Mark King - Slap Bass lesson - Must know muting technique

[@mowvu]

dude you're providing a service to all! words are words but your physical teaching technique is awesome. kudos to you

[@solarr2297]

Sharing knowledge is sharing love. Thank you!

[@mv9787]

"Sharing knowledge is sharing love." I will use this. Brilliantly put! :)

[@harlemreginald6175]

I dont mean to be offtopic but does someone know a way to log back into an instagram account?? I was dumb forgot the account password. I love any tricks you can give me.

[@heathremington3903]

@Harlem Reginald instablaster ;)

[@harlemreginald6175]

@Heath Remington Thanks for your reply. I got to the site through google and Im in the hacking process now. Takes a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@harlemreginald6175]

@Heath Remington it worked and I actually got access to my account again. I am so happy! Thanks so much, you saved my account !

[@markbass354]

I got obsessed with this 2 years ago and finally got it down , it's fun to play left hand bang down , sore thumb and all. It's so satisfying.

[@RaptureReady2025]

Finally !!! I watched soo many KZbin videos trying to find mark king triplets and noooobody does it right..... until NOW. Thank you!! You are the BEST by a country mile!! And your an amazing teacher too! 😀🤔👌✊💥✅

[@cambridgebasslessons]

Thanks for all of your comments Mark. Much appreciated : )

[@davidledger2282]

Hi Davey, speaking as someone who started learning Bass 5-6 years ago in my mid forties to scratch an itch that had been there since the early eighties! I would like to say a big thanks to you for spending the time sharing your skill and knowledge. This latest video with the alternate views, demonstrates how well you know how to concentrate on areas people struggle with, it has indeed helped me to iron out some problems and really focus on technique. Please keep them coming and also thanks for sharing your compositions, all of which seem to capture the essence of what I love about instrumental Bass music, all the best, Dave.

[@cambridgebasslessons]

You're welcome Dave, I'm glad my tutorials have helped you out!! Cheers Davey

[@ToniinReyes]

This helped me so much!! Thank you!! Ive been trying to learn slap and never realized left hand was so important!

[@AttitudeCastle]

Best lesson on this style I've ever seen, all the best!

[@cambridgebasslessons]

Thanks for watching : )

[@ivanperezmontes7647]

Thank you

[@cambridgebasslessons]

You're welcome

[@pippopippa6618]

VERY GOOD

[@cambridgebasslessons]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@paulgreenhalgh649]

By far the best explanation on you tube.

[@cambridgebasslessons]

Karsten Søndergaard kindly pointed out that this track is in E dorian, B minor, A7. Not A major which I say at the end of the lesson.

[@BassByTheBay]

CambridgeBassLessons Well, you were kind of right, too -- verse starts in E min (dorian) but ends on E7 (dominant), so A major mode can work there. Great tutorial!

[@j-bird6563]

Sounds great ,I was just wondering what you have on your thumb? Is it tape?

[@j-bird6563]

Great tutorial/Video BTW!

[@AmandaRogersarock1988]

+JD Teague Yeah, he's paying homage to Mark King. Mark uses tape on his thumb after over use at a gig. I find it gives a nice tone having the tape there as well. I'm not sure if the fellow doing this awesome demonstration always uses tape, but it's always good to have another tool in the box.

[@j-bird6563]

Amanda Rogers Yeah definitely a plus ,after hitting the side of your thumb "Slapping all night!" Now if your just playing bass and not slapping ,I couldn't see it being of any use ,but were talking about slap bass ...lol "which I have been working on and studying bassist like Victor Wooten

[@osXcanada]

Mark King is one of the greatest...Love the style. You my friend, are great as well! I been working on this one lesson for about 6 or 8 weeks now. I mechanically have it down, but still not the speed or the feel. Still sounds like a truck driver backing up over a trailer!? When you said hours and hours and hours, I believe you. I will not give up, as it took me two years to get comfortable with a 5 String... How the hell were you ever able to break it down from hearing or listening to it? Did Mark King sit down with you himself??. The only reason I can attempt this, is because of you, so...kudo's to you my friend!!

[@chainsawsr7926]

i am just getting into this style of playing and find this lesson excellent. Thank you for sharing!

[@rudething4u]

L

[@willemhuiting8735]

Thanks for sharing, 'inside' details and technique's, super!!

[@xxRoyixx]

The Best slap bass lesson I seen!! Thanks so much!!!

[@TheLuvecerviere]

That part is exactly what I'm struggling with. Thanks for your course!

[@cambridgebasslessons]

Happy to help!

[@ChazJazzNY]

Your an excellent teacher.

