Fretless Slap

[latinumbavariae]

Chapeau!

[SuperK9111]

@stew... badass.. im so tempted to get a bass.. i really think i could play,, love slappin and poppin !

[stewmc5222]

@SuperK9111 Go for it! Bass RULES!!

: )

[uberhalo3]

PLAY SEINFELD

[stewmc5222]

@uberhalo3 Just did. Did you hear it?

[beefcakes8528]

very creative, i enjoyed it. do you learn the individual notes or just memorize the scales and random improvise? ive started slapping but im not sure how to get super smooth and versatile at it you know?

[stewmc5222]

@beefcakes8528 Thank you!

I have studied, but usually when I start to play I don't think about any of that.

Have you thought about studying with someone?

[beefcakes8528]

@stewmc5222 id like to but im a poor student haha. im good at other instruments so i took my music knowledge and applied to bass and taught myself. but im wondering if i should learn the fretboard? or just get good at counting frets lol

[stewmc5222]

@beefcakes8528 If you want to get serious about playing, learning the neck is a good place to start. You can always get theory if you want, but knowing your way around the fingerboard is never a bad idea.

; )

[Buddhapadge]

I don't normally like slapping, but I thought this was really nice. That Nordstrand pickup is killer!

[stewmc5222]

@Buddhapadge Thank you for the kind words. I'm glad you dug it! I'm not really a slapper but I love to fool around with it.

And the pickup is fantastic!!

: )

[danielfnj]

what strings do u use 

[stewmc5222]

@danielfnj I use DR Sunbeams on my J-style basses.

[JPstrategy97]

pretty bass

[stewmc5222]

@JPstrategy97 Thank you!

[cavs608]

you should cover some Jaco :)

[stewmc5222]

@cavs608 I am not that good!

[cavs608]

@stewmc5222 u seem to be pretty damn good from ur videos man :)

[stewmc5222]

@cavs608 Jaco is a legend. Really, he is one of my heroes. The closest I get is when I fool around playing "The Chicken" or "Okonkole y Trompa". But "Teen Town" and "Havona" are all his.

[cavs608]

@stewmc5222 Jaco is a legend of the bass. but im sure ur talented enough to pull off a few jaco covers man

[stewmc5222]

@cavs608 Only the ones I mentioned before. And I do not usually play those in public. Jaco and his music are sort of sacred to me.

: )

[cavs608]

@stewmc5222 and u gotta keep that stuff going through the generations man. my friends mom was surprised that people even listen to him anymore when i told her i listen to him. we gotta keep his life force going

[stewmc5222]

@cavs608 The day people stop listening to Jaco will be a VERY sad day in the universe...

[4to88strings]

@stewmc5222 Sez you!! You seem to able to hold your own. Jaco would be proud.

[stewmc5222]

@4to88strings Wow! You honor me! Thank you!!

[4to88strings]

@stewmc5222 U're welcome I haven't played a fretless in a while. I love the sound especially thru a vintage Acoustic amp and for some songs a fretted bass just doesn't cut it. I went to Guitar Center today just to get some gear and couldn't believe they didn't have 1. Not one!! They are very limited in their selection anymore, but not even one fretless?

They had one of those 6-string hybrids but it was missing knob and had a mixture of old flats and rounds so I didn't even pick it up.

[stewmc5222]

@4to88strings Ah, fretless is singular! I have owned some wonderful instruments, but I thought I would try to make my own. I am *VERY* pleased with it!

: )

[salsoso1]

Pretty cool!

[stewmc5222]

@salsoso1 Thank you!

: )

[GangstaGTV]

I would like to know if you are playing on round wounds or flat wounds, either way it sounds great!

[GangstaGTV]

I would like to know if you are playing on round wounds or flat wounds, either way it sounds great!

[YoshiTheHellFace]

hey dude thats just lovely to listen to^^

[stewmc5222]

@YoshiTheHellFace Thank you so much!

[Hunsbassist]

STEW! I stumbled upon this video and started learning your improvisations to increase the creativity in my slap technique. Only after a good long while of trying to learn from your style did I realize who you were. You talked to me on the Talkbass forums when I first started playing and gave me some encouragement that stuck with me. I was 12 then. I am 20 now and a full-time professional bassist. Thank you Stew for your awesome skill and meaningful encouragement! I really appreciate it.

