I've been playing "my way" for 25 years. This is sooooooooo awkward for me. I have to put it down tonight and come back when my blister heals on the edge of my thumb. I'm not really seeing how I'm going to play my old riffs with this new (to me) technique. My gosh I feel like I just started playing bass again. ARGH!!!!!
Any tips for me? I’ve been playing for almost a year now. Bass is actually my first string instrument. I’ve been playing saxophone for about 6 years now
This is by far the best instructional video on the double thumb technique verses the "bounce" technique." Detailed, clear, and logical. Well done! I am now a subscriber.
Having trouble getting the "slap" sound on the way up. Am I essentially performing a "pop" with the thumb on the way up by getting a bit under the string and pulling?
"Electric Uncle Sam" by primus, and "Filipino Ray" by Les Claypool are some good songs to practice double thumbing in combination with other techniques in a song context.
Oddly enough, I’m just learning to slap and this is what I am doing naturally. I struggle more with the bounce technique for consistency. Thanks for the new riff.
Victor Wooten developed this technique and brought it to another level, but the actual pioneer in this was Doug Rauch, underrated and sadly almost forgotten bass player
Unbelievable... I have struggled with double thumbing since...well... forever. After closely paying attention to you on this video, I "get it" now. All it took was a couple of little adjustments in my technique and it made a huge difference. You are a fantastic teacher. Thank you!
Double thump, or as it's sometimes called double thumbing. This technique was first brought to public by Larry Graham way back in late 60's to early 70's. Victor Wooten was given the props as the man that made it highly noticed by many bassist. Although he does it clean. Larry was still the first to really put it to use in many tunes. It is somewhat a guitar picking technique using thumb to get those real fast riffs. Anyway. Great video on the double thumping tech.
I've got a solid 'bounce' technique ala 80s Mark King, Flea, Tomohito Aoki, etc. However, the double thumb thing has always eluded me slightly. This video has been a great help in developing fundamentals in a methodical, graduated way. Awesome lesson - subbed!
it always feels like i have a lot of friction when i come back up making it hard to get fluent strokes is this somethign you get used to? i've been trying for ages and it just feels very stuttery even when im going slow
There's a variation that I found more comfortable both mechanically and soundwise, and that's Alain Caron's. The difference is the plane of motion that is more in and out vs up and down. VW's moves closer to being parallel to the fingerboard to slap down past the string resting on a string or some space below, then hooks the thumb to pluck up and pop the string. AC's moves closer to being perpendicular or slightly oblique to the fingerboard to slap in past the string resting on the fingerboard, then hooks the thumb to pluck out and pop the string.
I double thumb as well. Started looking around to see how the tutorial videos are. This one is my favorite, so far. It would be great if you could discuss your setup for those having trouble. String height is crucial enough for thumping, even more so for double thumbing. Even the slackness of the strings makes a difference. Nicely done, all around! Thanks for this. I like Mark's tone, the rest stroke, the thumb angle, the sustain Mark gets while double-thumbing (not ham-thumbing the strings so they get muted--like many players do). And I was even thinking of having a future/retro bass made looking like that in powder blue. :-) Plus, my last name is Smith..so.. highest marks!
I've tried my hand at this a few times over the years and watched some very talented players explain it. This was honestly the first time i ever felt like I made progress. Thank You!
After watching the video and practicing, I'm still not able to do this technique yet, but it definitely helped me improve my current techniques and understand the concept behind double slapping a lot more concretely. Thanks.
Cool, i watch all the video and finally do the main exercise)) Now I'm go to my hood and break mind of my homies, cause not so many people's know about that spiritblowin' technique. Thank you Mark, from Russia)
Are you supposed to keep your thumb stiff/rigid? I have a hard time even "following through" on the downstroke because my thumb just gets caught on the string. My thumb bends the string more than going "though" it. Idk if my strings have to somehow be more slack?
Excellent. best lesson on this I've seen, by far (Even Victor's explanation) Your lessons always cover every single point.. I wanted more on the return stroke as I just could not get it.. and here it is 20:41 nailed it! pun intended (-: Thank you again!!!
