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Opening the Slap Style Bass Vocabulary : Slap Basics With Doug Johns
Meet Doug Johns
Hello and welcome to Slap Basics. I’m honored to lend my groove to this much-needed publication; but first, I have a heartfelt disclaimer or two:
First and foremost, I want to stress the utmost importance of getting out there and just jamming with somebody! The actual techniques, licks, and what-have-you that I will demonstrate (to the best of my ability) in this column don’t mean anything in the world of music. By that I mean that techniques are just tools; musicality comes from your heart.
It is of my [humble] opinion that, in this day and age of the “Get it Now” YouTube vibe, there are too many players learning licks that are absolutely spectacular in their execution, yet they can’t even swing some blues on a Thursday jam night.
At the risk of sounding like I’m ranting right out of the gate, I just want to stress the importance of practice, practice, practice – be the best you can be – BUT ultimately, playing on the stage with other cats is where you’ll make your living. So, getting in unfamiliar musical situations is where you’re most going to benefit when it comes to mastering the Groove.
Soul and Groove are tough words to describe because they are feelings you have to earn. The path to earning those feelings is flat out getting out there and playing – in any situation, no matter what. I once heard Stevie Wonder describe music, saying it’s 50% practice and 50% spontaneity – What else can you say to that!?
But, before we dive into the video (Remember the disclaimers!), I do want to stress one more thing: the importance of playing, feeling, and understanding the drum kit / percussion.
It is probably very rare to find a killer musician, whether it’s horns, guitars, keys or bass, who can’t get behind the kit and shed out some sort of groove. For us bass players especially, this is of paramount importance! You can probably bet that if you want to be a working bass player, 98% of your lifetime of playing will be standing or sitting next to a drummer (the other 2% trying to get some girl’s number).
So, my feeling is this: Get to know the drums, and try to play them. It will definitely help your bass playing. The truth is that slapping, tapping – or anything you play on the bass – is just emulating rhythms that one would play on the drums. I promise, your groove can only get better.
Since the release of my debut, solo CD, Doug Johns, a lot of people ask me how to play parts of my songs. So, I think this is a great chance for me to take a tune or segment of a tune and really break it down slowly to explain the Bassics behind it.
I think the great thing about what we’re doing here – taking one of my own tunes and breaking it down to its simplest form – is that it lets me learn, too, giving me the opportunity to re-examine my own playing. Let’s open the slap style bass vocabulary.
Bass Videos
Interview With K3 Sisters Band
K3 Sisters Band Interview…
It is very rare when I talk to a band where all the members play bass. The K3 Sisters Band is a perfect example of a group where Kaylen, Kelsey and Kristen Kassab are all multi-instrumentalists and take turns playing bass.
Hailing from Texas, these three sisters have been playing music since they were very young and have amassed an amazing amount of original music, music videos, streaming concerts, podcasts, and content that has taken numerous social media platforms by storm. On TikTok alone, they have over 2.5 million followers and more than a billion views.
Join me as we hear the story of their musical journey, how they get their sound, and the fundamental principles behind these prolific musicians.
Here is the K3 Sisters Band!
Photo, Bruce Ray Productions
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k3sistersband.com/
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Bass Player Health
What is a Pinched Nerve? with Dr. Randy Kertz
What is a Pinched Nerve?
In this month’s video, we will cover how to tell if you have a pinched nerve and when to seek professional help.
Dr. Randall Kertz is the author of The Bassist’s Complete Guide to Injury Management, Prevention and Better Health. Click here to get your copy today!
View More Bass Health Articles
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Gear News
New Gear: Ashdown ORIGINAL-EVO-C112T-300
Introducing the Original-EVO-C112T, a ground-breaking innovation in the realm of bass amplifiers. This exceptional amplifier redefines the standards of power, portability, and precision, offering musicians an unparalleled experience in amplification technology.
Weighing in at a mere 13.5kg, the Original-EVO-C112T packs an astonishing 300 watts of unadulterated Ashdown bass tone into a compact and lightweight package. Say goodbye to the days of lugging around heavy and cumbersome gear – this amplifier is designed for the modern musician on the move.
Introducing the Original-EVO-C112T, a ground-breaking innovation in the realm of bass amplifiers. This exceptional amplifier redefines the standards of power, portability, and precision, offering musicians an unparalleled experience in amplification technology.
Weighing in at a mere 13.5kg, the Original-EVO-C112T packs an astonishing 300 watts of unadulterated Ashdown bass tone into a compact and lightweight package. Say goodbye to the days of lugging around heavy and cumbersome gear – this amplifier is designed for the modern musician on the move.
Designed to accommodate global touring, the Original-EVO-C112T features auto-protect voltage support and an adaptive temperature-controlled fan for optimal performance in any environment.
In summary, the Original-EVO-C112T is a game-changing amplifier that combines power, portability, and precision. It’s a testament to innovation and quality in the world of bass amplification, deserving attention from musicians looking to take their music to the next level.
Product Specification-
Power Output: 300 Watts
Power Requirement: 115-230 Volts
Speaker Configuration: 1 x 12” + Horn
High Instrument Input: Impedance 3.9m Ohms, Input range 150mV – 20mV p-p
Low Instrument Input: Impedance -1M Ohms, Input range 150mV to 10V p-p
Line Input: Impedance 10k Ohms, Input range 300mV – 40V p-p
DI Output: 600 Ohm balance / Level -20dBu nominal
Minimum Impedance: 4 Ohm
Headphone Output: Yes and safe for silent practice
EQ: Bass +/-15dB @ 100Hz, Lo Mid +/-15dB @ 220Hz, Middle +/-15dB @ 660Hz, Hi Mid +/-15 dB @1.5kHz, Treble +/-15dB @ 7kHz
Effects Send: Impedance 22k Ohms / Level 0dBu nominal
Effects Return: Impedance 22k Ohms / Level 0dBu nominal
Dimensions (H x W x D in mm): 470 x 606 x 381
Weight: 13.5kg
For more info please visit www.ashdownmusic.com
Gear News
Tech 21’s SansAmp Bass Driver DI Celebrates 30th Anniversary
Tech 21’s SansAmp Bass Driver DI Celebrates 30th Anniversary…
The SansAmp Bass Driver DI has been an arsenal staple for players and studios almost since the day it was introduced in 1994. To commemorate its 30th anniversary, Tech 21 is issuing a limited edition with an anodized precision-machined aluminum billet housing and all metal knobs.
This all-analog multi-function, multi-application pedal dials up big vintage tube tones, bright modern slap sounds, gnarly distortions, and all in between. There are three different outputs to drive power amps, recording desks, PA mixers, or simply enhance your current rig. Controls include Presence for definition and upper harmonic content; Blend to combine the ratio of direct signal and SansAmp circuitry; and active 3-band EQ with 12dB of cut or boost.
The 100% analog SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation technology encompasses the entire signal chain, from pre-amp to power amp to speaker simulation. An integral part of the circuitry, the individually-tailored SansAmp speaker simulation will complement any type of bass speaker cabinet system.
It is rare an electronic music-related product can withstand such a test of time. The SansAmp Bass Driver has been used for every kind of music style from death metal to commercial jingles, in countless studios, and on tours around the globe. In fact, many mammoth stage rigs you see are actually driven by a SansAmp nestled behind the backline. It has defied the odds and to this day, SansAmp remains the standard of the industry.
Anticipated Availability: May/June 2024
For more information, visit online at tech21nyc.com/products/sansamp/bass-driver-30/
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