I’m at the very beginning of learning the bass at 65 years old and l’m trying to soak up as much knowledge as possible in as shorter time as possible. I should have tried to play it a long time ago. Like when I first saw Jermaine Jackson playing it at age 15 in 1970. I was 13 at the time.
I love it and that's maybe because I started my self as 68 years old. I'm not going to use it for anything, just to have a good time by my self and keeping my brain "fresh" 😊 would love to hear how you are doing now.
A+ WOULD RECOMMEND TO A FRIEND I've been struggling to understand how the slap actually works on the higher strings as I'm new to this technique. Your picnic analogy made it clear AF and I saw results within 10 seconds. Amazing. AMAZING.
Hi Mike, I've been struggling with slap for a long time, but when you described it as being like trying to get an insect off your thumb it really helped me, I was being far too unrelaxed with my thumb, now it's coming a lot easier and I'm actually enjoying it. fab exercise as well. thanks heaps for your brilliant videos
I’ve been playing bass since ‘82(!) and my slapping has always been complete garbage. Thank you for breaking down the right-hand technique-I’ve finally got it!
Like most great things, the slap bass technique came about by pure accident. As a child Larry Graham (Grand Central Station, Sly And The Family Stone) was in a band with his mother. For whatever reason she fired the drummer and she and Larry would perform as a duo. Graham missed the percussive element of the drums and decided to play his bass in a way that would mimic the instrument. The slap became the kick drum and the pop became the snare. This opened up a whole new universe of sonic possibility with the instrument.
Great lesson thanks! I started out on acoustic a few years ago and recently shifted to bass. There are a lot of great worship acoustic resources out there, but not so much for bass players. Thank you for helping grow this area of ministry. God bless.
Thanks for this great explanation really usefull for my first steps of slapping the bass 😄 Gonna watch video 2 as well and hope to see more exercises for beginners, have a nice day
I've been avoiding learning to slap by saying I don't care for it, but it's just been an excuse for not wanting to learn. I'm an old school Rock and R&B guy, but we're starting to incorporate Sly Stone and EWF, etc. - so I need to expand into grasping this style of play. Your method of teaching is the best I've seen in the small sample size I've watched so far. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Thank you for this lesson, I was beginning think maybe this technic is not for me, but I can't allow myself to give up,quitting is not for real bassist so I'm starting to get it now.
Great!!! Incredible patience to explain us! I'm a beginner but you really make it seems so easy! I'm practicing right now! Thanks. Greetings from Mexico city.
I'm at 4:51 in the video. I always wanted to learn how to slap bass, and this is, I think, the first video I'm watching on the instruction. I've never had a bass guitar as of yet. I want to try this on the bottom four strings of my acoustic guitar. Everything seems to be going fine, except that, to be honest with you, I think you're taking a lot of time getting into the essential ideas. I am guessing you could have done the same instructing in one minute that you've done in almost five. I'm like that too. I like to talk a lot. Thanks
You know, ever since I picked up the bass guitar about a year ago, I put off learning slap. I always told myself it was because it just wasn't my thing, and truth be told, not much music I enjoy listening to or playing includes it, but I think it was also antithetical to how I had been trying to improve my overall technique. I always tried playing different styles of music, and even using the dreaded pick occasionally, and yet, I would still say, "No, slap just isn't my thing." Now I'm finally gonna actually put some effort into it, because even if I don't use it much, it will be there if I feel like I need to. Also, your video was very informative and to the point, which I greatly appreciate.
unbelievable! Thanks Mike! I subscribed to your channel, I definitely need and can use the help... I've been so blessed and honored and humbled to be in the praise band for the past 6 years, but I still need to grow in my skills, so again thank you for doing this awesome work of ministry to get these helpful videos out to the saints! God is so good to lead me to your channel. God bless!
@@mikebrandenstein5425 thank you very good and simplified explication, it has helped me out alot as a semi beginner bass player. Awesome keep the videos coming!
Enjoyed the lesson. I get a lot of fret rattle when i play. Need a little help with setting up the action with my bass. Any recommendations? A video would be cool.
One thing you haven't explained properly (like so many other you tube tutors) is the left hand slap mute. I tried it an ended up doing left hand hammer ons because I was only hitting one string with one finger. I just couldn't get a loud enough thud that way. What you should be explaining is to land two or three fingers across two or three strings. That way you can get the thud noise. But the multiple strings act as a restraint and stop you hitting the string on to a fret and sounding like a hammer on note.
Concise and precise wrap into one plus amused. You lead me to a new world of fun to be a bass player and I thank you. One question, Mike, who's in the front line of slap bass players, past and present.
