Bass popping and slapping

Here’s how to notate popping and slapping for bass tablature using the Soundslice editor.

Slapping is the technique of percussively slapping the bass string with your right thumb (or left thumb, if you’re left-handed).

Popping is the technique of popping one of the two highest strings of the bass with your right index finger (or left index finger, if you’re left-handed).

Soundslice puts the letter “S” above tablature to designate a slap and the letter “P” above tablature to designate a pop.

Adding a slap or pop

1. Select a note. (It doesn’t matter if you select it within the tablature staff or the standard-notation staff.)
2. In the editor’s top panel, open the “Tab” section and click the “Toggle slap” or “Toggle pop” icon. Or search the editor for “Toggle slap” or “Toggle pop.” Or use a keyboard shortcut.

Removing a slap or pop

1. Select the note that has the slap or pop. (It doesn’t matter if you select it within the tablature staff or the standard-notation staff.)
2. You’ll see the slap icon or pop icon in the current notations section. Click that icon to remove the slap or pop.