4 SIMPLE Exercises To Get Great At Bass TAPPING

Get access to the Beginner Tapping Masterclass here: / charlesberthoud
I know tapping on bass can be a steep learning curve so I decided to show you some simple exercises that will get you going in a musical way! Do these for at least 20 minutes per day and your tapping will feel much more natural and controlled within a couple of weeks!
Special thanks to AhLun, Sugabeat, Timothy Gabrielson, Jason Hedlund, Colter Fike, Cpt. Marley, Sid Stenersen, Turpid, Janniken Kløvstad, DebisU, David Geschke, Dario Cimmino, Edward Quinn, Divine Atah, Wanderley Moura, Griffin Lesher, James Oldfield, Cody Pecot, Marc Forand, Mortal Konbat, Björn Lindner, Abel Nelms, Brandon Dickey, Sebastián Labbé, Martin Andersson-Næset, Rossables, Phillip Scuderi, Zachary Amsden, Soho Phil, Pyroluem, James Ansell, Mark Roberts, Rob Nack, Eric Jordan, Shirl Walker, Risvan Vlad Rusu, Tony Jacobs, Michael Forrester, 949 Designs, slatibartfast24, Cpt. Marley, Nil N, Kelly Henderson, 游鎰駿, Zachary Gidwitz, Vladi Mun, Joe Norsworthy, Štěpán Emmer, Michele Marletta and all my other Patrons and members!

[@BassCampOfficial]

Get all the tabs and backing tracks for these exercises plus 5 full tapping lessons at the Beginner Tapping Masterclass: www.patreon.com/CharlesBerthoud

[@Cindy-Xvive]

Dear , this is Cindy from xvive, can we know your email address for cooperation?

[@petrerasov7013]

I'm excited about your channel with lessons.can you do lessons on bass guitar speed for two hands?

[@xavierisg9133]

1:22 Basic chords 3:41 7th chords 6:20 Pull off 9:09 Hammer on

[@ONealMusicStudio]

I’ve been a session and touring bassist for over 40 years. Now I’ll say not once in my career playing with some of the best players in the world have I ever been asked to do this tapping thing. But after seeing you young folks do some very cool stuff I am now at the age of 64 going to learn this technique just because. I’m sure I’ll find away to work it in to my playing somehow or use it for my own projects. Excellent video young man and it’s going to be my starting point on my tapping journey! Keep pushing the boundaries!

[@DeeterPlays]

Thank you so much for making these videos for us! They mean a lot, and we know they take a lot of time and don’t pull in as many views (yet) as your main channel, so we know you’re doing it all selflessly to help other bass players learn and grow. You’re a good dude Charles!

[@chanelaforet9296]

Thank you so much for creating such beautiful melodic chord progressions in these Tapping exercises. As someone who plays piano and just started my Bass journey, I feel so relate to this technique..! It feels like a natural transition for piano players - hitting something with fingers to make sounds - here, it's hitting a part of a string instead of keys on a piano... I followed your lesson and learnt Tapping the first time on Bass. I'm so excited. Also, the exercises you created helped a lot with fretboard memorization and music theory for beginners like myself. Thank you so much!! Digging into more of your classes now!!

[@GuyManley]

This is fantastic. You've inspired me to pick up the bass again, and now you even provide learning materials. I'm gonna practice this a lot.

[@CharlesBerthoud]

Great to hear!

[@lemuelsaenz3205]

Gracias por el tiempo en hacer estos videos me motivan para seguir aprendiendo

[@EngineerNat]

Thank you so much for this lesson for tapping Bass you is very good teacher.

[@bassonthemark8191]

Lovely chord progressions. I’m going to start practicing these.’

[@martindl9897]

Charles, some day you should talk about bass setup for tapping and slapping. I know it's a personal preference but it would be nice to know what's a confortable or optimum setup for you. Many thanks for your videos!