I'm having a lot of trouble muting the B string. It always rings. I sometimes try to mute using my left thumb or middle finger but its unconfourtable. ANy tips?
Thank you! Very helpfull video. Just one question: can I mute other strings with my left hand when I'm slapping open E or open A string with my right hand or do I need to improve my accuracy in my right hand to hit only one string at a time?
Hey Chris, I’ll be recording a video about this topic soon. Much of what you’re explaining can be due to your tone and touch as you learn this new technique. Shoot me an email with a video of what’s happening and perhaps we can deal with it together. Thanks!
@@mikebrandenstein5425 Thanks for the quick reply. Elsewhere I read it might be the configuration of either the bridge (too hallow/bendy or straight) or it could be the action on the snares. I notice it especially on my A string. The thinner the string, the less frettbuzz. I'm using a Squire for two years now and its my first bass (including the stock snares). I can't slap for shit so far, but you can't go wrong I just 1slap I guess. Does this extra info help in anyway to zone in the problem. I do understand a video would be more helpful, but im so hangover and strung out so that might take a few days. Ps, gonna order new strings next month. Thanks in advance.
Ps, you already earned my subscription even without solving to problem so far, for your quick and kind reply. And I'm feeling generous today. Which on second thought probably means I'm not sober yet. (:
I wish I learned earlier that if I modified my slap to slap past the string to rest below on the fingerboard, I can pop the same string if I hook my thumb and then pluck the string with the hooked thumb as I'm going back out for another slap, all while preserving that wrist rotation economy. While it's essentially a double thumb, I'm reticent to call it that, at least not in a way that brings the Victor Wooten approach to mind, since the mechanic is more a diagonally slanted in and onto fingerboard then out off of fingerboard motion, whereas VW's approach is a down past string to rest below then back up past string on a plane more parallel to the string than diagonally slanted.
The only problem is, I'm not comfortable with my thumb in the same position as what you use, my natural inclination is more the thumbs up up or parallel , I know the concept is still the same, it just seems to be a little more difficult. Thanks for the vids:) Peace:)
hi Moises! Thanks for the comment! I'll probably be working with some of the songs I've already covered, but will also check out the Israel song, love his grooves!
I’m at the very beginning of learning the bass at 65 years old and l’m trying to soak up as much knowledge as possible in as shorter time as possible. I should have tried to play it a long time ago. Like when I first saw Jermaine Jackson playing it at age 15 in 1970. I was 13 at the time.
Yeah !!! Good for you much luck just feel the groove
I love it and that's maybe because I started my self as 68 years old. I'm not going to use it for anything, just to have a good time by my self and keeping my brain "fresh" 😊 would love to hear how you are doing now.
I started at 62 and after 6 months already play in a band occasipnally
A+ WOULD RECOMMEND TO A FRIEND
I've been struggling to understand how the slap actually works on the higher strings as I'm new to this technique. Your picnic analogy made it clear AF and I saw results within 10 seconds. Amazing. AMAZING.
Best bass teacher imo. Guy tells you what to do.....how to do it....but whats most important is that he ELABORATES on WHY youre doing it 'this way'
Hi Mike, I've been struggling with slap for a long time, but when you described it as being like trying to get an insect off your thumb it really helped me, I was being far too unrelaxed with my thumb, now it's coming a lot easier and I'm actually enjoying it. fab exercise as well. thanks heaps for your brilliant videos
I’ve been playing bass since ‘82(!) and my slapping has always been complete garbage. Thank you for breaking down the right-hand technique-I’ve finally got it!
Same for me Glenn - really glad to have stumbled onto this lesson!
THIS IS CALLED SKILLFUL BASSIST AND A GOOD TEACHER.CONGRATULATIONS
Mike, your song tutorials are a lifeline when preparing to play on Sundays. Thank you
A proper, detailed, yet simple explanation with loads of useful extra tips.
Thank you for this 👌
Thanks also an older learner at 61. Looking forward to getting this down. awesome video. thank you.
Like most great things, the slap bass technique came about by pure accident. As a child Larry Graham (Grand Central Station, Sly And The Family Stone) was in a band with his mother. For whatever reason she fired the drummer and she and Larry would perform as a duo. Graham missed the percussive element of the drums and decided to play his bass in a way that would mimic the instrument. The slap became the kick drum and the pop became the snare. This opened up a whole new universe of sonic possibility with the instrument.
Great lesson thanks!
I started out on acoustic a few years ago and recently shifted to bass. There are a lot of great worship acoustic resources out there, but not so much for bass players. Thank you for helping grow this area of ministry. God bless.
Thank YOU for Sharing! You are a great teacher.
The best explanation I've ever seen!
