Slap Bass in the '80s

Slapping is a technique used by guitarists to produce percussive sound while playing the string instrument.

However, it is very specifically associated with the bass guitar; some other string guitar players such as the lead guitars have incorporated this technique into their play.

Some non-musical people would naturally feel slapping bass would mean using the palm to sleep the strings. Well, that is not it.

Slap bass is rather using the knuckles to hit the strings against the fretboard. Bass players would commonly use their thumbs while double bassists would use the index finger.

Slap bass is used in various musical genres from disco, Jazz, funk, country, Rock, Pop, and many more.

Slap Bass took the 80s by storm when Pop music was at its Peak. It was the advent of incredible slap bass players with the expressivity of mastery in slap.

These prolific slap bass players demonstrated virtuosity in their enormous array of recordings and live performances.

Mark King is one of the great slap bassists of the '80s, who did not just showcase his talent in slapping but popularized Slap bass. We will talk about other slap bass players in the 80s as you read on.

Contemplate that this musician was able to come up with the slap bass technique even before the best bass for slapping was known.

It is impossible to overlook the impact that slap bass has created in music since the '80s.

Read on, Let's dive deep into the origin, legends involved, and how slap bass became an important technique in the '80s.

Background History and Origin of Slap Bass

Unfortunately, it is extremely tough to point a finger at who invented most musical or playing techniques.

The slap bass is among these playing techniques with unclear origin and history. Regardless, we will try to trace it to the phenomenal musicians who crafted the technique.

Larry Graham and William Manuel Bill Johnson are the two bass players who are regarded as innovators of the slap bass technique.

William Manuel Bill Johnson was the founder of the first vast touring New Orleans Jazz band and Original Creole orchestra.

Johnson was a creative and inventive double bass player. He was the first person to slap the double bass in rhythm while strumming the notes on the beats.

This invention was a result of his broken bow during a Performance in Louisiana. And ever since then, he has developed and taught other bassists the slap bass technique.

Larry Graham (uncle to Drake, the popular rapper) developed the slap bass technique on the bass guitar.

Before he became popular as the bassist playing with Sly and the Family Stone. Larry used to play Trio with his mother.

Larry had a very good sense of rhythm, piano play, and tap and dance at the early age of 5.

At 15 years old, young Larry was already playing in a trio group in the club scene of the Bay area. Trio was made up of Larry on bass, his mum Dell Graham, and Rueben Kerr on drums.

Larry Graham invented the thump and pluck when he was left with no option to provide the low-end notes and rhythm spontaneously.

This was when Kerr left the band, turning it into a duo. Larry and his mum, meaning Just bass and keys, no drums.

Larry Graham created a way to supply a rhythmic boost by thumping lower notes and at the same time plucking higher notes. Thereby inventing the Slap bass.

As earlier stated, we can not generally state who invented the slap bass technique or who played it first.

A lot of bass players have also credited themselves for being the first to have slap the bass.

Nonetheless, Larry Graham and Bill Johnson are often regarded as noticeable inventors of the slap bass.

Read: Reasons the '80s Rocked!

Slap Bass in the 80s

Slap bass achieved a new height in the 80s as bassist took their instruments and playing to the next level by exploring the techniques.

They embraced sleek and trendy bass guitars that offered bright and punchy tones which is an excellent canvas for slap bass.

The popularity of the electric bass guitar also made the slap bass technique reign supremely in the 80s. It was a very groovy Era.

The slap bass technique even became substitutable with funk and varied subgenres of rock.

Funk Songs like "Flashlight" and "Give it to Me Baby" were impressive. Even rock songs like "Money For Nothing" by Dire Straits.

The intro riff played by Mark Knopfler with the Fender Jazz bass in "Money For Nothing" is highly noticeable.

Slap bass turned the guitar instrument into a weapon and the musicians into machinery in the '80s. And if the bass also offered stylish looks it became a bass of choice.

Artists like Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Larry Graham made the Fender Jazz Bass and Music Man StingRay popular for slap bass.

Bassist Louis Johnson added that unmistakable dancing edge with his thumping slap bassline in "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson.

James Jamerson Jr.'s slap bass was also notable in the 80s when he added an infectious slap bass line to "Another One Bites the Dust" by Queen and "Super Freak" by Rick James.

This is what slap bass was all about in the groovy '80s. Putting in funky and rhythmic flair to the piece of music. Most of the sounds from the '80s are distinctive and memorable.

 

Prominent Slap Bass Players in the '80s

The following is a list of prominent bassists who brought their unique style to the world of slap bass. With diverse contributions, each of them left an indelible mark on the music of the '80s and their techniques have continued to inspire bass players today.

1. Larry Graham
2. William Manuel Bill Johnson
3. Louis Johnson
4. Marcus Miller
5. Flea
6. Stuart Hamm
7. Mark King
8. Doug Wimbish
9. John Taylor
10. James Jamerson
11. Mark Knopfler
12. Stanley Clarke
13. Bootsy Collins
14. Tony Levin
15. T.M Stevens

This is just a list we can not exhaust as the 80s was an Era for bassists who could make their instrument talk with signature bass slaps.

The Influence of the '80s Slap Bass in Modern Music

The influence of the '80s slap bass is still heard in today's music. Including hip hop where basslines are sampled to add depth to rap tracks.

The influence has extended greatly to alternatives and punk rock scenes presenting dynamic elements.

Modern artists such as Bruno Mars to Mark Ronson have incorporated and infused the groovy '80s slap bass in the music.

This timeless slap bass technique of the '80s also serves as an inspiration to modern bass players.

Read: Why Music From the '80s Still Resonates with Listeners

Conclusion

In the '80s, the slap bass was more than just a technique; it was a statement. It added a unique texture to the music that is still cherished today.

So, whether you are grooving to funky basslines or rocking out to new wave classics, the slap bass of the '80s continues to leave its mark on the world of music.

The '80s slap bass legacy is a testament to the enduring power of innovation in music.

It's a reminder that even in the ever-evolving landscape of music, the past continues to shape the soundscape of the present.

Headline image courtesy Depositphotos