[Tutorial] How to Create a Slap Bass Tab in Guitar Pro 8

Editing a slap bass tab in Guitar Pro 8? Absolutely! Let’s go through the process step by step so you can set up a precise and versatile tool to accompany you throughout your practice sessions.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn:

• How to configure your project for an authentic slap tone
• All the essential notation symbols for this technique
• 5 example bass lines that perfectly illustrate slap playing (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Primus…)
• Useful keyboard shortcuts to speed up your workflow

A quick reminder before we begin:

Slapping is a percussive bass technique, often referred to as “thumb thumping,” commonly played on the lower strings of the bass. Some players also use it on higher strings, but here we’ll focus on the core fundamentals. Slapping is almost always paired with popping — the plucking of higher strings with the index, middle, or even ring finger. In everyday conversation, “slap” usually refers to both techniques combined.

As for tone, the most important element is, unsurprisingly, your fingers. In an ideal world, you’d get your perfect slap tone without relying on any effects, but certain tools can help enhance your sound and make certain notes stand out. We’ll explore those options along the way.

Don’t forget to download the provided Guitar Pro files to practice the examples yourself.

Creating a New Slap Bass Project in Guitar Pro 8

Start by adding your bass track. Once you’ve created a new project (New File), you’ll be prompted to Add Track. Choose Bass then Electric.

In the Information / Notation / Upper Staff menu (since bass is usually written on a single staff), I recommend starting with a “classic” bass tone that still has the character of a basic slap sound.

Sound > All Sounds > Basses > Slap Bass > Funky > Create

I’ve chosen the “Funky” preset because it brings together all the core tonal elements for slap, and funk remains the genre where slap playing really shines. You’ll find other presets as well — some with more complex setups, effects, and even signature artist sounds. Once you’ve grasped the basics, feel free to experiment.

With the track created, look at the Inspector on the right-hand side. In Track, you have Sounds, so you can click Sound Details to access the Soundbank and Effect Chain.

For the Soundbank, the Modern 5 bass is selected by default, but you can swap it for a Precision or Jazz for a more traditional sound. On basses with multiple pickups, you can also adjust pickup position.

Inspector > Track > Sounds > Sound Details > Soundbank > Choose Instrument

Inspector > Track > Sounds > Sound Details > Bank Settings > Position > Choose Position

Under that, the Effect Chain gives you access to amps, EQs, and compressors. In the Funky preset, you’ll find a single amp, a lightly scooped-mid EQ, and a compressor to control dynamics — a simple yet effective recipe for beginners. You can always add more effects later.

Inspector > Track > Sounds > Sound Detail > Effect chain

Finally, scroll to Interpretation to set the Playing Style to Slap Bass and bring Palm Mute down to 0 for maximum clarity:

Track > Interpretation > Playing Style > Slap Bass

Track > Interpretation > Palm Mute > 0

Notating Slap Bass in Guitar Pro 8

Here’s how to correctly notate the main slap techniques:

Slap

Select your note, click Slap in the editing palette. An “S” will appear between the standard notation and the tablature, or above if you’re using only one of them.

Editing Palette > Slap (shortcut $)

Pop

Select the note, click Pop. A “P” appears in the same location.

Editing Palette > Pop (shortcut Ctrl+$)

Ghost Notes (Dead Notes)

These muted notes are used frequently in slap to add percussive texture. In Guitar Pro, select the muted note icon in the palette or press X.

Editing Palette > Dead Note (shortcut X) > Slap (shortcut $)

Hammer On/Pull Off

These add life and fluidity to your bass lines. Select at least two notes, click the Hammer-On/Pull-Off icon. Depending on whether you go up or down in pitch, “H” or “P” will appear.

Editing Palette > Hammer On / Pull Off (shortcut H)

Left-Hand Slap

An advanced technique where the fretting hand taps the strings against the neck to create a percussive effect. Often used with open strings. Notate it by placing ghost notes (X) on the strings and adding the Left-Hand Tapping symbol. Left-Hand slap was popularized mainly by bassists such as Mark King, Marcus Miller, and many others since.

Editing Palette > Left Hand Tapping (shortcut ( )

Final result

I’ve created a slap groove for you that brings together all the elements we covered earlier. Feel free to download the Guitar Pro file to practice and review the different notation symbols specific to this technique.

Slap Basslines Examples

Higher Ground – Red Hot Chili Peppers

A Flea classic, originally by Stevie Wonder. Fun and accessible, though keeping up with the tempo requires stamina and rhythmic consistency.

Play Higher Ground in mySongBook !

Last Nite – Larry Carlton

A jazz-fusion groove in C minor, with legendary bassist Abraham Laboriel. Great for practicing thumb movement across multiple strings.

Play Last Nite in mySongBook !

Fly Away – Lenny Kravitz

An iconic groove recorded by Lenny Kravitz himself. Recreate the sound with an envelope filter, reduced low end, and boosted mids/highs. Slides and ghost notes give the line its character.

Play Fly Away in mySongBook !

Freak On A Leash – Korn

Fieldy uses slap in a metal context, playing a 5-string tuned a whole step down (ADGCF). Precision is key when switching between open strings and ghost notes.

Play Freak On A Leash in mySongBook !

Tommy the Cat – Primus

A true slap challenge from Les Claypool. Includes flamenco-style right-hand strumming on beat one. Start slowly — this one is tricky to master.

Play Tommy the Cat in mySongBook !

Keyboard Shortcuts for Slap Notation in Guitar Pro 8

The keyboard shortcuts for slap notation in Guitar Pro 8 are the same for both macOS and Windows. A summary table is shown below:

Your turn!

I’m excited to share these main aspects of writing slap bass parts in Guitar Pro 8. I hope this tutorial inspires you to explore the technique and its notation further. If you know of other great slap bass players we should cover in a future tutorial, let me know!