Slap is a technique used mainly on bass, striking the string with the thumb and pulling it with the fingers. It is characterized by a strong attack and a percussive tone.
The basic idea
Not only the pitch of the low notes but also the noise of the string being struck and the higher content create the rhythm. The basic approach combines thumb slaps and finger pops.
Using it in performance and programming
Place thumb slaps in the same positions as the kick and add pops in the gaps to build a short pattern. Mixing in ghost notes adds movement.
How it differs from related terms
Slap is a specific bass technique. Picking refers broadly to sounding the strings with a pick or with the fingers.
Before adding more notes, check that your timing lines up with the kick.