So I struggled so much with learning to slap initially because I kept hearing "...yeah you just bounce your thumb off the string..." and for the life of me could not get a sound out my bass. After like 2 weeks I figured out on my own how to strike through the string. I just realized now why I can't bounce. My action is so low it's nearly impossible. Cool thing though is I've learned double thumbing much easier now because of it
This riff is so cool! Ok, so I was ignorant of this technique until now but you have explained it so clearly. Especially taking time to explain small but critical details of angles and exactly how and where you're striking the string. Looked impossible at first but it's happening now. Thanks so much. Gotta stop, I actually do have a sore thumb....
Definitely get the double thumb technique here, but wondering where the muting comes in. For example in the riff at the end after the double thumbed E , which hand is muting that E when you move onto the D? If plucking I’d be muting the E with my thumb, but it’s otherwise busy here!
oh my god this is the most fantastic explanation of the technique! I gave up on this years back, and just found this video randomly and my god I can do it!
Can this technique be achieved with a higher action than is necessary for a crisp, clean slap sound or am I wasting my time trying to learn this with an improper bass setup? Seems like a challenging technique to learn, although I do feel like I might be making a very small amount of progress in getting better at it since starting it a few months ago with moderate practice. Thoughts?
Could you please split your videos into two close ups. One of your left hand and the other of your right??? It makes it easier to see the intricate moves up close
Been playing overhand (Flea) style for 15-20 years. I’m sooo glad to add this technique to my abilities. This video is just amazing!!! Now to play like Davie504.
In spanish guitar this is practically the same as the alzapua which is like this but with the nail. The motion and placement is a bit different with a nail, so it changes a bit in dynamics and of course timbreThey usually go from E to G with the thumb leaving the other fingers/strings for tremulations
Yup. Graham Maby is a great bass player and Look Sharp is a great album. I just assume the majority of people watching this video will know Anthrax over Joe
This is an awesome lesson! It will help me a lot with this technique I gave up years ago. I'm pretty sure it will help me to master it. Thanks a lot, Mark!
Jesus man, get to it already! 15 minutes in and you are still talking about shit that ISN'T double thumb! (Anyone who wants to get to it, fast forward to 16:10.) I appreciate dude sharing the wisdom and all but DAMN!
You've completely missed the most important part of the lesson. The rest stroke is the key part in learning double thumb. Without getting that right it ain't happening. Get that right and you're pretty much there. Do you honestly think I'd waste 15 mins of my life talking about something that's irrelevant.
This'll probably sound stupid, but should I grow out my tumbnail or should I keep it short? I know that it'll sound different but growing it out seems like there could be a risk of damaging the nail/thumb.
As someone who has been playing for 20 years and struggling with this technique most of the time this video helped a lot, but it took something that Bassbuzz said for me to put it together. Most new slap players make their thumb very rigid, holding it as if giving a stiff “thumbs up”, but by doing this it’s making the back curve of the joint such that it’s very hard to get the thumb under the string for the upstroke. Once I figured out to leave my thumb relaxed, and therefore straight, while implementing your rest stroke technique it all came together.
Been playing guitar for 15 years and bass for 3 or 4, and have been working on my finger and slap technique. I definitely agree with you that the motion/feel of double thumb is like that of using a pick, which I'm very familiar with. I definitely agree with the ending sentiment of it "being difficult at first before it clicks and you get it." I remember for my first few years playing guitar, I thought sweep picking was this "insanely hard technique that I'd never figure out how to play." Then, one day 7 years ago, I just ended up doing it no problem. It was pretty much from years of playing arpeggios, legato, and my strumming technique that allowed all to "just click" with me. Amazing lesson as always!
Being pretty comfortable with standard slap technique and downstrokes, I still find upstrokes kind of uncomfortable to play. Hopefully, I will overcome this with time.
Question, is this bad for your joints? I feel like slamming your hand into a piece of metal countless times is going to be bad, and then there's me with gout who should really be worried...
Playing bass in general is going to be bad for your joints, from back issues through to hand issues. I've lived with extreme lower back issues through most of my professional playing career. It comes with the territory unfortunately. Slapping is probably the least problematic area of bass playing.
