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.
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!
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'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!
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!
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
"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.
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!
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.
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....
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.
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!
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.
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 have had so much trouble with this technique, however your lesson has given me a new outlook, for example you did what Victor says that is of great importance and that is to use the techniques in musical terms. I believe that you have accomplished this. I watched every video there is and finally got the best way for me to get it. thanks
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!
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?
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.
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)
Thanks alot Mark for this awesome lesson✌✌ i've been playing bass since 2013 but even after first 5 years of bass playing my slap techniques were very bad but after when i started following your lessons it has helped me to improve my slaps in a dramtically way👍 your lessons are very clear and precise ,without any doubt i understand everything that your teach 👍 thankyou so much
I've been trying for years to figure out how to do this, with no success. This video finally explained it in a way I could understand. Consider me subscribed. Now if you need me, I'll be in the woodshed.
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!!!
This video was great. I've been trying to figure out how to double thumb for a month now and this video really broke it down to the basics. I do wish to know how to incorporate the pluck with double thumb though.
@@Zigarius1123 I watch Davie on a daily basis for about 3.5 years now. However I have to have something explained to me while I try it out to learn it. I can't just watch it
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
Marc I cannot play for shit however you are brilliant and my is so good for my meditations. What a Marvellous device and your lessons are a must. I've learnt more from you than the last 40years
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
I’ve struggled with double thumb for years. Just never felt natural. This may be the first tutorial where playing along with you actually felt right. Thanks!
My first bass had its strings raised very high and i never noticed as a kid, so when i tried to slap no sound came out and i thought i was doing it wrong, one day i started slapping across the string and because of that i actually ended up learning double thumb before i could learn how to properly slap.
This has already improved my technique and I've only been practising for 10 minutes
@Reydragon28 BASS!!!
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
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.
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
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!
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....
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!
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.
This is the best double thumb lesson I've seen. Thanks.
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!
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!
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
"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
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.
i was practicing for weeks and I couldn't manage. Watched this and got it within 5 minutes. Love you man
This channel has been a godsend. You've helped me make sense of multiple techniques that previously eluded me. Thank you so much!!!!
Omg finally someone explains the upstroke part the nail trick works great thankyou
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!
I rarely leave comments, but I just have to say that your tutorials are the best on youtube.
I have been struggling with this technique for some time... but, thanks to this video, i was able to understand why. Thanks, great tutorial!
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
my nail is gone....
yep
Brooo the thumb location is what i been missing!!!!! So glad u focused on that
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.
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....
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.
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!
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.
this is the best explanation of the technique! Clear and easy to understand.Thank you very much!
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!
Those are pretty neat pick ups
I really enjoy the style and pace of the tuition. Thank you!
I have had so much trouble with this technique, however your lesson has given me a new outlook, for example you did what Victor says that is of great importance and that is to use the techniques in musical terms. I believe that you have accomplished this. I watched every video there is and finally got the best way for me to get it. thanks
thanks Mark, your explanation was superb. Cheers from Australia
one of the best music teachers online, you are great. i am learning bass from your videos in your youtube channel :)
Perfect teaching.
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!
watched the first 7 minutes of this video.... practice with a metronome for 2 weeks, watch the rest....
Best double thumb technique video I ever seen really helped a lot thanks :)
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?
This lesson did really helped me, now I need tons of practice for this technique. Thanks a lot! :D
That's a really nice strap 👌
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 really like your style of teaching!
helped me a lot
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)
Great teaching. . Am starting all over from scratch. . . Thanks 🎸
This is such a great and informative video. Mark you are such a good instructor. Thank you.
Thanks alot Mark for this awesome lesson✌✌ i've been playing bass since 2013 but even after first 5 years of bass playing my slap techniques were very bad but after when i started following your lessons it has helped me to improve my slaps in a dramtically way👍 your lessons are very clear and precise ,without any doubt i understand everything that your teach 👍 thankyou so much
I've been trying for years to figure out how to do this, with no success. This video finally explained it in a way I could understand. Consider me subscribed. Now if you need me, I'll be in the woodshed.
Mark is an awesome teacher
Played anthrax wooo! That earned you a like. I love playing that song!
thanks sir i think i found the best instructor
Amazing lesson. Appreciate the content. Subscribed!
Lots of details, keep going like this. You are really good at teaching!!
Thanks. This is a REALLY old lesson though. There are over 500 on the channel. Lots of stuff to see.
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!!!
holy cow, this is a great lesson
very helpful. thank you.
I love your accent absolutly a real deelight
Super clear lesson
Very helpful bratta
It clicked at 12 minutes for me. Good video! Off to put this into muscle memory :)
Excellent explanation about double thumb technique and the rest stroke slap. very very helpful!!
Hey You ,,,
Just found this...sold at the Mark King bass line haha thx!
Thank you very much. Your lessons always helpful.
Mark another great lesson
You are an awesome teacher
Great detailed lesson, thank you very much !!
Best I've seen this described yet. Thanks, dude
Very clear video, thanks a lot !
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
This video was great. I've been trying to figure out how to double thumb for a month now and this video really broke it down to the basics. I do wish to know how to incorporate the pluck with double thumb though.
Watch davie504 channel he uses his second finger to rest on the body and looks like it also acts as a fulcrum for leverage on the pluck
@@Zigarius1123 I watch Davie on a daily basis for about 3.5 years now. However I have to have something explained to me while I try it out to learn it. I can't just watch it
Thank you, your lessons are awesome!
Thanks man
Your awesome! Ty for sharing and the easy breakdown
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
great lesson
*DOOBLE THOOMP TECHNIQUE*
Lmao thought the same
Just move the thoomp oop and down!
Amazing tutorial
Just love it. Its help me a lot. Thanks Mark :)
Great lesson, thanks.
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
Thank you sir I really appreciate
Marc I cannot play for shit however you are brilliant and my is so good for my meditations. What a
Marvellous device and your lessons are a must. I've learnt more from you than the last 40years
My bass sorry. Old man screw up
man this is great! i love u mark!
another great lesson
Gracias esto me ayudo a entender mejor la tecnica.
saludos!
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). :)
o'jays' "for the love of money" is excellent practice for double thumbing.
KEvron
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
Du bist beste lehrer
I’ve struggled with double thumb for years. Just never felt natural. This may be the first tutorial where playing along with you actually felt right. Thanks!
Powerful
My first bass had its strings raised very high and i never noticed as a kid, so when i tried to slap no sound came out and i thought i was doing it wrong, one day i started slapping across the string and because of that i actually ended up learning double thumb before i could learn how to properly slap.
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.
Great Sir♥♥♥
Double thumb was pioneered by Larry Graham
not the way vic uses it
He also made slapping