The core of Victor's technique is the thumb pluck, taught to him by his older brother Regi Wooten. Instead of using the thumb to slap a string and then bounce back to strike again, Victor will thumb slap the string but allow his thumb to follow through to rest on the next highest string. An immediate reversal of the thumb strikes the same string again, creating a rapid-fire two-note riff. The action of the thumb resembles the plucking motion of a pick used by a guitarist. This technique doubles the speed of tones created with the thumb.
A hammer-on is when a fretting finger is pressed forcefully and rapidly on the fingerboard to create a tone. This technique does not require the strumming hand to pluck a string to create a tone. However, when done in concert with thumb plucks, both hands are creating tones with unbelievable speed. The fastest riffs and the most melodic musical phrases are possible when the two techniques are combined.
Tapping occurs when the fingers of both hands are employing the hammer-on to created complex musical passages on the fingerboard. The technique visually resembles a pianist playing a keyboard. The tapping of the strings on the individual frets creates the notes of the melody.
This technique is probably the most difficult to master. The ability to create harmonious tones without fret noise or fingers literally running into each other is no easy task. And, tone manipulation, like the bending of notes, presents a major challenge to the novice.
To learn how to play these techniques in concert with each other, Victor would often play musical scales and simple melodies by slowly incorporating the three styles into his practice routine. The key to mastering Victor's style is to learn each technique individually, then slowly combine them to create your melodies. Once you are comfortable with playing these styles together, a gradual increase in speed is in order.
Unlike a lot of modern bass players, Victor still plays the traditional four-string bass. If you play a five- or six-string bass and you want to learn the techniques employed by Victor, it is best to learn them on a four-stringed instrument. The precision required to master these skills will be hampered by the minimal space created with additional strings.
Also, keep your effects units in the closet. Reverbs, loop stations and other gear will only complicate the learning process. Learning to play the bass guitar Victor Wooten style is enough to impress any listener.