BASS
HEAD GAMES | Gary Lunn
During these weird times of uncertainty and spending more time at home , as a fellow bass player , I think that there might be a need out there to address your “ concerned ” pondering . Maybe you have been feeling a little regretful over past experiences . I know from experience that there are a lot of unknowns that crop up in the “ old noggin .” I hope I can help a little , having been there a time or two !
When I began playing bass at eleven years old , I had my whole life ahead of me . I never could have imagined the kind of musical , mental , and social situations that I would go through within a few short years . Looking back , it seems like every good and bad moment was a lesson in music , behavior , life , etc . It can be quite painful ! Through the years I have learned that I would never stop learning . As my calling became closer , I sure made my share of mistakes . Still do . I have been in several different bands and have been confronted by so many different kinds of relationship-type situations , either musical , social , or spiritual . These relationships can be classified either as “ iron sharpens iron ” experiences or a “ dulling ” experiences . I found out that you can learn from both of these types of experiences , as long as you ’ re willing to humble yourself .
Rehearsals can be a bear , relationship-wise . Everyone has their own musical ideas about certain aspects of the music . Suggestions and sharing opinions can be awesome and productive , or wreak havoc sometimes ! Sadly , this part of the interaction within a musical ensemble is a less-often occurrence . With the availability of Planning Center rehearsal information , home recording , etc , it rarely happens . But whenever you have an idea in a situation where you are able to share , you shouldn ’ t ever try and force it . Ask politely if you can have an opinion and don ' t be offended if your idea is not heard . Remember , Proverbs 29:23 says , " Pride ends in humiliation , while humility brings honor ." As for me , I ’ d much rather receive honor over humiliation . Take the high road of humility !
Bass players must function in a slightly more delicate situation . There is always only one bass player in a band , particularly , in a rhythm section . This tends to add extra responsibility on the bassist and greatly increases pressure on him , especially if it ’ s a paid position . That can increase a competitive spirit among the bass players within the church , the organization , or the existing musical “ clique .” Feeling threatened can be a very unhealthy strand that can really weave a stronghold around a bassist ’ s mind and cause him to fail musically , socially , and spiritually . A good daily scripture should always include Phil 4:6-7 . “ Be anxious for nothing , but in everything , by prayer and supplication , with thanksgiving , let your requests be made known to God ; and the peace of God , which surpasses all understanding , will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus .” Any problems with self-doubt will melt away with this passage .
Everyone is different in personality and style . It has always been my desire to ( try to ) be like David - a man after God ' s own heart . The fact is that David was the only man in the Bible who was ever referred to in this manner , so I ’ d say my chances of achieving this status are pretty slim . Ha ! Still , I feel that if everyone in a worship team , a band , or on a recording session just considered the essence of some of these thoughts , many churches or music functions would be much happier , more productive places .
Some people are naturally kind and considerate of others first because of their own wonderful , God-given nature . This kind of person usually doesn ’ t become a musician because they typically are not melancholy - the trait that almost always accompanies the creative element present in musicians .
Remember : if you are playing songs for someone , you are serving them . So , when considering the upcoming performance or recording with them , it ' s not always a great idea to question or have an opinion about how they have already been recorded as it relates to the upcoming performance . If the artist / worship leader feels that there is a song that needs to be changed or " updated ," they will most likely ask for your opinion . When they do , you should immediately ask yourself if making a suggestion is the most productive thing to do at that particular moment . Be sure to consider time constraints , the artist ' s personality , etc . If you do offer your opinion , convey it in the most sensitive and inoffensive fashion possible . When others offer their opinions , no matter how " good " or " bad " you might think they are , always give everyone ' s ideas a fighting chance by playing them with your best effort . People will respect you for it and they will want to know what you think . You will also gain new , real friends at a much faster rate . To sum up , if your opinion is wanted , it will be asked for , but if there is an issue that you absolutely can ' t stop thinking about , then ask the leader privately , either on a break or after rehearsal is over . Always inquire about musical dilemmas in an attitude of “ what if ”.
The essential key to being a professional “ team ” player is that you must always strive to be the one who constantly listens for the next opportunity to get out of the way . You can be the one to set that example ! As others follow , wonderful things will begin to happen in the group while you are playing together .
Gary Lunn Gary is a session player / producer / writer in Nashville , TN . He plays for many recording session accounts , does home recording and producing , and attends Grace Church ( gracechurchnashville . com ) in Franklin , TN . Email him for questions , comments or scheduling ... garylunn @ me . com