What is tapping on a bass guitar?
Just the same like it is on the guitar – usually using your index finger from your strumming hand to tap the string hard enough to fret it and create a note, and usually using it in combination with the picking hand to do legato stuff (pull offs, hammer ons, slides, etc). I’ve actually seen a guy play bass solo doing this almost exclusively… it was mind-blowing! His name is Brendan Wires, he plays a custom 6-string bass, no effects, everything comes from his playing technique, ie tapping, slapping, popping, etc. Ever seen someone shred on a 6-string bass and not using a pick? Good lord, it was sick. I was entranced, enthralled, and jealous all at the same time. =) If you ever have the chance to see him, look him up. I guess he’s a local guy from around here, but I had a chance to talk to him after the show I saw him at, and he’s a really down to earth guy, really nice, a genuinely real and genuinely talented musician. It’s also awesome to watch him play – two hand tapping on a bass?
