LESSON 15
Another Way to Slap Triplets

Of all the different subjects that I have tried to cover with these lessons, slapping is by far the most popular. I say these due to the massive amount of emails that I get every day, with slapping questions and requests. So, not being one who wants to disappoint a mob of bass players…here is another slap lesson!

Using triplets in your slap grooves is a great way to add variety and spice to your music. Imagine if we could only slap using straight 8th or 16th notes! In Lesson Six I taught you how to perform raked triplets, but there are several other ways to get a triplet phrase into your slap lines. One is a little technique that I call "Pop/Clap/Thumb Triplets". (Not a great name, but very descriptive!)

The mechanics being this technique are relatively easy to grasp. You start with a muted pop, which can be on any string, but I usually favor the G or D string. Next you will execute a left hand (fretting hand) clap on the strings, like I showed you in Lesson 11. Finally, you finish buy thumbing a muted note on the E string. Check out example 1 below.

This is a very percussive technique at its most basic incarnation, so that is why I start with all of the notes muted. It is important to try and make every muted "click" the same volume as the others. You can probably guess what I will tell you next, but it has to be said: Practice this slowly at first! This technique can be mastered in a few days, but only if you approach it slowly and with discipline. (End of sermon.)

One thing I like about this technique is how easy it is to change the triplets together. This can create a wonderful, cascade of notes, which can be controlled dynamically (ie: you can play it quietly, loudly, or even crescendo or decrescendo it!). Just be careful not to overdo it!

Example 2 is a sample of how I use this triplet in a bass line. I like how slick and fluid it sounds. Once you get the mechanics down, look at some of your favorite slap grooves and see if you can insert a triplet in. It could breathe a lot of life in your grooves!

As always, feel free to email me with your questions! I hope you enjoyed this lesson. I will try to get another one posted soon!