Introduction
Slap bass is a style of playing the electric bass guitar that involves striking the strings with the thumb to create a percussive sound. It is closely associated with funk music and is an integral part of it. The history of slap bass is not well-known, leaving many wondering who invented this style of bass playing.
A Historical Look at the Invention of Slap Bass
The development of slap bass can be traced back to the 1970s when funk music was gaining popularity. At the time, there were already established styles of bass playing such as fingerstyle and pickstyle, but slap bass offered a new way of playing the instrument. It was pioneered by musicians such as Larry Graham and Louis Johnson, who experimented with the technique and developed their own unique style.
Slap bass became a genre of music in its own right and was heavily used in funk music. It differed from other genres of bass playing in that it was more percussive and had a distinct sound. Slap bass also required a different technique to play, which was more challenging than traditional bass playing.
The Innovative Mind Behind the Evolution of Slap Bass
Larry Graham is widely credited with pioneering slap bass and is considered to be one of the most influential bass players of all time. He was the bass player for the popular funk band Sly and the Family Stone and was known for his groundbreaking techniques. Graham is credited with inventing the “thump-and-pluck” technique, which is the foundation of slap bass. He also introduced the use of the wah-wah pedal and distortion to give bass playing a new sound.
Louis Johnson was another influential musician who helped shape the sound of slap bass. He was the bass player for the funk band The Brothers Johnson and is credited with introducing the use of the two-handed tapping technique. This technique allowed bassists to create a wide range of sounds and gave them greater control over their playing.
Slap Bass: From its Inception to Present Day
Slap bass has evolved over time and is now a staple of modern music. Many popular bands and artists have incorporated it into their sound, including Red Hot Chili Peppers, Primus, Rage Against The Machine, and Mars Volta. Slap bass is still used extensively in funk music, but its influence can be heard in many other genres such as rock, jazz, and even hip-hop.
Uncovering the Origins of Slap Bass: Who Invented It?
The invention of slap bass can be attributed to Larry Graham and Louis Johnson, who both brought something unique to the table. Graham is credited with inventing the “thump-and-pluck” technique, while Johnson introduced the two-handed tapping technique. Together, these two innovators revolutionized the sound of bass playing and created a genre of music that has endured for decades.
In addition to these two innovators, there have been many other influential musicians who have contributed to the development of slap bass over the years. Bassists such as Bootsy Collins and Stanley Clarke have pushed the limits of the instrument and pushed the boundaries of what is possible.
Conclusion
Slap bass has been around for decades and has become an integral part of many genres of music. Its invention can be attributed to Larry Graham and Louis Johnson, who both brought something unique to the table. Their innovations have enabled bassists to create a wide range of sounds and have pushed the boundaries of what is possible.
Slap bass is still evolving today and is being used in new and exciting ways. It continues to have a major influence on modern music and will no doubt continue to do so for many years to come.
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