I mean, it may be bad for your joints, but it's good for your soul. Also, you don't have to strike hard against the strings, the metal is quite soft and after the first time or two you'll develop calluses to protect your skin. Our body is quite amazing.
Hi Mark, Thanks for the lesson ! I play right handed. My problem is that my right hand thumb does not seem to have enough skin. Even though the nail is clipped, I still get it caught on the down stroke ! My thumb nail is still all the way to the edge of the skin after being clipped. Some guys have a lot of skin, and their nails are far back, but my nail is just to big. The same with my other nails too. I just need more skin I guess, LOL. If I cut my nails real short, it would hurt if I put any pressure to them. I have had friends who always bit there nails growing up, and they never had to use a nail clipper. They always had plenty of skin around the front of the finger tips. What do you think about this ? Don't say....start biting you're nails, LOL. Thanks, Bob Summerville
Also maybe try instead of landing the thumb at the end of the fret board to land it in between the guard and the board in order to allow for more of a pluck on the way up
I wonder how many people here are actually guitarists here because of Tosin Abasi.
Damn... you got me XD
Me lol
you got me x2
Yep :)
HOW DID YOU KNOW STALKER
This has already improved my technique and I've only been practising for 10 minutes
@Reydragon28 BASS!!!
Tom Morello: I didn’t trust the government, I didn’t trust schools, I trusted music!
Me: cool
Also me: wait that’s an ad
Yoooo I haven’t seen that ad In Forever
Yeah it’s been awhile
my nail is gone....
yep
watched the first 7 minutes of this video.... practice with a metronome for 2 weeks, watch the rest....
I've been playing "my way" for 25 years. This is sooooooooo awkward for me. I have to put it down tonight and come back when my blister heals on the edge of my thumb. I'm not really seeing how I'm going to play my old riffs with this new (to me) technique. My gosh I feel like I just started playing bass again. ARGH!!!!!
I had to slow everything down, and really start over to try to incorporate both... still a struggle
Haha, you’re old, I’ve been playing my style for 24 years.
i had the same reaction to this lol. Been playing regular slap for like 15 years. It's hard to unlearn and rewire
Any tips for me? I’ve been playing for almost a year now. Bass is actually my first string instrument. I’ve been playing saxophone for about 6 years now
well i have found out that it is time to get together my technique after 13 years. guess i am not late :D
*DOOBLE THOOMP TECHNIQUE*
Lmao thought the same
Just move the thoomp oop and down!
This is by far the best instructional video on the double thumb technique verses the "bounce" technique." Detailed, clear, and logical. Well done! I am now a subscriber.
Having trouble getting the "slap" sound on the way up. Am I essentially performing a "pop" with the thumb on the way up by getting a bit under the string and pulling?
"Electric Uncle Sam" by primus, and "Filipino Ray" by Les Claypool are some good songs to practice double thumbing in combination with other techniques in a song context.
Festeroo i believe les claypool didn't doublenthumb on electric uncle sam. I think he just bounces his thumb thrice
Yeah, Les just uses regular thumping. What he uses a lot tho is strumming.
Primus sucks
Tommy the cat
Oddly enough, I’m just learning to slap and this is what I am doing naturally. I struggle more with the bounce technique for consistency. Thanks for the new riff.
I pray this helps me finally learn how to double thumb. Thank you so much.
Check out others too like Evan Brewer. Hows it going now?
I'm getting closer but the upstroke with the thumb is still very odd to me.
I love Evan Brewer's stuff.
@@h3adcrabbio How are you doing today ? Are you a double slapper now ?
Parrotus tell us bitch
its so different from the bounce....
Thank you for the vids. I love your content and practice to it. I am a beginner bassist, but I want to learn it all and will put in the work
Victor Wooten developed this technique and brought it to another level, but the actual pioneer in this was Doug Rauch, underrated and sadly almost forgotten bass player
I hink Stanley was already there in the '70s? Certainly not long after.
I'd never even heard of him until now.. thanks for making me aware of him!
Unbelievable... I have struggled with double thumbing since...well... forever. After closely paying attention to you on this video, I "get it" now. All it took was a couple of little adjustments in my technique and it made a huge difference. You are a fantastic teacher. Thank you!
