BIT instructor Alexis Sklarevski is a phenomenal teacher, and has the rare ability to put all the pieces together in a refreshingly logical, integrated fashion. Starting with the fundamentals of slap technique, he elaborates one step at a time to incorporate complex damping and choking, funk patterns and vamps, 'machine-gun' triplets, percussive right-hand tapping, flamenco-style strumming, double-stop riffs, scales, phrasing and much more. He is incredibly thorough, and his demonstrations with a guitarist and drummer show how this dynamic style can be applied in almost any musical situation. Absolutely the most complete and focused study of slap technique ever produced!!
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REVIEWS:
This might be the best instructional video we've ever seen. Studio player/BIT instructor Alexis Sklarevski guides you through every facet of slap-and-pop technique, from beginner's first steps to advanced triple-picking and flamenco strumming. The production values on the 83-minute video are first-rate, with plenty of over-the-shoulder shots and inset views. As we say in our Spring '90 review: 'No video is as effective as a live teacher, but this one comes awfully close.'
- Bass Player Magazine, August, 1993

If there is one instructional video on the market today that has helped bass players with their slapping technique, it would have to be The Slap Bass Program by Alexis Sklarevski. This video has been out for quite a few years now, but it is still one of the most comprehensive lessons for anyone who wants to learn slap technique and how to apply it. I recommend it to players at any level (even guitarists can learn some new techniques.) The first half of the video covers basic fundamentals and exercises which should be practiced slowly to begin with. Everything that is played is transcribed in a booklet which is included with the video. It's recommended that you watch the video in sections so you can learn the material thoroughly. (Believe me, there is a lot of material in this video.) Once the basics are covered, Alexis demonstrates a number of different funk grooves incorporating examples from the beginning of the video. The cool part about this is while he's demonstrating these ideas in the control room, the camera cross-dissolves to him in the studio playing with a drummer and guitarist without missing a beat! The last part of the tape demonstrates more advanced slapping techniques such as 'machine-gun triplets' and a 'flamenco' style of slapping which has to be seen to be believed. The production quality of this video is first class and the use of production techniques such as 'split-screen' close-ups and 'over the shoulder' angle shots are very helpful. While watching this video, you'll notice the bass never moves! It's almost like it's locked into a vise while being played. This is also very helpful when trying to follow along. If you have never seen this video, I recommend you check it out. If you have seen it, you never know what you might learn the second, third and fourth times through.
- Bass Frontiers Magazine (D. Monoxelos) (1995, Vol 2 No 3)

This video remains one of the most comprehensive tutorials on the slap style. With years of instructional experience at the Musicians Institute in California (and a native Canadian from Ottawa), Alexis has developed an affable, easy-going teaching style that makes learning from him a pleasure. He demonstrates a number of fundamental techniques, then turns them into some fairly complex bass parts. Even if you've been employing slap parts in your playing for a while, you'll probably still learn some new things from this tape. Some of my favorites include 'machine-gun' triplets, and double and triple plucks. The integration of left and right hand techniques is especially useful to bassists new to the style. An enclosed booklet guides you through the techniques step-by-step, and includes notation of the examples. A split-screen assists with visually understanding the patterns, and live ensemble playing helps in applying the examples. Applicable to all levels of players.
- Bassics Magazine

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