BASS
STAYING AHEAD OF THE GAME | Gary Lunn
As bassists, there are several requirements for us musically and socially. Everything is so“ social” these days. On-line status and visible acceptance are at the front of the line in the significance department. But what about meeting people? Looking people in the eye when you shake their hand? Asking the right questions to make people feel that you genuinely care about them? As bass players, these can be real challenges for some of us“ one-note-at-a-time” types. The struggle is real!
I always strive to do what I say I’ m going to do. I’ ve actually declined situations that I have felt may be over my head, like a chart or song that’ s too difficult to play, difficulty in meeting a deadline, etc. I always strive to do my best to handle those types of situations in the most gracious way possible. I believe that most of the time, they will remember that about you and respect your honesty. It took me a long, long time to learn that when you fall short in a situation, let your default be to take the blame and own it. Don’ t try to smooth over a problem that’ s clearly your fault or try and pass the blame. People WILL see it, and they WILL remember. Your reputation is your best calling card.
I take pride in my“ gear” ethic as well. I keep my pedalboard clean, dust-free, and well maintained. I keep my instruments sounding and looking good. I also dress appropriately.
Also, punctuality is key. I try hard to arrive early to be ready. Tardiness stresses everybody out and lessens your chances of being called / requested by that person again!
Chops-wise, maintaining proficiency on the bass can sometimes be a challenge, especially while juggling other responsibilities. Still, I always try to be as practiced and warmed up as I can be. No matter how long I’ ve played or how much experience I have, at some point during the day( hopefully) I try and take some time to practice scales, timing, and improvisation. Even if it’ s fifteen minutes!
I also try to make it a point to listen to as many different musical genres as possible. Some music is more challenging to listen to than others, but having an open mind helps. You don’ t want to be the“ deer-in-headlights” guy when people are trying to describe a particular style of bass-line, and they refer to a group that you’ ve never heard of.
Every session I play, at home or in the studio, I play with a click. It’ s more common than ever
these days! So much church / worship music is played along with stem tracks( supplemental pre-recorded tracks), and every session that I do at home for people is always either in ProTools format or in wave audio file, which requires me to create my own ProTools session. The tracks are always“ on the grid” with a steady, metronome’ d tempo. Being able to“ stay” with the click is paramount! The result is that your playing will continue to improve, your internal clock will stay sharp, and it will help you hear and compare differences between musicians’ styles, their timing attributes( groove), and perhaps their musical individuality.
At the end of the day, we all“ pretty much” know what makes music. It’ s a melody, a bass line, and accompaniment at a tempo. But don’ t forget that the space between 1 / 4 notes is where the groove is!
Proverbs 22:29 says,“ Do you see a man diligent and skillful in his business? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.” May God continue to bless the works of your hands!
Gary Lunn Gary is a session player / producer / writer in Nashville, TN. Contact him at garylunn @ me. com for scheduling or any questions. Seriously! email garylunn @ me. com.
84 April 2026 Subscribe for Free...