Any tips on how to not hit the lower string with my fingernail when popping?

#2
What bass do you play? I'd say invest in a bass with 19mm string spacing. I'm assuming you're playing a bass with 17mm spacing, which I would have the same problem.
 
#5
Damani311 said:
its not a trimmable issue, its the back on my nail where the cuticle is

also its a warwick streamer, which has very narrow string spacing I believe
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If you live near a music shop, you could try out some basses with larger string spacing, and see if that fixes the issue. It probably will. But that would mean purchasing a new bass, which hopefully you could afford.

The G&L tribute series is very good at a moderate price point. Also used Lakeland Skylines.

But if you can't switch basses. I guess you could apply tape over your nails to cut down on the tapping sound. Still, if you're serious about bass, I think it's worth the investment to upgrade to a bass with a more comfortable string spacing.
 
#7
Practice slow trying not to hit the string, or go to a wider spaced string.

I will be the first to say I am not very good at all regarding slapping. I really haven't invested much time into it, and based on what the majority I play that's fine.

I've found I slap the best on a standard fender style four string, and have little issues on the fender five strings. I have an Ibanez sr 505 with the tight string spacing that I run into the same issues hitting the cuticle area when I get busy (sloppy). I've learned I have to slow down and adjust my technique by rotating my hand to get it to fit better and cause less issue. If I spend a lot of time on it I start to get past it, so I'd suggest trying some different positions which helped me.

Above all practicing a lot helped me.
 
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#8
(I assume you're talking about slapping, not popping.) In my experience, slapping had a particularly steep learning curve, whereby it seemed almost impossible at first, but one day it just suddenly started working. I remember that at first I tried very hard to keep my thumb straight and to hit precisely on the joint of the thumb, but in reality, neither of those are strictly necessary for the proper accuracy and tone. In fact, I find that I really only developed a feel for slapping when I started hitting the string somewhere between the joint and the tip of the thumb. Like JGbassman said, I think it's essential to just keep trying slightly different positions and attacks, and eventually you'll get a feel for it.
 
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#9
+1 to cleaner technique. Try playing some fingerstyle guitar to really hone your skills.

For G string I pop with Middle finger.
For D string I pop with Index finger.
For A & E strings I slap with thumb.

I hold my hand flatter across the body, keep it relaxed & vary the curl of my fingertips. Found that the easiest way to pop narrow spacing. That hand position seamlessly transitions between fingerstyle, slap/pop, and thumb strokes.
 
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#10
andrew73249 said:
(I assume you're talking about slapping, not popping.) In my experience, slapping had a particularly steep learning curve, whereby it seemed almost impossible at first, but one day it just suddenly started working. I remember that at first I tried very hard to keep my thumb straight and to hit precisely on the joint of the thumb, but in reality, neither of those are strictly necessary for the proper accuracy and tone. In fact, I find that I really only developed a feel for slapping when I started hitting the string somewhere between the joint and the tip of the thumb. Like JGbassman said, I think it's essential to just keep trying slightly different positions and attacks, and eventually you'll get a feel for it.
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pretty sure i can tell the difference between slapping and popping....thanks though but am not talking about the thumb part
 
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