BASS
BE SKILLFUL IN THE LITTLE THINGS TOO | Gary Lunn
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 .”
I ’ ve been blessed to have played hundreds of recording sessions . Perhaps even a thousand or two . I ’ ve felt deep emotion when creating music with others . I have experienced unspoken , harmonic / rhythmic communication with some of the greatest musicians on the planet . I ’ ve also toured with some of the greatest names in country , pop , and CCM . I ’ ve played for a president . I have played worship conferences with some of the most integral , Godly people in the world — from America , Africa , Japan , Switzerland , Germany , and others . I know that I would never have had these opportunities without practice , values , standards , etc . I ’ ve worked hard to become diligent and skillful in my work , and God has opened many doors .
A friend recently challenged me to remember some personal revelations and lessons that helped me along the way and to share them with you to help you achieve your goals . I accept , and I will try ! Here goes :
BE LORD OF THE METRONOME
We must never stop learning . No matter how long you ’ ve played or how much experience you may have , it always helps to practice scales , timing , and improvisation . Practicing with clicks and / or loops can help bring you to a level of excellence that will help you hear differences between musicians ’ styles . It will also raise your awareness of different band members ’ timing attributes . You ’ ll be able to listen better and learn their particular musical concepts as you subdivide your way through .
A great way to practice is by learning a piece of music with a really difficult bass part . Begin to methodically dissect and practice each section of the song until you can play them all ( a “ slowdown ” device is handy for this ). Rehearse ( woodshed ) each section until you conquer each one . Once you learn it , you ’ ll feel better about everything else you can already play . You will have raised the bar up a notch . These are the kind of goals we should all set in our playing . A sense of accomplishment can really boost your ability .
From a simplistic standpoint , much current worship music consists of eighth notes in several different ways . They may be simple in skillful requirements , but you always have to be ready . Sometimes , what seems to be the easiest to play can turn out to be the most difficult to play consistently . This “ mind trick ” occurs as we repeat certain patterns over and over , and our brains begin to second-guess the previous times we ’ ve played the same section , making getting through the song a bit more difficult . Just remember that the simpler the pattern is , the quicker you have to set a consistent fingering style . After you do that , don ’ t obsess over it . Just stop thinking about it . Concentrate on the other groove elements in the rhythm section . Focus on the high hat , bass drum , click track ( if you have one ), rhythm guitar , etc ., and simply let your fingers play .
CARE ABOUT EVERYTHING , NOT JUST THE SONG
Take the time to become proficient on your instrument . Be as practiced and as warmed up as you can possibly be ( by now , you should know what that entails !). Listen to as many different music genres as you can . Learn about your favorite artists and how they arrived at where they are in their career ( learning other ’ s secrets to success is nothing but inspiring ).
Take pride in your work ethic . Be “ up ” - friendly , and positive . Dress nicely . Keep your pedalboard clean and dust-free . Fix or replace any loose connections . Learn your gear ( presets , etc .). Keep your instruments clean . Try not to have ratty-looking cases or bags . Be punctual . Arrive early and stay late ( you ’ ll be less stressed and be able to concentrate better ).
Always do what you say you ’ re going to do . Always , always ! And if you can ’ t play a chart , play a song , meet a deadline , show up for a gig , etc ., decline the situation as gracefully as possible . Offer to help rectify the situation in any way you possibly can ( suggest a sub , etc .). You can ’ t expect that every person you work for will respond favorably in these times , but at least you will know that you did your best to handle it in the most gracious way possible . Most of the time , they will remember that about you .
It took me a long , long time to learn this one , but when you have fallen short in a situation , let your default be to “ fall on the sword .” Take all of the truthfully-realistic blame you can in every situation where you can ’ t deliver . And don ’ t be fooled . Whenever you try to smooth over a problem ( that ’ s clearly your fault ) or try to pass the blame , people will see it , and they will remember . Your reputation is your best business card .
Gary Lunn Gary is a session player / producer / writer in Nashville , playing recording sessions , and various live events . www . facebook . com / garylunn garylunn @ me . com