Thanks for this great explanation really usefull for my first steps of slapping the bass 😄 Gonna watch video 2 as well and hope to see more exercises for beginners, have a nice day
I've been avoiding learning to slap by saying I don't care for it, but it's just been an excuse for not wanting to learn. I'm an old school Rock and R&B guy, but we're starting to incorporate Sly Stone and EWF, etc. - so I need to expand into grasping this style of play. Your method of teaching is the best I've seen in the small sample size I've watched so far. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Thank you for this lesson, I was beginning think maybe this technic is not for me, but I can't allow myself to give up,quitting is not for real bassist so I'm starting to get it now.
thanks Mike for giving us a good video...God's continued blessings on you and your life
Great Instruction! Broken down so easily so I can finally understand what is going on. Thank you.
Great!!! Incredible patience to explain us! I'm a beginner but you really make it seems so easy! I'm practicing right now! Thanks. Greetings from Mexico city.
Been trying for a while and this vid finally taught me what I was doing wrong
This is the first slap bass lesson I have come across using a 5 string !! maybe I wont have to buy another bass just to learn slap. Thank you
Thanks Brother! As a beginner I may say that a metronome helped me out keeping a tempo to elevate up a little at a time. Solo Deo Gloria
I like it a lot, practicing it instantly is the best way to learn to play an instrument 👍👌👏
Nice lesson mike now i know i will practice it thanks
I'm at 4:51 in the video. I always wanted to learn how to slap bass, and this is, I think, the first video I'm watching on the instruction. I've never had a bass guitar as of yet. I want to try this on the bottom four strings of my acoustic guitar. Everything seems to be going fine, except that, to be honest with you, I think you're taking a lot of time getting into the essential ideas. I am guessing you could have done the same instructing in one minute that you've done in almost five. I'm like that too. I like to talk a lot. Thanks
Im the One of your followe sir !!!,Im just a 13 Years old kid learning the Bass guitar!!
How are you doing now with bass brother??!
This is the expert level of what the BASS is. Sadly, not many of us bass players reach this level LOL.
Best tutorial on youtube this one, really miss your videos, hope you come back.
You know, ever since I picked up the bass guitar about a year ago, I put off learning slap. I always told myself it was because it just wasn't my thing, and truth be told, not much music I enjoy listening to or playing includes it, but I think it was also antithetical to how I had been trying to improve my overall technique. I always tried playing different styles of music, and even using the dreaded pick occasionally, and yet, I would still say, "No, slap just isn't my thing." Now I'm finally gonna actually put some effort into it, because even if I don't use it much, it will be there if I feel like I need to.
Also, your video was very informative and to the point, which I greatly appreciate.
Awesome lessons Mike! Thank you and God bless!
you are a good teacher. very useful lesson for me
unbelievable! Thanks Mike! I subscribed to your channel, I definitely need and can use the help... I've been so blessed and honored and humbled to be in the praise band for the past 6 years, but I still need to grow in my skills, so again thank you for doing this awesome work of ministry to get these helpful videos out to the saints! God is so good to lead me to your channel. God bless!
Thanks for the nice video.
Thanks Mike, this first lesson was what I was looking for...... 👍
Thank you Mike . Shalom
My first time tuning in And I like your lessons. Thank you.
Awesome simple explication that is very easy to understand than other videos I've seen! Thank you! Best bass video I think it has helped me A lot!
Thank you for this ! I appreciate it as a beginner bass player this helps a lot.
First Comment! I feel like there should be a prize:-) - Glad it was helpful for you. Hoping pt. 2 will do the same! Thanks!
Agreed same here!
@@mikebrandenstein5425 thank you very good and simplified explication, it has helped me out alot as a semi beginner bass player. Awesome keep the videos coming!
@@mikebrandenstein5425 This has definitely helped me a lot as well thank you
awesome!! i like your style
I am a lerner & it's very helpful your bass lessons
I'm going to give it my best shot. I'm older than dirt and hope there is enough time to pull this off.
ez understand From Vietnam, thanks you for lesson!
Thank you for the lesson it’s awesome!
It s great lesson...thanks
Finally someone explains slapping in a way I can understand. Nice job, Mike.
thank you so much sir ...i appreciate it... am no learning becoz of you..love and subbed from The Philippines God bless
The tone is important. Wish one of these lessons would mention tone settings.
Totally agree, important to cut out middle frequencies.
Thank you for this video
Thank you !! I learn very much all the time!!!
Wow! I finally gotcha! You're such a great teacher. Awesome!
Thanks! Can't wait to learn more
Thanks for your teaching, your vedios inspired me how to slap.
Thanks for this video
Thanks for this😎
Thank you for teaching me thanks
"You're not using your entire arm."
