
1) Slap Bass Technique - History The slap bass technique did not grow in popularity until the seventies and it actually originated much earlier - back in the 50's and 60's.
During that time many things were changing quickly in the music industry including the playing styles and rhythms.
However, the paramount change that transformed the music industry forever was the birth of the electric guitar.
2) Slap Bass Technique - Founder During that time the founder of the electric guitar, Leo Fender, was just introducing his new creation.
However, in addition to the electric guitar he also took his creation a step further with the development of the electric bass guitar called the precision bass - otherwise known as the P-Bass.
3) Slap Bass Technique - Slapping And Popping With the creation of the electric bass guitar came a greater versatility and variety of sounds.
By hitting one's thumb hard against the string with the middle part of their knuckle and pulling or popping the string with one's middle or ring finger different sounds developed.
By combining both the slapping of the thumb and popping of the ring finger the creation of the funk slapping and popping style was born.
Once discovered this method was quickly introduced into the funk and disco scenes of the 1970's.
This helped to elevate and popularize many landmark musicians like Bootsy Collins and Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
The slap bass technique still continues to evolve to this day but few would have realized, while back in the 50's, how much of an influence it would have on every person who picks up the bass today!