[@brieziethirteen13]

I noticed in your 30funk vid how relaxed your right hand is. Sometimes I have to really pay attention so I dont fight my bass. Once I relax, it good. These are great, thank you!

[@billgrey]

I agree with AttitudeCastle... best tutorial on this technique I've seen. Interesting.... some people are great marketers and great players..... but Davey is a great teacher as well as an accomplished player. Great job.

[@cambridgebasslessons]

Thanks Bill

[@byronconsbass]

Thank you for this lesson sir..

[@cambridgebasslessons]

You are welcome

[@markowens902]

I CAN'T STOP LISTENING TO YOU, YOU A WONDERFUL BASS PLAYER, MUCH RESPECT MATE.

[@sstrauss415]

Thanks for the lesson. Just think, Mark King sings lead while playing this stuff! I recall seeing Level 42 opening for Steve Winwood back in the '80's. I just knew Something About You - nothing else. I was in disbelief when I saw that the lead singer was playing these bass parts.

[@mowvu]

I'd love to see you break down literally any of les claypool's ridiculous basslines. really cool channel, i like the methods

[@Ayosaphoenixx]

Another great lesson from CambridgeBassLessons !

[@6lillium]

Sooo helpful... Was a metal head in the early 80's , then straight to prog. I never learned to slap properly, but attacked it again in '05 when I began playing again after a15 year hiatus(& listening to MK). I also strung up a 3/4 scale bass w/piccolo strings. I noticed you playing slap on a guitar in another video, and the funny thing is ,I do this a lot an my piccolo ( lots of alternative tunings like DADA). Feels very natural! Thanks again!

[@sidneysimmons7622]

Much appreciation extended 2u 4 helping me find another important "KEY" in expressing my Bassic creativity, great teacher & most fluent tech. Keep sharing d good vibes, b blessed!

[@cambridgebasslessons]

+Sidney Simmons Thanks Sidney

[@MatsEvensen]

you are totaly right that this is a most known muting what you need to play L42 songs, same is simply to make yourself a more versatile player. Mark also uses this muting on several of his finger sections. Try playing True believers With this muting, it opens up a new universe

[@nachocontrabajo6316]

Es el mejor tutorial de slap que he visto en KZbin, felicidades!!!, me ha sido muy útil

[@thrillaspirit]

This is it. This is How to show cocky guitarists why our instruments are also cool. I started learning the machine gunning watching this video a while ago. Thanks a lot my man!

[@guyp3599]

Very true how a lot of tutorials are actually incorrect, so well done for being so diligent.

[@cambridgebasslessons]

Thanks : )

[@PaulDino02]

Love this tutorial. Fantastic job Davey. Regards. Paul.

[@cambridgebasslessons]

Thanks Paul

[@TheHenbury]

I rarely comment on videos, but felt an exception was due here. Of all the 'bass stuff' on U-tube (including SBL!) yours are by far and away the most comprehensive and patiently explained slap tutorials. As highlighted by both yourself & Scott Devine, the 'machine gun/fast crazy triplet thing' can be an exquisite tool to dig yourself a hole with if you can't play owt else!. For my money, Lessons in Love remains hardest MK line to play. Sorry Mr Pink!

[@cambridgebasslessons]

​Thanks for the great comment! Yes, I agree, Lessons in love is by far the hardest one to play, I always struggle when it comes to the guitar solo! I know what the problem is though! I don't practice enough!!!

[@PieterKaan1]

I like this introduction to learning what it takes to do this. He shows it well and clear to grasp..from here its just a matter of getting it fluent and regular with the 4,8,16 and perhaps even the 32nds in timing...I think try to get the mechanics of the left and right in synch and in time at a speed you can remain clean and in time with...get the coordination between left and right to a confident level...speed will come with experience.

[@roderickthomas3417]

Yes he’s very thorough and he take his time. I save mostly all of his videos

[@thierrylemetayer3371]

bravo merci pour vos conseil !!!!

[@vkavcic6]

the best teacher.....thank you very much

[@cambridgebasslessons]

Thanks Vladimir

[@abacadaniel04]

Thank you for this video, I’ve always wanted to learn how to slap bass properly for ages. ✌️😙

[@hockley91]

Holy Smokes.... awesome!

[@pak9633]

Good teacher I love you cambridgebasslessons

[@deusesoberano.625]

I particularly, I love your tips. You are very good musician.

[@wadesharp11]

Awesome lesson thanks

[@thierrylemetayer3371]

wonderfull thank you

[@anisiocs100]

Thanks a lot for all effort to bring us a so amazing technique. God keeps with you and he applaud your job

[@cambridgebasslessons]

You're welcome

[@PickledBadgerEggs]

Great lesson!

