BASS
IT’S EVERYWHERE | Gary Lunn
No matter which way you face your amp, if you it can soften the tone of a song when played in in the chord progression of the song. In other
turn it up you’re gonna fill the room with low a higher octave, and build a song when moved words, you’re leading without everyone being
end. Symbolically, I could end this article right to a middle or lower octave. It can soar over completely aware of it.
here, but I won’t. :) Bass frequencies are (for other movement by simply sustaining, creating
the most part) omni directional. However, there an openness in the music even though it’s still Bassists constantly survey the music around
are several different parallel perspectives that there. It can also restore complete harmony. the platform, consider it, and groove with it. The
we can consider as bass players in a worship By multiplying or changing rhythmic values it wonderful musical conversation that we have
team. The bass “chair” in the band is one of the can propel a song to new levels. By playing with the drummer is vitally important. We can
most aware-of-everything posts in the band. in syncopated fashion, it can either create play right with him, slightly behind him, or a little
It’s kind of a big deal. :) Bringing this to light will interesting changes in the music or cause ahead of the him (rarely!), but the cool part of
show the often overlooked significance of our complete chaos. By seizing an appropriate that is that we can! Doing this takes massive
calling and hopefully, will bring a deeper, more moment to play a melody in a higher register amounts of practice, skill and discipline, but the
personal understanding of our responsibility. it can speak as a prophetic voice to souls outcome is totally worth it.
that are meant to hear it. It can also cause
As responsible bassists we are required to utter confusion if the bassist ignores the other We have the ability to make everyone on the
produce the correct bass tone that contributes musicians playing along. team sound better. If the other musicians
to the overall sound of the team and adequately are less seasoned, then we can lead them
contributes to the song. Never forget that this Never forget that the bass note is the root to higher levels simply by holding down the
always has a positive effect on the listeners and note of any chord. It’s the actual "beginning" foundation, occasionally filling in the gaps. If
performers. of the chord. It’s important! It is the single most the other players are very accomplished, then
deciding factor that indicates the harmonization we should offer them adequate support. Either
There is a certain solidity that is present when of the chord. Being the lowest note heard, it way, if we make the other musicians sound
the bass is where it is supposed to be. It adds is always the first one listened for by everyone good, we will sound good too.
comfort to the music, the song and to the who is trying to determine where they are in
moment. It is sorely missed when it’s absent. a song. It also is the most important tuning Most importantly, as a bassist don't expect or
Everyone can feel it. When the bass is not reference for every instrument or voice in a look for attention or credit. Always remember
present the music has no pedestal for the band or ensemble. that it is not about us - it’s about everyone else
spelling of chords to rest upon. Its “staying with whom we share the platform and what we
power” and consistency can carry the entire The bassist can make or break the connection can offer to ensure synchronicity and flow. Not
band. The bass is meant to be played with between rhythm and melody. We can outline everyone understands the significance of the
fortitude. Essentially, the bass sets the stage the tonality of the music by marking out the bassist, but God certainly does!
for the entire band. significant notes of each chord (or even an approaching chord) in the bass line - a lot like The bass has the power to effectively change signposts along a path. This way, everyone in the energy of any part of a song. Dynamically, the band is made more aware of where they are
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January 2020
Gary Lunn
Gary is a session player/producer/writer in Nashville.
Contact him either by Facebook or email at
[email protected] for scheduling.
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