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Double Popping

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Double popping is a technique that requires you to pop the higher strings on the bass with the first and second fingers. These two popped notes - in combination with slapped notes - are commonly used as part of a triplet rhythm. Double popped triplets are often added into slap grooves to add rhythmic interest.

Most bass players learn to pop notes with either the first or second finger. It’s a good idea to be comfortable using both however, as this opens up further possibilities. These include popping double stops (as covered in the previous chapter) and playing triplet rhythms as described above. In this course we’ll be focussing on the latter.

You can learn more about the double popping technique in the Slap Bass – Intermediate Level video course, which you can find HERE. Don't forget to hit the Download Resources button above to receive the PDF worksheet and audio files that accompany these lessons.

This course contains the following videos, each of which can be selected from the video player above:

Exercise #59

This exercise opens with a commonly played double popping figure. After an initial slapped note, the thumb is used once again to slap the low string (this time as a ghost note) and is followed by sequential pops with the first and second fingers.

Exercise #60

This exercise uses the same triplet rhythm as the previous one, bit this time follows the second popped note with a slapped note on the same string.

Exercise #61

This exercise once again uses the same triplet rhythm. However, this time, all of the notes are pitched rather than being played as ghost notes. You can allow all three notes to ring into one another for a chordal effect here.

Exercise #62

In this exercise the triplet rhythm is played on the first part of the beat rather than the second. This is a busy line that also makes use of some sliding octave figures.

Exercise #63

This F minor groove once again uses a double popped triplets to play a ghost note figure. This is a challenging line to play - in addition to the double popped triplets there are notes slapped and popped on the same string in quick succession to contend with.

Exercise #64

This exercise is played with a swung sixteenth note feel.

Exercise #65

This exercise is also played with a swung sixteenth note feel. This time however, the double popped notes are not used as part of a triplet. Instead, they are played as thirty-second notes meaning that they go by even quicker. In this respect they are similar to the way in which a drummer might play a ‘flam’.

Exercise #66

As well as double popped sixteenth note triplets, this exercise also makes use of pitched fretting hand slaps.

Exercise #67

This exercise has a very simple chord movement. Double popping is once again used as part of a sixteenth note triplet here.

Exercise #68

This exercise is built on a repeating phrase that lasts for a beat and a half.