[@alderoth01]

NOICE!!! You are a natural teacher and musician. You deserve all the success you receive!!

[@grudefrudevandeprout]

hi Charles ! thanks for this nice video. i'm a bass noob and i have three questions : 1> how do you setup your bass for easy tapping ? (i hear some fret buzz picked up by your voice mic, making me believe that your action is quite low) . 2> how do you manage the sound of vibrating neck portion of the strings when tapping ? with fingers, or damper of any kind ? 3> do you use a compressor for squishing your bass sound and having good sustain ? if yes what kind of compressor and what settings you use (for tapping sounds i mean): plugin/brand name, soft/hard knee, attack, release, ratio values, .. ? best regards. bob

[@manilasunrise7134]

thank you for sharing your talent..

[@TheSuperspyk]

Subbed to this channel since the moment you mentioned it. Already paying dividends. Learning from the literal bass master

[@luciuslutestrum]

thanks mate, can't wait for more lessons, tips & ideas

[@cedthebear3664]

THANK YOU!!!

[@marshallcierovola376]

Trying this for myself and I get lots of buzzing. I noticed your middle finger looks like its resting on a string. Doing that helped for sure. But I'm not sure what to do with the other strings. Any tips?

[@Rolback1247]

Muy bien vídeo gracias

[@johnnhello4913]

This is fantastic. Explained so well

[@josephinecaruana3847]

Stunning ❤

[@bassistovgilberto]

Very well illustrated thank you

[@doncurtis5654]

more tapping exercises please

[@Mii_knight1]

Thank you so much You earned yourself a subscriber

[@Slaprax12]

Highly impressive

[@TchatBasse]

Amazing video! As usual. I've been following your channel for a long time now, all the way from France. I find your videos amazing; always very informative and inspiring. I was wondering what software or settings you use to scroll through the music scores in your videos. By the way, this could be an interesting video topic to share, I think. In any case, I would be very interested in it."

[@oscar_md]

thank you

[@nickd5446]

comment for algorithm. great content!

[@RogueRhythms]

love these

[@Abundanciaaa]

Thanks for all the exercises! I noticed that in some parts you only show the tab. Could you also show the score for us who are working on sightreading? i try to avoid tabs at all to train myself at sightreading.

[@gravijah]

Man, I have a very specific question about taping on empty strings like in the first example. When I try it on bass, or piccolo bass ^^, both sides of the string vibe, leading to awful dissonances. Is it me ? Or my instruments which are not set properly? Thx a lot.

[@skylee5029]

I have very small hands. Can only reach an Octave +1 on piano. The left hand taps hurt my wrist sooooo bad. Are these kinds of Chords feasible on a full size Bass for someone with hands as small as mine? I’m seriously considering buying a kids size instrument. Do you think I should? And if so, any recommendations on a quality kids size instrument?

[@danparker8254]

Do you have to change your set up of the bass to tap?

[@ttb4456]

I have a funny problem though, because no notes are played when i tab, it's just metal clangig from the strings hitting the bars separating the frets

[@singerguitaristmunna]

best best best

[@basscleb1206]

Incredible video, question tho. When tapping higher on the bass I get a ton of buzz and there is no clarity in the notes. I can kinda fix it by putting the string action lower but then the top 2 frets get buzzy. Curious how you go about this?

[@iaindcosta]

..a proper set up, maybe truss rod adjustment and fret levelling..

[@SurfandSand808]

vic wooten slow groove. :)

[@favierdejesus4904]

Bien sería perfecto si los subtítulos fueran en español

[@SpoonFinder]

les gooooooooooo

[@sillyprogram]

Sensei what Petal do u use?

[@charlesdelapommedoree2460]

👍👍

[@klipsntoola]

My favorite exercise is the 🕷

[@kingofpenguins4157]

Thank you so much! I have been playing for 6 months now and will be starting lessons soon. Playing the bass is the only hobby I have felt this much passion for, and I would never have started if it hadn’t been for you. You probs won’t see this, but it feels good to say anyway.

