It isn't you - it is harder to slap an extended range bass. I play a 7-string and the strings are real close together but I'm very happy with my slap technique and can do it equally as well as I can on a 4-string. You will need modify your technique a little bit to accomodate the smaller string spacing but I have actually found it to benefit my slapping technique because it makes my technique more articulate and refined. You'll find that playing a 4-string will almost seem comically easy when it comes to slap. Just know it is possible and more than that it's possible to do it well on a 5-string or any extended range bass - just continue to work on it and give it some time. The best way I found to practice getting used to the spacing is playing octave exercises up to 12th fret and back in a "T-P" ,"T-T-P" and "T-P-T" pattern and continue to practice at a metronome speed until you can pop each perfectly every time, and then speed up. Take your time - it can get frustrating - but you'll get the feel fairly quickly.

Warwick makes basses that have wider string spacings (specially for slappers). here:
http://www.warwickbass.com/basses/thumb_bass.html

I had similar difficulty for a while when I finished my new 5-string bass, but I got used to it withing few weeks of daily practise.
And now I wouldnt give it up for anything.

.v

oh.. I forgot to add that I aint any "phenomenal" slapper.

.v

yes you are blaming your equipment for your lack of slapping prowess. but thats expected and normal when you try on a 5 or 6 string. Just practice, and slow down a bit from what you are used to so you can practice. you'll find that once you are proficient on a 5, you will be phenominal on a 4. its just accuray. 5's force you to clean up your act.

IS my lack of slap/pop skills because I don't practise hard enough, or because the way my bass is built makes it real tough to do much more than pop the G string.:

Certainly if you don't practice, you've answered your own question.

5 Strings may be hard for some people to get with for slap style playing, but don't fret it...keep practicing. A lot of people I know who have learnt to play on 5 strings have admitted their slap technique has improved from learning on a 5 String. String spacing may cause a problem at first, but nothing that can't be overcome.

Hi,

Everyone has provided good information but there is consideration for the instrument itself. First, know yourself, how you play, and how you are comfortable playing. Being an aggressive bassplayer myself with a strong funk and slapping background my 1st choice for slapping is always my 4 string. I do own 2 five strings and I'm very comfortable using my technigue on them.

1) 95% of the vintage funk and R&B you hear was done on a 4 string. I play my funk shows on 4 strings. Gigs where I really need the range i use my 5 strings

2)All 5 strings are not created equal. You can have adjustments done at the bridge (if your lucky) but are they enough? Many basses i've tried were just to tight spaceing wise.

3)Some people buy instruments on-line. I can't. it's to personal. When I pick up a new bass I place three fingers in between the bottom four strings. If they don't fit comfortable I put it down. I'm the same way with pickups. Usually it the dual soapbar types like on the new Musicman Bongo bass. The front pickup is where my hand goes to play comfortably so in my world I can't play my technique on that bass.

4) Simple rule everyone knows but forgets. The P-bass neck is bigger (wider) than a J-bass neck. Smaller necks equals smaller spacing. with that in mind I own mostly P-bass style necks o my basses. I do one a Marcus Miller 75 re-issue but I realize it tighter than '77 musicman stingray.

I guess thats the long way of saying if you instument isn't comfortable investigate getting one that is. That will make your practicing less work and more productive.