BASS
HOW A GUITARIST BECOMES A BASSIST | Gary Lunn
So your worship team ( or band ) has had a lastminute cancellation in the bass department , and no one else is available to represent the low end . What about a guitar player ? It ’ s the same four first strings on the guitar ( E , A , D , G ). How hard can it be ? It ’ s just one note ! Blah , blah , blah …
Bass is a way of life . It ’ s a path to foundation . It ’ s the “ bacon ” of music — it makes any music taste ( sound ) better ! Again , more blah , blah , blah …
This is a real scenario that guitarists need to be ready for . They need to know that playing bass is WAY more than “ it ’ s just bass ” and why this is . Bass and guitar are totally different . In my opinion , few guitarists can play bass , and the opposite is entirely true . Few bassists can really play guitar like a guitar player .
Why is this a thing ? The answer is , “ I DON ’ T KNOW !” My guess is that different personality types are initially attracted to specific instruments , but that is another discussion waiting to happen . Moving on ! :)
First of all , to play the bass , you have to realize that you must play on the downbeat of every new phrase unless it is noted that you do not play . And it has to be the correct note . There is rarely a volume pedal on a bassist ’ s pedal board , so no swelling-in is allowed . Yep , it ’ s a big responsibility ! No pressure !
Secondly , you gotta groove . Here is a crash course on that concept as a bass player :
Tune in closely to the hi-hat . The space between the drummer ’ s hi-hat notes is generally where the drummer ’ s groove is . You want to get inside the feel in his heart , and you can almost always find it in the subdivisions of the drummer ’ s hihat part .
Pay close attention to what bass drum pattern the drummer has chosen . If you decide not to play exactly what he plays , try not to play too many extra notes than his pattern ( unless you are playing a straight 1 / 8 note pattern ).
Listen to the click ( metronome )— if there is one — and determine the relationship between it and all the different parts that the drummer is playing .
Consider your note duration as it relates to not only the song ’ s style but also the song ’ s different sections . For example , if you are going to play a rock song with a big intro , play longer , more connecting notes on the intro , then change the note ’ s duration to a 1 / 16-note shorter . A 1 / 16- note rest at the end of every note will create spaces between the notes .
When the chorus comes along , you might keep the same duration in the verse on the first chorus but dig in a little harder dynamically . “ Choke ” it back down for the second verse , but then let the notes ring out to their full value on the second chorus . Or you might want to wait until the bridge to really let the notes sustain . Whatever note durations you choose , use the same ones all the way through each section in a consistent pattern . This is very important .
Always maintain a consistent note volume in each section . Try to play as evenly as possible , in the dynamic sense . Avoid letting notes jump
out or drop drastically in volume in the middle of a pattern .
Lastly , lay back and think about striking your notes ever so slightly behind the drummer ’ s bass drum . You ’ d be surprised how much positive effect you can have on the feel . But whatever you do , DO NOT RUSH ! That ’ s the worst thing a bassist can do to create confusion and instability in the feel of a song .
Melodically , keep “ simple and solid ” at the front of your mind . Remember that you are not a lead instrument , no matter how hard it is . Don ’ t give in to your soaring desires ! LOL . Seriously , remember that the foundation you and the drummer create for the band must be solid , consistent , and smooth . Nothing forced . Just easy and authoritative .
Guitarists , keep reading and experimenting with these tips . You ’ ll be able to wear many hats in the band !
Gary Lunn Gary is a session player in Nashville , TN . For recording bass tracks , contracting , producing , or comments , email him at ...
garylunn @ me . com