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Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

Slaps

1 reply [Last post]
Mon, 09/16/2013 - 23:31
bordercollie
bordercollie's picture
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Joined: 01/30/2012

Hi Dave

I have a couple of queries:

1. I have seen on at least two of your video lessons that you consider that slapping should be used routinely when playing. Does this mean each note or just the first note played in a bar should be slapped. I also saw your reply to a recent post(8.9.13) in which you explain which styles of song that, you consider, it best used in. Do you have anything to add to this?

2. The cupping and hand effect PDF has a downward pointing triangle with a dot underneath. What does this symbol mean?

Regards

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Tue, 09/17/2013 - 08:28
#1
David Barrett
David Barrett's picture
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Answer

1. Each note. It's up you, the player, when you use techniques like these, but if you're playing blues, it's somewhat of a default technique. I would add to my previous statement that songs in minor tend to use less slaps (due to the underlying chord being major).

2. On that same lesson there's a PDF titled "Notation Key" and it shows these symbols, though I assume their use together threw you off. The "downward pointing triangle" is a dip (where you start in a bend and let it release quickly) and the "dot" is that the note is to be played short (called "staccato")

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