This really sucks for anyone like me who is used to the raised elbow slapping position
Now I have to re learn slapping to learn this technique
Double thump, or as it's sometimes called double thumbing. This technique was first brought to public by Larry Graham way back in late 60's to early 70's. Victor Wooten was given the props as the man that made it highly noticed by many bassist. Although he does it clean. Larry was still the first to really put it to use in many tunes. It is somewhat a guitar picking technique using thumb to get those real fast riffs. Anyway. Great video on the double thumping tech.
It’s a standard flamenco technique on guitar. Not saying that’s where Wooten got it from but it’s definitely way way older than than the 60s.
As Vic said, he learned it from his bro.
Mark, as usual, nailed this lesson. I have so much more confidence learning from this guy. Well done.
You were born to teach my friend...! Excellent. Thank You.
I've got a solid 'bounce' technique ala 80s Mark King, Flea, Tomohito Aoki, etc. However, the double thumb thing has always eluded me slightly. This video has been a great help in developing fundamentals in a methodical, graduated way. Awesome lesson - subbed!
This channel has been a godsend. You've helped me make sense of multiple techniques that previously eluded me. Thank you so much!!!!
I was doing so well than I broke my finger nail
it always feels like i have a lot of friction when i come back up making it hard to get fluent strokes is this somethign you get used to? i've been trying for ages and it just feels very stuttery even when im going slow
That ugly bass sounds amazing.
This is the best double thumb lesson I've seen. Thanks.
There's a variation that I found more comfortable both mechanically and soundwise, and that's Alain Caron's. The difference is the plane of motion that is more in and out vs up and down. VW's moves closer to being parallel to the fingerboard to slap down past the string resting on a string or some space below, then hooks the thumb to pluck up and pop the string. AC's moves closer to being perpendicular or slightly oblique to the fingerboard to slap in past the string resting on the fingerboard, then hooks the thumb to pluck out and pop the string.
Ha you said “in out action”
THAT REMINDS ME OF SEX!
I double thumb as well. Started looking around to see how the tutorial videos are. This one is my favorite, so far. It would be great if you could discuss your setup for those having trouble. String height is crucial enough for thumping, even more so for double thumbing. Even the slackness of the strings makes a difference. Nicely done, all around! Thanks for this. I like Mark's tone, the rest stroke, the thumb angle, the sustain Mark gets while double-thumbing (not ham-thumbing the strings so they get muted--like many players do). And I was even thinking of having a future/retro bass made looking like that in powder blue. :-) Plus, my last name is Smith..so.. highest marks!
I've tried my hand at this a few times over the years and watched some very talented players explain it. This was honestly the first time i ever felt like I made progress. Thank You!
After watching the video and practicing, I'm still not able to do this technique yet, but it definitely helped me improve my current techniques and understand the concept behind double slapping a lot more concretely. Thanks.
Those are pretty neat pick ups
Cool, i watch all the video and finally do the main exercise))
Now I'm go to my hood and break mind of my homies, cause not so many people's know about that spiritblowin' technique.
Thank you Mark, from Russia)
Are you supposed to keep your thumb stiff/rigid? I have a hard time even "following through" on the downstroke because my thumb just gets caught on the string. My thumb bends the string more than going "though" it. Idk if my strings have to somehow be more slack?
That the C+ and D in the last riff was first explaind as downstrokes, but they are upstroke in the complet riff, confused me. Ohterwise, good vid.
o'jays' "for the love of money" is excellent practice for double thumbing.
KEvron
Double thumb was pioneered by Larry Graham
not the way vic uses it
He also made slapping
Does anybody know where one can find a bass with these SIMS pickups pre installed in bass? I really enjoy this channel and these pickups.
Played anthrax wooo! That earned you a like. I love playing that song!
Excellent. best lesson on this I've seen, by far (Even Victor's explanation) Your lessons always cover every single point.. I wanted more on the return stroke as I just could not get it.. and here it is 20:41 nailed it! pun intended (-: Thank you again!!!
