Add Groove with Slap Bass Accents

Add Accents with Slap Bass

Following our previous article on ghost notes, here is another bass production recipe.

This technique adds slap bass to an existing bass phrase.
Because the playing style has a strong attack, using it percussively is key.

The important thing is to make room for the existing bass.
That can mean separating frequency ranges, changing the panning and applying spatial effects.

Treat the slap part as a higher layer that decorates the arrangement.

Slap sound example

Creating the Sound

Purchase the Product

• IK Multimedia MODO BASS: Standard Edition
• IK Multimedia MODO BASS: Crossgrade Edition

Excerpt from a YouTube Question and Answer

Hello. Your video on mid-side processing was very helpful. Thank you. I have a question: I assume panning and spatial balance are already complete at the mixdown stage. Do professionals make very precise adjustments when using mid-side processing? Otherwise, would the balance not be upset? Also, I wonder whether plug-ins capable of mid-side processing might actually have contributed to the loudness war. It would be interesting to hear what happens when using it on a Beatles recording with drums in the left channel. Thanks.

Thank you for your continued comments. When using mid-side processing, I think the best approach is to apply it within the mix project and readjust anything whose balance changes. You can also do this with the Waves MS Matrix introduced previously, so I will consider making a video about it later. IK T-RackS and Waves Center make these adjustments easy.

Program Accent Notes

Listen to the drums and existing bass phrase as you program notes where you want accents.
Octaves and seventh notes work well for slap parts.

Try setting a higher velocity for notes an octave above.

Distinguish It from the Existing Bass

To keep it from getting in the way of the existing bass,
use EQ to apply low and high cuts.

Adding distortion

or using delay to create depth can also be effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Which notes work well when programming slap bass?

Octaves and seventh notes often work well as slap accents. Try a higher velocity on notes an octave above for a stronger attack.

Q2. What if the slap part blends into the existing bass?

Use low- and high-cut EQ to separate their frequency ranges. Distortion and delay can also help distinguish the sounds.

Q3. What effects work well on slap bass?

Alongside EQ, distortion can change the texture and delay can add depth. These can give the track a wider, more dimensional sound.