use of thumb for fretting when slapping....level 42 hot water.

[iconic]

I've been trying to noodle along to hot water and found it very hard, its a very busy line, then I saw a video of mark king....and glen dyver, both using their thumb to fret the A and G notes on the E string, it does make it easier, feels strange and my finger muscle memory needs fighting!

So is this quite a common technique with regards slap bass?

[thumperbob 2002]

Yep - invented by Louis Johnson I believe.

[iconic]

Ahh, Louis, just been going over get on the floor again, thought i was doing well then i find Louis is playing 3 notes at once on the first G....G with G octave and the 3rd's octave being B on the G string!

....amazing fingers...n' thumbs!