Louis Johnson: "Listen here, you lil shit."
It’s fun on my Pedulla Buzz ...Enjoying your lessons Mike..do you have any fretless videos please.
Thanks for the exercise. Just subscribed
Enjoyed the lesson. I get a lot of fret rattle when i play. Need a little help with setting up the action with my bass. Any recommendations? A video would be cool.
Gracias!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi MIke, are you slapping the 5th string with your thumb or are you slapping the 4th?
Thanks. Cheers from Uruguay
thnx, now i have this image in my head of something gross attached to my thumb all the time. Other then that great lesson ;-)
One thing you haven't explained properly (like so many other you tube tutors) is the left hand slap mute. I tried it an ended up doing left hand hammer ons because I was only hitting one string with one finger. I just couldn't get a loud enough thud that way. What you should be explaining is to land two or three fingers across two or three strings. That way you can get the thud noise. But the multiple strings act as a restraint and stop you hitting the string on to a fret and sounding like a hammer on note.
It's Actually Helpfull
Very good 👍
Concise and precise wrap into one plus amused. You lead me to a new world of fun to be a bass player and I thank you. One question, Mike, who's in the front line of slap bass players, past and present.
Ummm Davie504 #1 with a SLAP!
Excellent
Great teaching skills, love it!
Thank you
Thanks man
Is there any way to stop the caption of your words displayed? Many times it is right over your hands when I am trying to learn your technique.
Great teaching
Awesome
Wow that bass looks Bigger than you. Is it the camera angle or?Could you stand next to the bass please?
very cool, Thanks, Philip.
I will definitely subscribe. Mike, you are a fabulous instructor.
I'm having a lot of trouble muting the B string. It always rings. I sometimes try to mute using my left thumb or middle finger but its unconfourtable. ANy tips?
Thank you !! I learn more about your Bass lesson!!.
Thanku sir❤
Thank you! Very helpfull video. Just one question: can I mute other strings with my left hand when I'm slapping open E or open A string with my right hand or do I need to improve my accuracy in my right hand to hit only one string at a time?
Nice lesson THANKS!
..and ty, nice tutorial, well paced brother :-)
JEREMY CORBYN bass lessons 🤤
Verry cool, gonna try that🤘
I can do open strings, but fretted sound like metallic buzz. What am I doing wrong?
Hey Chris, I’ll be recording a video about this topic soon. Much of what you’re explaining can be due to your tone and touch as you learn this new technique. Shoot me an email with a video of what’s happening and perhaps we can deal with it together. Thanks!
@@mikebrandenstein5425 Thanks for the quick reply. Elsewhere I read it might be the configuration of either the bridge (too hallow/bendy or straight) or it could be the action on the snares. I notice it especially on my A string. The thinner the string, the less frettbuzz. I'm using a Squire for two years now and its my first bass (including the stock snares). I can't slap for shit so far, but you can't go wrong I just 1slap I guess. Does this extra info help in anyway to zone in the problem.
I do understand a video would be more helpful, but im so hangover and strung out so that might take a few days.
Ps, gonna order new strings next month.
Thanks in advance.
Ps, you already earned my subscription even without solving to problem so far, for your quick and kind reply.
And I'm feeling generous today. Which on second thought probably means I'm not sober yet. (:
educating*...... thanks for this
Really excellent
Very good thanks
What part of the thumb are you hitting the strings ? It looks like you are hitting the strings using the base of the thumb ?
Thx
thank you very much and all the best
I wish I learned earlier that if I modified my slap to slap past the string to rest below on the fingerboard, I can pop the same string if I hook my thumb and then pluck the string with the hooked thumb as I'm going back out for another slap, all while preserving that wrist rotation economy. While it's essentially a double thumb, I'm reticent to call it that, at least not in a way that brings the Victor Wooten approach to mind, since the mechanic is more a diagonally slanted in and onto fingerboard then out off of fingerboard motion, whereas VW's approach is a down past string to rest below then back up past string on a plane more parallel to the string than diagonally slanted.
The only problem is, I'm not comfortable with my thumb in the same position as what you use, my natural inclination is more the thumbs up up or parallel , I know the concept is still the same, it just seems to be a little more difficult. Thanks for the vids:) Peace:)
cool thanks Mike
Thanks Michael! Looking forward to working with you!
Getting jiggy with it
You are very good teacher Sir😊👍
Hi thanks for this lesson it was very helpfull do you think you could make a bass tutorial on Our God reigns Israel houghton
hi Moises! Thanks for the comment! I'll probably be working with some of the songs I've already covered, but will also check out the Israel song, love his grooves!
thx
Great video.
That helps me a lot too👌🏻
Thanks a million