[stewmc5222]

@Hunsbassist Wow, that may be one of the coolest things anyone's said or written to me in ages! Thank YOU!! And I am honored if I have helped you in any way. Congratulations on the gigging life!

: )

[pollock8000]

@stewmc5222 Noooo! I can't believe it!!!! I also started playing with you man!!! I even wrote you an email and you answered me back encouraging me as well, I can't believe it, this was like 5 or 6 years ago and you gave me such a dedicated response...you deserve the best in your life for sharing knowledge with us for free...I could never afford bass lessons and I love bass! I started with my beloved Fender Squier California Series Jazz Bass...you understood the rules of the wheel

[pollock8000]

@pollock8000 The best is coming for you for being such an "allower" to us. :D

[stewmc5222]

@pollock8000 Wow! So cool! I am glad if I could help you and I am glad that you are still making music. Thank you SO MUCH for writing to me!!

: )

[OJJVZ]

Insanely groovy!

[stewmc5222]

@OJJVZ Thank you so much!!

: )

[EduardoCorlleone]

Amazing! And only in the first fret! (;

[stewmc5222]

@EduardoCorlleone Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed it!

: )

[nycbassist76]

hmmm i don't find it strange that you slap on a frettless i find it strange that you haven't changed your strings in 3 years lol

[nycbassist76]

@HitTheB4ss10 wtf are you talking about? I've played frettless for years...what does that have to do with playing on strings that are 3 years old?

[YoshiTheHellFace]

@nycbassist76

apparently you cant hear the difference....

[remainuntam0]

can't help but make a little bass face while watching this

[stewmc5222]

@remainuntam0 I take that has high praise. Glad you dig it! Thanks!

[infintiyward]

WOW! been playing guitar for 11 years, but these slap videos are inspiring me to pick up a base

[stewmc5222]

@infintiyward Very cool! I am honored that you dig the video!

And bass is BIG fun, no pun intended.

; )

[codeeLS6]

welp gonna go buy a fretless now!

[stewmc5222]

@codeeLS6 : )

[0gumbasia]

fooling around in E major! 

[stewmc5222]

@0gumbasia I think I might have been using the Dorian mode, but same ballpark!

: )

[MetalSlab]

awesome

[stewmc5222]

@MetalSlab Thanks so much! I really think of myself as a student so it's kind of mind-blowing when anyone digs something I play.

[xbabyxlookxatme]

maestro!



[stewmc5222]

@xbabyxlookxatme Oh, you are far too kind! I am no maestro, but that is a dream!

: )

[NoizyWun]

jEEEEEEsus christ, amazing amazing. that bass is Beautiful too man.

[stewmc5222]

@NoizyWun Thank you so much!! I am amazed so many people have watched this. I recorded a bunch of serious instructional videos and then asked if it would be okay to record something that was just fun. So glad people are enjoying it!

[bobhub600]

Mother of God, That was Amazing! You must be the Jaco Pastorius of slap/funk!

[stewmc5222]

@bobhub600 You are far too kind, but thank you!! I am just trying to be a decent player.

: )

[fenderrlee]

geddy lee is very proud sir...friggin awesome

[stewmc5222]

@fenderrlee Thank you!!

: )

[TheRealPDizzle]

holy shit...

[stewmc5222]

@TheRealPDizzle I hope that was a good thing. If so, thank you!

[TheRealPDizzle]

@stewmc5222 The Groove is strong with you. It's just too funky for me to describe with words.

[stewmc5222]

@TheRealPDizzle Wow!!! Well... THANK YOU!!!

: )

[kynancecove]

hey mate you really affected my F U N K Y BONE YOUR WORK THERE NOT ONLY BROUGHT TEARS-OF- JOY TO MY EYES BUT MADE MY GUMS A C H E! WOW THANKYOU...

[stewmc5222]

@kynancecove Wow!!! You just made my week!!!

[kynancecove]

@kynancecove SIR/I WAS/AS/AM A HUGE MARK KING FAN I HAVE TO BE HONEST& I SAY THIS AS A COMPLIMENT[ on technique] NOT THAT I AM ANYBODY YOU ARE VERY KING-ESQUE. I DO WONDER ARE YOU A DRUMMER LIKE MR KING IS TOO AS MR KING DOES SAY THAT PLAYING DRUMS HELPED TO CREATE HIS STYLE?

