BASS
DIFFERENT WORLDS | Gary Lunn
Photo by Bhong Bahala on Unsplash
I recently started touring occasionally with an organization that performs arrangements brilliantly adapted for symphony-type orchestrations of songs that were originally performed by a popular artist. Needless to say, playing in a rhythm section with different symphonies has been an honor, yet quite the challenge for this old studio dawg. It’ s almost like moving to another country and learning the cultures of a foreign land!( I’ m kidding!)
Anyway, some of the basic concepts of time, dynamics, improvisation( which is very rare in this context), and following the leader are somewhat different. Through this process, I have had a lot of personal review and reflection on how to conduct myself, both in the musical sense and in the emotional sense.
There are certain basic skills that need adjusting, beefing up, or just“ thrown out the window” all together. I will talk about some of the main points.
Practicing I would consider to be more like preparing! At every rehearsal, I hear the orchestra players skimming through the music and rehearsing difficult passages in the arrangement that contains difficult lines and melodies … in preparation. Just as much as the usual scenario, it does make a huge difference in our own confidence so that we don’ t have to be fearful of“ what’ s coming.” However, in this setting, if you make mistakes, you will get“ glances” from members of the orchestra, and quite possibly the conductor as well. We have the sheet music ahead of time. That is our“ woodshed” in this world!
Practicing with a click and / or loops? It can and WILL always help, but the fact that it has little to do with the heartbeat of the orchestra is another matter. In this world, following the conductor is key. However, there are instances when the conductor stops conducting because he knows that the core band has“ got it.” That’ s where the practice / prepare element comes in with the constant development of our internal sense of time.
As far as hearing and comparing the differences in other players’ grooves goes, we are all trying to balance what we are doing with what the conductor is showing us.‘ Different world, sans click! Being a“ time” conscious member of the band applies here in a different sense. As the time ebbs and flows it is our responsibility to make it feel as smooth as possible, in spite of the changes. This still requires us to constantly listen to, be sensitive to, and be fully aware of any subdivisions that we can latch on to within the music. And there is definitely not any influence on the timing( pulling back or ahead) on the bassist’ s part. However sometimes a discussion about kick patterns with the drummer can and does occasionally happen. Woohoo!!
Also, keeping focus on the high hat, bass drum, guitars, etc. will help keep everyon together as long as everyone else is listening. It’ s still the same! Of course, in this“ other” world, I feel that I must be the encourager! I might not have the opportunity to remind other people to listen to other people as they play, but however, I can be there to encourage musicians who might be playing too loudly and have been asked to play softer. Ha! My rule to“ constantly strive to find new ways to get out of everyone’ s way as
I play” still applies! Serving the song is still the most important rule to consider, even in this scenario where the pressure of following the conductor has been added to the mix.
So you’ re probably asking,“ What does this have to do with the bass player in a worship team?” Remember that knowledge is power. Everyone can benefit from learning about other people’ s experiences. With this particular, ongoing experience of mine, it has been a lesson in sensitivity and humility( humility mainly because I’ ve always been a click snob!).
We are so blessed with what God has given us! We are called to continue to develop the talent that He has given to us. It’ s our responsibility! As we continue to grow, we minister to Him, and He is worthy! Blessings on the works of your hands!
Gary Lunn Gary is a session player / producer / writer in Nashville, TN. He does home recording and plays for many recording session accounts. Find him on www. facebook. com for questions, scheduling, or suggestions on topics to cover! garylunn @ me. com www. facebook. com / garylunn
108 July 2025 Subscribe for Free...