BASS
SHALL I TAKE THE LEAD? | Gary Lunn
Bass players in a rhythm section follow. so be sure to give them a break and make your in the groove. This lets the music breath and
That’s what we do. But occasionally we work inquiries gentle. Ask your drummer to always makes the foundation stronger and more solid.
with bands that aren’t so easy to follow. subtly let the band know where the tempo is Lastly, a drummer that plays with a click is a
Occasionally, bass players are band leaders, (in the quiet sections) by always indicating the wonderful thing. If yours does not, then I would
but typically not as often as keyboard players. cadence of the song. During powerful sections, ask your worship leader to suggest it!
So, what’s a bass player to do in a loose feeling
band? Thankfully there are some diplomatic Even the greatest bands of human beings do
ways to communicate your concerns to your what humans do: play like humans. Things are
bandmates. Rejoice! We can continue to be the
unsung heroes.
To better clarify, our role as bass players is
to take into consideration all aspects that are
happening before, during, and after every
song plays. The key word is "listen." Hopefully
everyone in your rhythm section has that
wonderful, primary trait. If they don’t then you
can suggest that they develop it! Also, you
should strongly suggest that he or she should
only be concerned with serving the song—not
themselves.
If you think the drummer might be contributing
The key word
guitarists listen to all the rhythmic elements
is “listen.”
while they are playing. Suggest this to them!
This creates the much-desired, "glue" effect.
Guitar players like to be the glue (but they’ll
Hopefully
never admit it).
everyone in
Oh, if your band has an acoustic guitar player,
encourage them to listen to everyone in the
your rhythm
band. There’s a reason the acoustic guitar
is sometimes secretly referred to as the "six-
stringed high hat." This might be the situation
section has
where you should let them know that little
that wonderful,
to the situation then get a game plan together
for your conversation with him. First you should
ask yourself about your musical relationship
with the drummer. Some examples might be:
Do I 'lock' with the drummer? Are they easy
to play with or does it tire me having to be in
suspense about when the next downbeat
is coming? Am I fearful that he's going to
'drop the ball' and lose me in the breakdown
(that dreaded feeling when there's no tempo
reference... just random tom-tom rumblings
going to move around a little so it's key that
secret!
Keyboardists
bring
so
much
wonderful
primary trait. If sensitivity and energy to the music! Encourage
they don’t then dynamics.
you can suggest
them to be mindful of consistency with
Sometime when you have a chance, you
should address the whole rhythm section.
Give them a new idea to consider while playing
that they together. Suggest that they frequently think to
develop it! of everyone’s way?”
themselves something like, “How can I play out
between cymbal swells)?
May God continue to bless the work of your
hands!
Many drummers who ‘drive’ responsibly do if he is playing random kick patterns that are
exist and I get to work with them almost every too busy, you can smooth things together
day. There is a quiet, yet massive, authority in by playing longer notes over those busy kick
these near-perfect specimens of total musicality patterns. Encourage them to allow more space
126
February 2019
Gary Lunn
Gary is a session player/producer/writer in Nashville,
TN. He plays for many recording session accounts
and home recording, as well as project production,
writing, and arranging. Email him for questions,
comments or scheduling at [email protected].
gracechurchnashville.com
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