TALKING OF MR KING SOME OF MY FAVOURITE WORK OF HIS HIS FIRST SOLO ALBUM I"nfluences" AND THE TRACK"THERE IS A DOG". I MENT WHAT I SAID YOU HAVE A SERIOUS TALENT. THANKS AGAIN.

[kynancecove]

@kynancecove MAYBE YOU HAVE CHECKED I PLAY THOSE SILVER RIMMER RIMMED WHITE CIRCLES SADLEY I ONLY HAVE ONE HAND& ONE FOOT LEFT TO BE ABLE TO LAY DOWN A GROOVE AS I HAVE BEEN PARALYSED BY S T R O K E IN FACT FOR 5 YEARS I HAVE BEEN ACTIVLY TRYING TO HELP FELLOW DRUMMERS TO BE MORE AWARE OF THE DESTRUCTIVE FORCE THAT S T R O K E IS TO DRUMMERS BUT INFACT THE ADVICE APPLIES TO ALL MUSICIANS I MADE A 2PART MOVIE TO HELP DRUMMMMERS BUT ITS APPLICABLE 2 ALL

[kynancecove]

@kynancecove MY MOVIE IS CALLED "DRUMBEATSTROKE" S T R O K E IN THE WESTERN WORLD IS THE 3RD BIGGEST KILLER AND THE FIRST CAUSE OF INCAPACITY[PARALYSIS] IT HAS DESTROYED MY LONG GOT ABILITY .I WAS NOT A BRILLIANT PLAYER BUT I LOVED THAT I WAS ABLE TO PLAY FUNKJAZZ FUSION PLUS ODD METER STUFF NOW AFTER MY S T R O K E I AM DESTROYED AND MY MOVIE IS ME TRYING TO SAY TO PEOPLE BE CAREFUL PLS LET ALL KNOW

[fischer27]

F*cking great !!!

[stewmc5222]

@fischer27 Thank you!!

[A66McK]

you're awesome man! I love how it sounds! lovely bass too!

[stewmc5222]

@A66McK Wow! Thank you so much! I am honored!!

: )

[dmostable]

hey, man

are u the bassist for derek?

really love your solo

[stewmc5222]

@dmostable I would love to say I am, but I don't know derek. Thank you for the kind words!!

: )

[stewmc5222]

If you are talking about the sliding harmonic, I have a tutorial up on my Facebook page about that. I do plan to make another video to explain the technique, however.

: )

[seamac206]

How do you make that sound at 0:49-0:50

[LordcBeckitt]

It's gotta take an awesome bassist to do that on a fretless...WAY TO GO DUDE!!!!!! :D

[stewmc5222]

@LordcBeckitt Whoa! You're gonna make me blush!

THANK YOU!!!

: )

[DarkTeam0]

Really sounds like a stringray, amazing.

[stewmc5222]

@DarkTeam0 That is the pickup. A Nordstrand MM5.2 which is hardwired in parallel mode. But this bass is passive!

: )

[renacuajo]

i saw the small image and thought this was frank zappa!

[stewmc5222]

@renacuajo I wish I had as much talent as Frank Zappa!

[trollgoal]

sounds like slapping on a fretless. nice floating harmonics. could you do a closeup video on the 16th's- double thumbing technique used at :57-58?

please/thank you

[stewmc5222]

@trollgoal I am planning to do a video explaining the triplet technique. I will likely record it after the NAMM show this year.

[OndskapensHersker]

You are great, really love the sound of fretless slapping.

and i also love the bass, what kind of bass is it?

[stewmc5222]

@OndskapensHersker Thank your for such kind words!!

I actually made this bass. Mahogany body, maple neck, cocobolo fingerboard and a single passive Nordstrand MM5.2 pickup!

: )

[sickdiggitydog]

Awesome!

[stewmc5222]

@sickdiggitydog Thank you!!

I give the bass full credit!!

; )

[Ariel62073]

Is a fretless bass without worry?

[stewmc5222]

@Ariel62073 Not when I play!!!

: D

[SarbazRMB]

Thats a fuckin sweet groove man! Genuinely spectacular playing and sound! Can't wait to hear more!

[stewmc5222]

@SarbazRMB Wow! Thank you! I am honored you dig it!!

I am hoping to shoot some more video soon, but the NAMM show is very soon and I may need to wait until after that.

