BASS
HE WHO HAS EARS … | Gary Lunn
A naturally occurring phenomenon is how we bass players can sense the “ feel ” or “ pocket ” of the players around us . I believe it is a natural gift / skill , but we have to keep it sharp and ready ! We have a watchman-like perception of timing , and we must be aware and practiced !
The really cool part is that if we concentrate and listen hard enough , we can compare the subtle groove and timing differences among the players we play with . Our “ post ” allows us more opportunities to do this . The fact that our job isn ’ t as physically demanding as a drummer ’ s or even a guitar player ’ s really helps , so count your blessings !
Practicing as much as you can makes such a huge difference to your confidence in your ability to analyze . It doesn ’ t matter how long you ’ ve played or how much experience you may have ; it always helps to practice scales , timing , improvisation , and especially restraint . Remember , it ’ s all about tone , taste , and timing . Overplaying is not allowed in excellent worship music . Practicing with a click and / or loops can and WILL help your musical awareness .
When you have a new player join the rotation , and they have great timing and feel , listen to them more intently and learn their concepts and individuality . Encourage others to work on listening closely to everyone else in the band as they play . The two primary goals are to always strive to figure out how to get out of everyone ’ s way and to always keep the song itself as the main focal point .
Musicians are spiritual beings who “ see ” into the music with their ears . They let the spirit in the music lead and guide them through each part of every song . In this way , bassists learn what each part of the song needs fundamentally . For example , they may transition from a simple / soft bass line to a more authoritative approach as the song builds . Listening as we play creates endless possibilities for bass lines .
Sensing rushing or dragging in the rhythm section is a gift that can be quite handy . As bassists , we have the ability to “ pull ” back a rushing instrumentalist simply by laying back on the beat . If you are playing with a click , concentrate hard on it and constantly remind yourself to play behind it ever so slightly . WE CAN influence the whole band to tighten up to the click . We have the power ! LOL !
Eighth-note worship tunes are still alive and well in our world . It might be boring now and then , but it ’ s not as simple as you might think . In fact , it ’ s the simple songs / styles that are the most challenging to play . As we repeat specific patterns over and over , our brains begin to second-guess the previous times we ’ ve played that pattern or section .
Don ’ t let your mind play tricks on you ! Keep in mind that the simpler a bass line is , the quicker
you have to set a consistent fingering style . Then , try to stop thinking about it . Concentrate on the other groove elements in the rhythm section . Focus on the high hat , bass drum , click , guitars , etc ., and just let your fingers play . Concentrate on the song as a whole , and when you ’ ve made it to the end , pat yourself on the back !
Another practice method that can help you rise to a new level is to pick out a piece of music with a bass part that is a bit “ over your head ” and begin learning it a section at a time until you have mastered the whole song . Don ’ t give up , even if it takes days , weeks , months … whatever . Find a video of someone playing the song as a tribute on YouTube and study it . Slow the playback speed . Loop it . Play it . Eventually , you will master it , and then you ’ ll discover that all the other songs in your “ learned ” repertoire are suddenly easier to play . You ’ ve raised the bar another notch ! This gives you a wonderful sense of accomplishment and a huge shot of confidence .
As we strive to be better musicians , remember that we are continuing to develop the talent that He has given us . Don ’ t ever let it falter . Always remember that whenever we play , we are giving our gift back to Him . Keep those ears and fingers tuned !
Gary Lunn Gary is a session player / producer / writer in Nashville , TN . He does home recording and plays for many recording session accounts . Email him at garylunn @ me . com with thoughtful questions ! Or send him a song to play on !
86 January 2025 Subscribe for Free ...