I have been struggling with this technique for some time... but, thanks to this video, i was able to understand why. Thanks, great tutorial!
helped me a lot
So I struggled so much with learning to slap initially because I kept hearing "...yeah you just bounce your thumb off the string..." and for the life of me could not get a sound out my bass. After like 2 weeks I figured out on my own how to strike through the string. I just realized now why I can't bounce. My action is so low it's nearly impossible. Cool thing though is I've learned double thumbing much easier now because of it
That's a really nice strap 👌
want to integrate this technique into my slap technique..... feels like I am starting over.
You'll always get worse before you get better with new techniques, just keep up the good work and you'll be proud
This riff is so cool! Ok, so I was ignorant of this technique until now but you have explained it so clearly. Especially taking time to explain small but critical details of angles and exactly how and where you're striking the string. Looked impossible at first but it's happening now. Thanks so much. Gotta stop, I actually do have a sore thumb....
Definitely get the double thumb technique here, but wondering where the muting comes in. For example in the riff at the end after the double thumbed E , which hand is muting that E when you move onto the D? If plucking I’d be muting the E with my thumb, but it’s otherwise busy here!
Amazing lesson. Appreciate the content. Subscribed!
oh my god this is the most fantastic explanation of the technique! I gave up on this years back, and just found this video randomly and my god I can do it!
i was practicing for weeks and I couldn't manage. Watched this and got it within 5 minutes. Love you man
Can this technique be achieved with a higher action than is necessary for a crisp, clean slap sound or am I wasting my time trying to learn this with an improper bass setup? Seems like a challenging technique to learn, although I do feel like I might be making a very small amount of progress in getting better at it since starting it a few months ago with moderate practice. Thoughts?
I love your accent absolutly a real deelight
I have like only a centimeter of space between my neck pickup and my neck so I can barely fit my thumb in it smh
Just found this...sold at the Mark King bass line haha thx!
My thumbnail got worn and scraped up in a hurry trying this. May get a thumb pick and try that way.
Could you please split your videos into two close ups. One of your left hand and the other of your right??? It makes it easier to see the intricate moves up close
Are you blocking the low E with your middle finger?
Thx
Been playing overhand (Flea) style for 15-20 years. I’m sooo glad to add this technique to my abilities. This video is just amazing!!! Now to play like Davie504.
My thumb doesn't like you.
In spanish guitar this is practically the same as the alzapua which is like this but with the nail. The motion and placement is a bit different with a nail, so it changes a bit in dynamics and of course timbreThey usually go from E to G with the thumb leaving the other fingers/strings for tremulations
Got the Time is really a Joe Jackson song covered by Anthrax... thanks for the vid
Yup. Graham Maby is a great bass player and Look Sharp is a great album. I just assume the majority of people watching this video will know Anthrax over Joe
Brooo the thumb location is what i been missing!!!!! So glad u focused on that
I rarely leave comments, but I just have to say that your tutorials are the best on youtube.
How do you do it without hurting your nail? Does it build up like how calluses do?
The Double Thumb Riff near the end reminds me of the Love Games Riff in one of your videos (I guess it's the Top-5-Must-Know-Slap-Riffs). :)
I thought A. Laboriel invented this technique
So I'm doing it with same boney side as normal slap. Or do you use more nail area?
Who else is watching this cuz they cant play Power?
one of the best music teachers online, you are great. i am learning bass from your videos in your youtube channel :)
Very nice, I'm new to the bass, but tried this after your instructions, now it works fine 😁
This is an awesome lesson! It will help me a lot with this technique I gave up years ago. I'm pretty sure it will help me to master it. Thanks a lot, Mark!
I always follow through with the double thumb….
Hey Talking bass, can you make a lesson on Double Pop?
Jesus man, get to it already! 15 minutes in and you are still talking about shit that ISN'T double thumb! (Anyone who wants to get to it, fast forward to 16:10.) I appreciate dude sharing the wisdom and all but DAMN!
You've completely missed the most important part of the lesson. The rest stroke is the key part in learning double thumb. Without getting that right it ain't happening. Get that right and you're pretty much there. Do you honestly think I'd waste 15 mins of my life talking about something that's irrelevant.