[@cambridgebasslessons]

I didn't know that Badgers laid eggs!!

[@PickledBadgerEggs]

So now we've both learned something! ;-)

[@k60bassman]

Super merci pour le travail et le partage

[@16addam]

Stunning!

[@cambridgebasslessons]

Thanks

[@grundvater]

starkes Video! Gut gemacht und erklärt. Danke.

[@avisaodoself888]

Very very good! Thanks!

[@cambridgebasslessons]

Cheers Brunno

[@roderickthomas3417]

Damn thanks Coach. You are the greatest! Man I got to donate some funds to your fair. This pandemic is hendering me on some things but as soon as I get some extra I got to send you some inspiration and motivation. I greatly appreciate you. Wish you were my teacher face to face

[@fuzmaginty5822]

great tutorial in great depth

[@Spaury82]

Holy Crap Dude! You're amazing... you were capable of explain the slap technique in a great way... i'm going to try it

[@cambridgebasslessons]

Thanks for watching

[@MrArtist1971]

Absolutely awesome bro!

[@johnshredder7078]

Great tutorial! Thanks for doing it.

[@cambridgebasslessons]

You're welcome

[@AlexSenichek]

Really helpful. Thanks a lot.

[@michaelmegahmike3873]

great tutorial, keep up the good work, excellent.

[@markbass354]

There are very few bass lines I catch on to right away but this one I seemed to get under my hands easy but has to played fast to sound right. Don't know if I'm playing it allright but it sounds pretty good . Another thing is I seem to have better control slapping with a open hand , it gives me better leverage. Thanks for your help , I like the camera angles.

[@brianj.3274]

Great Lesson...Thank you. B

[@DrTWG]

Good tip. As a guitar player primarily, my natural tendency is to mute quietly and I have to let go of that for this technique - it's not easy.

[@briancannon8339]

Excellent

[@Tax2Me]

I was doing it all right through the 90's. Then i stopped thinking i was wrong. This video (too late, i have no hand coordination any more) vindicates me. LOL

[@winstonschwarz1636]

The first chop, you demonstrate, is also known as a machine gun triplet.

[@darkocuk]

Great videos all round! Thank you! Mind sharing what you are wearing on your thumb?

[@6lillium]

Love your tutorials! Old guy fixing old problems. (Where was KZbin in the 80s!). Would love to see your take on my white whales.....Mr Pink( live album) , Eyes Waterfalling, and Pursuit of Accidents.As you have pointed out they are never the same and usually a little off on other lessons( Much like Tommy The Cat). Love slap, and all the " new" Victor and Marcus styles out there but MK is really in my wheelhouse!

[@cambridgebasslessons]

Yes KZbin in the 80's would've helped me greatly! I'll take a look at Mr Pink, do you mean the live version from "A Physical Presence"? That's my favourite live album. Eyes Waterfalling is all about stamina, I'll have a go for you, never tried that one before! I've already done a tutorial of 'The Pursuit of Accidents". Look in my 'Slap bass tutorial' playlist. All the best, Davey

[@6lillium]

CambridgeBassLessons thank you! And yes, " A Physical Presence". I'm checking POA right now!

[@ylcn77ylcn]

very nice great

[@yvandutlase7768]

nice Cambridje , THANKS BRO BASSMAN

[@markbass354]

Davie this is a blast to play , over the past month I've gotten faster but not as fast as you.I mute everything to get the motion going then slowly let go of the mute to let the strings do their job , this is addicting.

[@cambridgebasslessons]

+Mark S B. Nice one Mark, glad you're so into it!!!

[@jalutgerhanaskacintakujama5649]

nice video sir

[@HiepNguyen-fp3jz]

cool! I loved your videos.

[@cambridgebasslessons]

Thanks

[@vincentmarq9409]

Good video, 👍

[@cambridgebasslessons]

Thanks Vince

[@epicconcord8711]

I love bass!

[@maurpine]

fantatic! thank you much

[@cambridgebasslessons]

Thanks

[@baSsDiaRy01]

niceee😍😍

[@donh5794]

Nice tutorial. How does string height action affect slapping?

[@cambridgebasslessons]

If the action is too high you won't be able to slap the bass. A lower action helps enormously but you don't want fret buzz

[@Babybugex]

Bad ass Fiddle!!!

[@deusesoberano.625]

puts subtitles in Portuguese (Brazil) so that some Brazilians who do not know English, follow their lessons. only a hint. thank you so much!

