The basic concept is to alternate thumb and middle finger keystrokes in a rotary movement of return : With a certain mastery this double keystroke will enable to outshine the Slap playing at the level of fluidity and speed. This technique is one of the several gestures of the “STEP” percussive concept.
THE SLAP OF THUMB The slapped thumb is practiced in the same way as the traditional slap
THE SLAP OF MIDDLE FINGER After a boost , when preparing a second slapped thumb , the end of the middle finger , strikes the string, and so on ... (see video & photos) The middle finger is the strongest finger, the heaviest and best positioned to perform a balanced swing with the thumb.
Hereafter the most important points to reach these gestures:
The strikes of the thumb and middle finger alternate thanks to the wrist rotation .
A slight " hooking " of the middle finger at the time of impact , promotes an extra sound power.
A same sound level between the two types of strikes must be obtained.( listen to the audio or video parts) .
The main difficulty to get a satisfying sound is the accuracy of the impacts on the string ( fingertip for the middle finger and hinge of the two first phalanges of the thumb) . Important: don’t start looking for speed but rather a satisfying sound and an execution flow
PREPARATORY EXERCISES
FIRST CONTACT The following exercises and plans aim to familiarize with the thumb - middle finger basis sequence. It is very likely that in the first time , the execution of this technique will seem confusing and it is normal ( remember your slap beginning !) . Then practice with assiduity and keep a positive spirit. Everything will seem more natural -------------
Exercise 1 This first exercise on the E string to begin:
Marking : No sign = slapped thumb / A white arrow downwards = slapped middle finger
exercise 2
We enter the heart of the matter with this exercise . The emphasis on beats (every three shots ) enables to feel the touch weaknesses between thumb and middle finger. The movement should be regular and the sound very similar between the two types of slaps. (listen to the audiopart ) Try this exercise on different places on the neck and on A and D strings (Thinner is the string, more demanding is the slapping accuracy )
GROOVES
Groove 1
A very simple pattern on the E string to begin to " feel" the gesture
Groove 2
Higher is the speed and more you have to be precise to obtain a satisfactory noise