[@BassCampOfficial]

That's great to hear - glad I inspired you to pick up BASS!

[@kingofpenguins4157]

@@BassCampOfficial Yooo its the legend himself! BASS is the best instrument. Thanks for being an inspiration

[@Tekkerue]

Can you imagine someone randomly finding this channel after searching for simple bass exercises and not even realizing they are getting lessons from THE bass GOD? 😅

[@armani077cc3]

Yes, I just did!!

[@alejandronielsguillenherna3712]

my reaction bro, the tap GOD teaching

[@idiocracy587]

Teacher Charles is the savior we all need

[@PersephoneSkye_]

Lol! There was an ad for the bible right before this. Lol. Then I see this comment.

[@billferri6849]

This is ALL Regi Wooten. For all you lost social media babies. Charles is fucking great, but yeah, he knows too. REGI WOOTEN

[@beautifulinstrumentals2866]

To have lessons, free of charge, from a masterclass musician is amazing. Even though these are exercises, it’s so much easier when the techniques are practiced in a way that also sound good instead of just from a set of scales or something that doesn’t make immediate musical sense. What a gift! Thank you, Charles. You are also very easy to listen to. No “uh”s, “ummmm “, “and uhhh “s. You know what you are going to say, you say it clearly, cleanly, straightforward without pauses or wasted time or wasted words. Great presentation.

[@MrBaverbo]

My god you’re both a great player and teacher!

[@BassCampOfficial]

Thanks!!

[@timiligamer6886]

Time to learm

[@BassCampOfficial]

🔥🔥

[@doublenudel3165]

bought a bass right after you announced this channel and already love your lessons! thank you ❤

[@doncurtis5654]

Charles I've been watching your videos for a couple of years now. I've been playing bass for 35 years in bands at bars. This new channel is great. Your playing is an inspiration to always learning something new , and with these new videos I can add more to my playing. Please keep up the lessons and exercises. They're great at helping me learn new techniques. Hope the best to you. you're a great inspiration to all fellow bass players.

[@Hornfancy]

Learning to tap bass is painfully akin to starting over from scratch

[@TopComment213]

hey dont wanna be rude but i have a jazz fender and it only has 20 frets but that second exercise needed 21 frets and i think most bases only have 20 can try to put that into account next time.....great video tho

[@mattmartino4907]

I’ve been loving this channel so far. The best exercises are the ones that actually sound musical. They keep you wanting to play more!

[@CharlesBerthoud]

I agree! Any technique exercise that can also subconsciously teach good phrasing and composition is a double win in my book 🔥

[@_joeMelfi]

That’s 100% the difference between your lessons and what’s typical…. You’re giving us technical lessons that add immediately to our vocabulary….thank you Charles!

[@wissehV2]

Hey, Charles. If you don’t mind me asking, how do you go by muting when it comes to tapping? I see you play and from what I see you don't use a muting strap. I want to try to get away from the muting straps when it comes to playing my basses to clean up my technique. Thanks!

[@justklampfing1140]

keep your fingers touching the string at all time. when you have "harmonic issues" like in the 12th fret, just use two fingers

[@ThePickIeGod]

I was just watching your Billie Jean video on your other channel. Didn’t expect to find God here

[@alanwardle9807]

Great start lesson! How is the bass set up for tapping ? Low or high action? I have seen you both tap and slap in the same piece of music so I’m thinking it’s not a low action?

[@AtomizedSound]

Basses are usually setup low action for tapping and slapping. Not too low but lower than normal to get a good sound. More fretbuzz the lower the strings are though

[@Net-ed6hn]

MY GOD. THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!!

[@BassCampOfficial]

You're welcome!!

