Slap That Bass!

A comprehensive slap bass method for double bassists.

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Are you an upright bassist looking to master slap bass technique?

Check out this short video to hear how we can help.


Slap That Bass! is an online course presented by slap bass extraordinaire 'Slick' Joe Fick.

This course teaches slap bass techniques on the upright bass in a step-by-step fashion. It's a comprehensive method to get you playing cool slap bass lines, hot solos and slick licks! It comprises 34 lessons over three hours and covers a wide range of topics on slap bass playing, presented by one of the slap bass world's most exciting artists.

Many of the videos feature guitar and drums accompaniment by Joe's band (Kelley's Heroes) and we also provide play-along tracks with three mixes of each recording:

  • Full band
  • Guitar and drums
  • Solo stand up bass

Detailed transcriptions of Joe Fick's bass lines, licks, and solos are included in the course. There are 66 pages of sheet music, so you will have everything you need to practice at home.

Slap That Bass! is available to stream online, exclusively at Discover Double Bass.

Artist


Slick Joe Fick
Slick Joe Fick

Known as the Energizer Bunny of the slap bass world due to his virtuosic technique, ‘Slick’ Joe Fick is one of Nashville’s most in-demand bassists. Joe portrayed Elvis Presley’s bass player, Bill Black, in the 2005 Johnny Cash biopic Walk the Line and on the soundtrack to Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 film Elvis starring Tom Hanks. Joe currently plays with Kelley’s Heroes 5 nights a week at Robert’s Western World on Lower Broadway in downtown Nashville.


Watch this video to see Joe talk about the pioneers of slap bass.

All of the slap hits that Joe plays here are covered in the course.


What will I learn?

In the 34 video lessons, 'Slick Joe' covers a wide range of topics on slap bass. These include:

  • Beginner to blazing slap bass patterns
  • Rhythm keeping
  • Tricks and licks
  • Hot solos
  • ...and much more!

Many of these slap techniques are demonstrated using chord progressions to commonly played rockabilly, country and bluegrass songs so you can enjoy playing them at home.

 

This course is perfect for those who want a step-by-step approach to slapping the dog house fiddle!

Who's it for?

Slap bass techniques are used by bassists from all genres. From the old-school jazzer who wants to spice up their bass lines to the rockabilly hotshot looking to tear up their solo break, slap bass is a technique that every double bassist can enjoy.

Contents


  Course Introduction
Available in days
days after you enrol
  Chapter 1: The Essential Slap Bass Patterns
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days after you enrol
  Chapter 2: Extensions and Embellishments – The tricks and licks!
Available in days
days after you enrol

Want to check out a free preview lesson? Click here

Transcriptions

Detailed transcriptions of Joe Fick's bass lines, licks and solos are included. These PDFs are displayed on the lesson pages and can be downloaded if required. There are 66 pages of sheet music in this course, so you won't run out of new music to learn!

Please note that the sheet music is in standard notation and we don't offer a version in TAB.

Play-Along Tracks:

We have provided play-along tracks performed by Joe's band - Kelley's Heroes who joined him in the studio. You can use these tracks to practice with the full group, guitar and drums only, or solo double bass. These MP3s can be played from the lesson pages or be downloaded.

- Kelly's Heroes: guitarist Luke McQueary, bassist & lead vocals Slick Joe Fick & drummer Bill Van Vleet.

Hear what others are saying about the course:

"Great Course and an amazing player/musician. It helps a lot the see and hear all the technique both slow, isolated and with the band."

- Luca Leombruni

"By far the best online course I have ever taken. Joe's preparation, knowledge and clear, straightforward presentation were outstanding!"

- Jim Pipher

 
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
Will the course work on a tablet?
Yes, all of our courses can be viewed via an internet browser on any device. However, please note an up-to-date operating system and/or browser may be required for video playback.
Can I download the videos?
No, they are only available to view online. However PDFs of the transcriptions are available to download.
Can I ask Joe Fick questions?
Joe isn't available to answer questions, but we do include membership to the 'Study Group', a private forum in which you can ask Geoff Chalmers and our community of double bassists questions.
Is this suitable for bass guitar?
No, this slap bass method is designed especially for upright bassists.
Do I need a special set up or strings to play slap bass?
It's possible to play slap on any bass and there are many bassists using steel strings with a standard setup. The best strings for slapping are gut or synthetic, so advanced slap bassists will favour those, but steel strings can also work, especially for the beginner to intermediate slap hits.

Our courses are only available on DiscoverDoubleBass.com and include a 30 day, no questions asked, full refund policy.

Have questions or need help? Contact us.