[AbramRVille]

Hey man, i am about to buy a fender fretless, my only doubt is if i can actually slap on it?

[stewmc5222]

@AbramRVille If it is a stock instrument you may need to modify it. Simply covering the fingerboard with epoxy or something like an acrylic urethane may be enough, but the pickup choice makes a difference, too.

[alkleiza1995]

How do you do the fast slapping part?

[stewmc5222]

@alkleiza1995 The triplet part? I will create a video to explain. That is easier than trying to write about it!!

; )

[alkleiza1995]

@stewmc5222 that would be really great man! thanks a lot!

[stewmc5222]

@alkleiza1995 Thank YOU!!

: )

[2nikitos]

no fets?? ORGASM....

[stewmc5222]

@2nikitos Ha ha ha ha ha!!!!

I feel the same way!!!

:D

[TheRecessiveGenome]

holy fuck you are amazing

[stewmc5222]

@TheRecessiveGenome I'm honored!!

Really, I am just trying to learn and to be a better player, but thank you SO MUCH!!

: )

[JacOilgekO]

THUMBS UP! for more of this Videos!!! WE WANT MORE Fretless Slap!|

[tall32guy]

Handmade by yourself?

[stewmc5222]

@tall32guy Yes. I work in the Nordstrand shop. I had some ideas that were different from our standard models, so I built this!

: )

[DoubleDJGeek]

Wow I really dig that beat, neeed to see more of your videos! ^_^

[stewmc5222]

@DoubleDJGeek Wow!! Thanks so much!! I'm honored you enjoyed this!

[DoubleDJGeek]

@stewmc5222 Oh no thank you :D Haha just continue Slappin' da bass mon! ;)

[stewmc5222]

@DoubleDJGeek Ha ha ha ha!!!!

:D

[mitchandfriend]

well we can atleast tell were he plays on his neck XD, but this is some funky shit, im down with it, its quality legit, i can defiantly get behind it

[stewmc5222]

@mitchandfriend Thank you so much!

[seventhCrucifix]

Damn! 3 years and those strings are still holding up! Nice man, this is the first vid of yours I've seen but I dig it!

[stewmc5222]

@seventhCrucifix More than a year later and I still have those strings on the bass. Sounding great!

Thanks so much for the kind words!!

[slapbassforthewin]

badass playing, sick fretless bass. Im subscribing.

[stewmc5222]

@slapbassforthewin Thanks so much! I'm honored you dig!

: )

[AceHarding]

Are these roundwounds or flatwounds on this bass?

[stewmc5222]

@AceHarding Roundwounds. DR Sunbeams.

[avelpa1]

nice modification

[stewmc5222]

@avelpa1 Modification?

[TheBassking14]

my friend!!! half your neck is missing!!!!!!!!!!

[stewmc5222]

@TheBassking14 Ha ha ha ha ha!!!!

[pumberdog]

You look like jesus.... So there for, you are the jesus of bass

[stewmc5222]

@pumberdog Ha ha ha ha !!

Thank you... I think!

[TheBrendrum]

i just found you in the side bar, and am so happy! you are a very talented musician!

[stewmc5222]

@TheBrendrum You are very kind. Thank you for that! I am honored!

: )

[KristofWynants]

@stewmc5222 aha!! great players as well, no? I enjoy a fair slap on a fretless as well, even more on a double bass. Your style is pretty nice too btw. Thanx for introducing me to Paladino's work for Numan, only knew him from the Who en P Young.

[stewmc5222]

@KristofWynants Oh, Pino's work on fretless is amazing! Find some of his recordings with Jools Holland, Joan Armatrading and David Gilmour! His solo on "Murder" is heartbreaking!

[KristofWynants]

@stewmc5222 it's funny, I was just lookin at 1 of your videos and realised I had stumbled upon your myspace profile years ago, you did have a lot of songs with 10-and 12-string bass there, no? HAha small world, small bass community. But who uses myspace nowadays, haven't seen my profile in ages. Happy '12

[stewmc5222]

@KristofWynants Yes, that was me! I have not been to Myspace in years. I do not even remember how to access my account!!

Glad to 'see' you again!!

: )

[jmmcdon25]

WOW! This is very cool indeed! Do you really get asked why you slap a fretless!?!?! ahaha! IT's cool and unique! I am in awe of your playing here, great and inspiring little video!