[@juderaj676]

Thanks a lot ❤️

[@Size108]

Amazing tutorial. I'm only 3 minutes in and I've unlocked the magic door. All thanks to yourself & Mr. Mark King 🌟

[@trumpetboss5483]

Thank u u are the best

[@cambridgebasslessons]

thanks for watching

[@jeehbass9745]

super,bravo!!

[@cordovaadmin3099]

thank you, it helps me big time.

[@cambridgebasslessons]

You're welcome

[@elbahernandez970]

Cambridge Bass Lessons Mary cruz

[@elbahernandez970]

Mary Cruz la reina dezamora

[@Gorby459]

I find your tutorials very clear and helpful. Any chance of a tutorial of "I wont let the Sun go down on Me" by Nik Kershaw. Just cant get the thumb verse part right. No worries if you cant, I enjoy all your lessons anyway. Thanks and keep up the good work.

[@cambridgebasslessons]

Gorby459 Sure thing, I'm just finishing off some music so will get on to it straight after. I played with Nik Kershaw so I know the song well. At least I used to!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJTbiHh8ZqyNbM0

[@graemerobertson5160]

To get the left hand muted slap, try and land all four left hand fingers on the E A and D string together. I ended up sounding like I was tapping because I was hitting just the bottom E string and I got frustrated becuase none of the videos explained it.

[@kirk0116]

i continue to watch this video like a 1000 times and i still suck at bass :(

[@cambridgebasslessons]

Sorry to hear that, don't give up. I give Skype lessons so you can always book a lesson and I'll see if I can help

[@jsihavealotofplaylists]

Cambridge Bass Lessons You BOOK LESSONS?! woah!

[@cambridgebasslessons]

Yes I do Joshua, e mail [e-mail] if you're interested. Cheers Davey

[@TheJackJulian]

Don't watch, practice..

[@markbass354]

Davey after hours upon hours of practicing this I finally got it down. But still not as fast as you but good enough for me.

[@cambridgebasslessons]

Nice one Mark, send me a video some time so I can see how you're progressing

[@josenunez4630]

gracias!!!!!!!!!!!

[@keithandjackie1]

Hi there, this is a fantastic video and the playing is out of this world. In the comments below you talk about string height. I was wondering, what height are the strings on this bass? Keith.

[@cambridgebasslessons]

+keithandjackie1 Hi Keith, if you have a low action it makes slapping a lot easier. I would like to have a much lower action but get bad fret buzz (14th fret) if it's too low. If you have a high action the left hand hit is very hard to do. Hope this helps

[@keithandjackie1]

+Cambridge Bass Lessons hi davey, thanks for quick reply. Yeah it does help. Im learning myself to play bass and im really keen to learn slap. Your videos are really helping me along too. I have my action set around 3 mm at the 17th fret. Do you think if i got it lower that would improve the slap learning??? Thanks ever so much. Keith.

[@neil2905]

fucking cool man. I love your videos.

[@chinatownacupuncture709]

Great 06:45

[@cesarhodriguez642]

Show de bola Good d+ 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@ruckybahiano9929]

Very hard!

[@bassmanjtfunk]

Their are many ways to approach the slap technique. This is just one of many. Check out Larry Graham or Louis Johnson. For a Different approach.

[@mionome501]

Where did you get that thing on the tumb?

[@cambridgebasslessons]

It's tape

[@lionelramsal7354]

Thanks for the tip 👍 you can get the bass tab for free on songster to achieve a better result.

[@dennistzo]

666k views, 6 years ago. Thanks for the video.

[@cambridgebasslessons]

Thanks for watching : )

[@cristhianrodriguez177]

Genial...

[@wtfusheeple5383]

wow!

[@CFnegao]

Muito bom, valeu!

[@paco68it]

Amazing! Thx for sharing this lesson I wonder how you can play with such a big action on your strings Another question: you’re playing a fender jazz bass with active/ passive switch but it sounds quite dull Is it because your strings are worn out? can’t hear the typical nice attack

[@cambridgebasslessons]

Old strings, crap sound quality from Camera phone

[@CuzCutz]

Holy shit bro! 👍🤘

[@yonataneven6077]

where is that little thumb glove from?

[@cambridgebasslessons]

Tape

[@michaelroberts5801]

Is there hammer on in there as well

[@jonykeym2]

Hello I subscribe to your videos and I love what you do I know how much you do to slap beyond left hand mute because when I do the strings bounce too. I work on a jazz bass and can be that I must down my strings of the handle for more clap?

[@cambridgebasslessons]

+jonykeym2 Yes having a low action will help with the left hand hit. If the action is too high it's very difficult to do. Let me know if you need any help with anything? Cheers, Davey