I'll comment after an year how much I've progressed
Time's running out
@@ManuelAriasTV Check my channel i learned a tonne of shit
It clicked at 12 minutes for me. Good video! Off to put this into muscle memory :)
This lesson did really helped me, now I need tons of practice for this technique. Thanks a lot! :D
thanks Mark, your explanation was superb. Cheers from Australia
Best double thumb technique video I ever seen really helped a lot thanks :)
I have a bass that is not "slappy" at all! It's a 5 string Warwick double buck. Are there any tips about what to do about the tone of the instrument??
Change your strings.
This'll probably sound stupid, but should I grow out my tumbnail or should I keep it short? I know that it'll sound different but growing it out seems like there could be a risk of damaging the nail/thumb.
I keep mine short. The goal is to really use the skin as opposed to the nail so you are tonally consistent on up and down strokes
Cut them I learned the hard way
Yes but you talk too much. PLAY!!!
As someone who has been playing for 20 years and struggling with this technique most of the time this video helped a lot, but it took something that Bassbuzz said for me to put it together. Most new slap players make their thumb very rigid, holding it as if giving a stiff “thumbs up”, but by doing this it’s making the back curve of the joint such that it’s very hard to get the thumb under the string for the upstroke. Once I figured out to leave my thumb relaxed, and therefore straight, while implementing your rest stroke technique it all came together.
Mark this first Double Thumb Technique sounds like the song "Hey You" by BTO.
Peeps be stealing Pink Floyd names
Been playing guitar for 15 years and bass for 3 or 4, and have been working on my finger and slap technique. I definitely agree with you that the motion/feel of double thumb is like that of using a pick, which I'm very familiar with.
I definitely agree with the ending sentiment of it "being difficult at first before it clicks and you get it." I remember for my first few years playing guitar, I thought sweep picking was this "insanely hard technique that I'd never figure out how to play." Then, one day 7 years ago, I just ended up doing it no problem. It was pretty much from years of playing arpeggios, legato, and my strumming technique that allowed all to "just click" with me.
Amazing lesson as always!
what gauge strings are best for slap ?
14 minutes in and im already bleeding
Ignore me, here's where i let the video 19:00
very helpful. thank you.
What type of pickups are these?
thanks sir i think i found the best instructor
çok konuşuyon dayı ya
Being pretty comfortable with standard slap technique and downstrokes, I still find upstrokes kind of uncomfortable to play. Hopefully, I will overcome this with time.
Question, is this bad for your joints? I feel like slamming your hand into a piece of metal countless times is going to be bad, and then there's me with gout who should really be worried...
Playing bass in general is going to be bad for your joints, from back issues through to hand issues. I've lived with extreme lower back issues through most of my professional playing career. It comes with the territory unfortunately. Slapping is probably the least problematic area of bass playing.
I mean, it may be bad for your joints, but it's good for your soul. Also, you don't have to strike hard against the strings, the metal is quite soft and after the first time or two you'll develop calluses to protect your skin. Our body is quite amazing.
wauhh great !!!
Очень много болтовни, терпеть такое не могу
I really like your style of teaching!
Hi Mark, Thanks for the lesson ! I play right handed. My problem is that my right hand thumb does not seem to have enough skin. Even though the nail is clipped, I still get it caught on the down stroke ! My thumb nail is still all the way to the edge of the skin after being clipped. Some guys have a lot of skin, and their nails are far back, but my nail is just to big. The same with my other nails too. I just need more skin I guess, LOL. If I cut my nails real short, it would hurt if I put any pressure to them. I have had friends who always bit there nails growing up, and they never had to use a nail clipper. They always had plenty of skin around the front of the finger tips. What do you think about this ? Don't say....start biting you're nails, LOL. Thanks, Bob Summerville
I’ve been having a problem of getting enough power on the up stroke, do you have any tips for that problem?
I’ve had the same problem. I found it’s better if you stretch out your thumb more to have a bit more of a curve.
Also maybe try instead of landing the thumb at the end of the fret board to land it in between the guard and the board in order to allow for more of a pluck on the way up
Very helpful bratta
this is the best explanation of the technique! Clear and easy to understand.Thank you very much!