[stewmc5222]

@jmmcdon25 Thank you, thank you! I am honored you enjoy this!

: )

[stewmc5222]

@DJByteSlinger : )

Thank you!!

: )

[thunderfunkster42]

Great playing, Great groove, I enjoyed this. I haven't heard anyone get such a nice slap sound on a fretless. Good work!

[stewmc5222]

@thunderfunkster42 Thank you! If you want to hear great fretless slap, check out the stuff Pino did with Gary Numan and Paul Young back in the 80's. Killin'!

[DuranFan09]

@stewmc5222 Pino Palladino's basslines on the Gary Numan songs are INSANE! 'We Take Mystery To Bed' has to got to be one of the greatest basslines I've ever heard. Derek Forbes also has some great fretless slap on the early Simple Minds albums (i.e Sons & Fascination / Sister Feelings Call, New Gold Dream 81/82/83/84).

[stewmc5222]

@DuranFan09 Check out Pino's work on Paul Young's album No Parlez. "Come Back and Stay" as well as the amazing cover of "Wherever I Lay My Hat (That's My Home)" are nothing less than breathtaking!

[KristofWynants]

talk talk it's a shame



[KristofWynants]

and claypool of course

[stewmc5222]

@KristofWynants Oh!

Now I understand.

YES!!!

: )

[stewmc5222]

@KristofWynants Sorry?

[HeadacheVillain]

Nice sound.

[stewmc5222]

@HeadacheVillain Thank you so much!

[RuseOfTheMetacarpi]

How are you producing that high pitched slide at 49 seconds? Is that some kind of harmonic?

[stewmc5222]

@RuseOfTheMetacarpi Yes. That's a sliding harmonic. I will make a video for that technique as well.

; )

[RuseOfTheMetacarpi]

@stewmc5222 that would be awesome! Your playing is also phenomenal, by the way.

[stewmc5222]

@RuseOfTheMetacarpi Thank you so much! I'm honored you think so!

[joemak777]

Didn't know a fretless could sound like that. Great stuffy, man!

[stewmc5222]

@joemak777 Thank you so much!!

: )

[BlackenedFifth]

awesome man - just fricking awesome!

[stewmc5222]

@BlackenedFifth Wow! Thank you so much for the kind words!!

[EranProductions]

Man! you are good... keep doing that good stuff

[stewmc5222]

@EranProductions You are very kind. Thank you for watching the video and for your kind words!

: )

[fenderdude91]

What magical strings last three years? i must know lol i go through like a pack every month or so.

[stewmc5222]

@fenderdude91 They are just DR Sunbeams. It is more than a year since I shot this video and the same strings are still on the bass!!

: )

[FlabberFlob]

man this is a great video and CRAZY GOOD BASS SLAPPING!

[stewmc5222]

@FlabberFlob I am honored you dig this! Thank you!! Today I needed some good news so thank you VERY MUCH!!

: )

[yuenyen92]

i wish someday i could play like this!!! YOU ARE MY HERO!!!!!! THIS GUY NEED A ALBUM!!! AGREE??!?!!

[stewmc5222]

@yuenyen92 Wow! Thank you!!

My new album will come out early next year.

Thank you again!!

: )

[HENDRIXonBASS]

Amazing sound & great technique!

Do you have an epoxy coating on the fingerboard?

[stewmc5222]

@HENDRIXonBASS Thank you so much! The fingerboard has a coating of acrylic urethane, but the cocobolo itself is very durable!

[MrNick2D]

You my friend have just earned yourself a sub.

[stewmc5222]

@MrNick2D Oh? Cool!

[Gsvoice12]

Put harry potters glasses and shave his head and this guy would be identical to STEVE JOBS-

[stewmc5222]

@Gsvoice12 Good to know?

[Deniiideniii]

niceee:))) never heard a fretless slap before sounds great.. :))) thx for uploading :)))

[stewmc5222]

@Deniiideniii Thank you for the kind words! If you want to hear amazing slap on fretless, check out Pino Paladino's playing on the album "No Parlez" by Paul Young or "I, Assassin" by Gary Numan!

[D1joel]

slapaping on a fretless sound relly great, time to buy a fretless. the cocobollo is expensive? Because it'S relly punch the strings sound( by the fact that 3 years old strings)