[@annastuhlmiller2657]

I am 18, and after 12 years of piano I decided I wanted to pick up another instrument. I had thought about bass, but then decided I might not play it since I don’t play in a band. I didn’t know it could be played so beautifully by itself. But then when I was listening to Billie Jean, your cover popped up and I decided to listen since it sounded like it would be awesome. I am so glad I did! It is one of the most beautiful things I have heard and I loved your style specifically. I decided to learn bass and I am so glad that you have videos for teaching! I am going to sign up for your videos to learn more. Thank you for being an inspiration! Also your skills are insane! Hope in 5 years I can learn a sliver of your bass playing. 😊

[@gjleach2936]

Hey Charles This may be a dumb question but would I be able to apply your tapping techniques to my electric guitar as I really love your unique sound and your tapping sections are my absolute favorite. Thanks for opening my eyes to a whole new world of bass and different techniques which I have never really seen before. Regards Gil from outback Western Australia 🦘🦘

[@CharlesBerthoud]

Hi Gil, yes you can definitely apply this stuff to guitar! There's a lot of similarities when it comes to tapping on bass and guitar. The only major differences are more strings on guitar, and much thinner strings which results in less physical effort but also less sustain unless you're using a lot of gain or compression, which can present its own problems.

[@maricristaping]

MAGBALIK?

[@RYU-kx4jo]

Thank you very much sensei!

[@BassCampOfficial]

You're welcome!

[@didiervernet7610]

merci beaucoup !

[@tonycarel1785]

Victor Wooton!!

[@8Phoenix8]

Ima apply this to my cello :) obviously the notes will be different but I REALLY wanna use this on my next album :)

[@petersmichaeld59]

BC......excellent work....most helpful...thank you for sharing ...very generous!

[@ОкеанОушен]

Hi, Charles! Thanks for your lessons and great explanation! Could you, please, answer, what kind of audio processing do you use for tapping sound like this? Only EQ or some other plugins? Thanks!

[@RealBassist]

thanks man! Very concise, no bla-bla, straight to business kinda video, love that!

[@JasonWright-mc6dz]

You gotta anchor your right hand thumb to the back of the neck, mirroring your left hand.. Prescribed by professor Vic W-20-Ten! 😜

[@chyocolatecaaake]

Okay so as an intermediate player, I have tried tapping and found mixed results. Not quite because of skill, because that’s always important, but tone. How do you dial in a good tapping tone without your lower notes being SO VERY LOUD?! Is it in compression? Tone knob? EQ on the amp? I have a Jazz Bass, which is very textural, and it’s hard to determine why my sound can be so loud or quiet while playing through an amp versus into an interface. Where’s the magic?

[@mhermit]

Discipline builds virtuosity, but trial & error builds innovation. I don't fret over perfection because it doesn't concede to inspiration. Art is not a right/wrong, either/or proposition. As good as you are, the logical conclusion of talking to a student about how to play like you is to direct the student to play less like themselves. You're young & still have your best work in front of you. Your legacy will be more comprehensive if you guide young players to find & harness their own muse in addition to providing some tech secrets along the way. Most watching won't reach the instructor's dexterity level, so reaching fulfillment on a level of inspiration is what may help the student match the teacher's enthusiasm. Tap on.

[@WitchKing99]

Charles at 07:41 "Alright, congrats on making this so far..." Me casually watching this video while eating: (°_°) Anyways great video! Thanks a lot for doing these free lessons!

[@spacedaddy5517]

Wow, seems to be at least 100-140 players out there, you guys play this like Charles can ?. Wow...very impressive.

[@rositaluardo3045]

Filipino can understand WHAHAHAHA magbalik

[@Dodogssaywooforruff]

You're getting me back into bass again! I feel like when it comes to playing bass I'm very good at just playing, but ive never known a lot of tapping techniques, or slapping techniques. I've tried for years, amd i just always have felt like I can't get over that hump. Im going to try working on these techniques from now and and see what i can take your lessons!

[@seandemura128]

Can you PLEASE put a string on that Schecter in the background? It's bothering me. :)

[@gerbeelen5831]

Great exercise!! One question about string hight. Cause sometimes the tap doesn't come clean and fades off inmediatly?

[@edperrosel7792]

Somehow missed the advertisement of this channel, now I watched this coincidentally while trying to "learn Charles tapping style" and well, insta-sub Great video!

[@spacedaddy5517]

I try to play the right thing, for a song and then, I think how should the bass sound for this song ?. Let's play like that instead of VictorWooten, he's is a extremely unique style of play, but this is all cool for advanced players to learn for whatever reason, I wouldn't necessarily want to play this, right now. I lean more towards players like Andre Gouche, as far as personal influence, I play by ear just like he does, both of us we don't understand any music but we're happy, that we can play stuff anyways I guess. I have Rock influences same as everyone else, I am not limited to one genre or anything, I had wide variety of influences. There's very few bands around here unless I should start looking now, will play with whoever is left.

[@neungts]

Hi, I got a question. While tapping how hard should my right hand be tapping. Cuz from the vdo u look like you are tapping effortlessly while i need to tap quite hard but it barely made a sound

[@Enduro1470]

I swear today I made the exact tapping shapes WITHOUT WATCHING YOUR VIDEO! I prefer using Piccolo Bass Strings on my bass since I'm a guitarist but... yeah.. Respect for what you do, Charles! I also teach private guitar lessons!😉

[@fortfishers7667]

What's crazy is he could probably give bass lessons piano lessons and guitar lessons

[@lifcharleserickson5374]

Hello everyone! Should we practice these excercises without an amp to develop strength? Or is not neccessary?

[@zeenedin9013]

is there a special string action for tapping? I want to finally start learning some tapping but my bass has awful tapping sounds, especially on th higher notes. Always that awkward double note that sounds just awful.

[@Matthew_Klepadlo]

This is truly one of the most bass players of all the times.

[@OskarSvan]

?

[@Matthew_Klepadlo]

@@OskarSvan R/whoosh

[@roberthauhnar1565]

Yep he is indeed one of many bass players

[@mhermit]

So true. Of all Bass players in the world, he is definitely one.

[@josephinecaruana3847]

You make simple sounds for you sound so beautiful breath taking to watch ❤ love your videos ❤

[@marcusrodgers2681]

I'm 13 and been playing bass for 1 year, I can slap really well but when I try to tap I slide up but the pitch goes down I don't understand why can someone help??

[@petrerasov7013]

I'm excited about your channel with lessons.can you do lessons on bass guitar speed for two hands?

[@chidalchoe5791]

Equalization on the bass? Did you chorus reverb?

[@FATSEALLOVER]

I can get these down for the most part but my bass makes a weird sound when I I’m tapping on the high frets like this does anyone know anything that might stop that?

[@JalfaX]

These really helped. I am still getting the hang of it but it does pay off. Thank you!!!!

[@nickgivent3157]

I LOVE that you include notation as well!!! Thank you. I also love that you are teaching nowadays!! 🤘

[@Manas-yg7gl]

Feels like Shinchan background music

[@modernmusicstudio303]

This was really helpful, thanks!

[@na7h4n34]

Can you make a video about how to properly mute unplayed strings

[@robertc2619]

Good exercise but the question is how do you tap as a tapping novice?you left that bit out ??

[@Bassclefderreck]

Is that first exercise “tangled up in you” by staind?

[@MarkNuuuuuutt]

I saw the title and thought "I want to learn this from Charles not from some guy named BassCa- omg that is charles lemme go grab my bass"

[@joncote6035]

First exercise sounds like an Aaron Lewis song “tangled up in you”

[@purefunked]

maybe this video already exists but, do you have one that shows how to set up your bass for optimal tappage?

[@The45werqt]

i cant get my eyes off the bass with 3 strings in the background\

[@andreasdeutinger7319]

the lefay bass really has a nice sound. you should play this more often. and thanks for the lesson.