BASS
MATH , IMPRESSIONS , AND CHOPS | Gary Lunn
Photo by Gama . Films on Unsplash
I have always been bad at math , but one thing I occasionally tell people when they ask me what I do for a living is , “ I subdivide for a living ,” or “ I cut pies into equal pieces .”
As I look at the confusion on their faces , they might say , “ Are you some kind of mathematician ?”
I simply mutter , “ I ’ m a musician ”. Then I watch their face light up in disgust that I have combined a metaphoric Dad joke with some horribly misappropriated imagery and created an anecdote . Next , I see an “ aha ” moment and might even get a snicker .
If I am lucky , they will ask , “ What does that mean ?” Sometimes , that opens up the door for a quick music lesson they ’ re probably not interested in , but they learn something all the same .
The lesson is this : I know what makes music . It ’ s a melody , a bass line , and accompaniment over bars , beats , whole notes , half notes , quarter notes , eighth notes , sixteenth notes , thirty-second notes , and the triplet version of each one . I am also aware that the space between those notes is where the groove is .
With all that said , I ’ m still horrible at math . The other thing that I ’ m horrible at is a good first impression . I try equally as hard to get better at both , but they ’ re both life-long , uphill climbs !
In the first impression department , I try to give it “ the old college try ” as much as possible . I always try to enter the room with a smile and shake hands with everyone in the room .
Moving beyond the first impression , I always strive to do what I say I will do . I ’ ve actually declined situations that I have felt may be over my head , like reading a chart or song that ’ s too difficult , difficulty in meeting a deadline , etc . I always strive to do my best to handle those situations in the most gracious way possible . I believe that most of the time , people will remember that about me and respect my honesty .
It took me a long , long time to learn that when you fall short in a situation , let your default be to take the blame and own it . Don ’ t 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 calling card .
I take pride in my “ gear ” ethic as well . I keep my pedalboard clean , dust-free , and wellmaintained . I keep my instruments sounding and looking good . I also dress appropriately .
Also , punctuality is key . Arriving late stresses everybody out and lessens the chances of a “ next time .” I usually arrive early and stay late .
Chops-wise , maintaining proficiency on the bass can be challenging at times , but I always try to be as practiced and warmed up as possible . No matter how long I ’ ve played or how much experience I have , I will try to practice scales , timing , and improvisation at some point during the day .
I also try to listen to as many different musical genres as possible . Some music is more challenging to listen to than others ! But I hate the feeling I get when people try to describe a particular style of bassline and refer to a group I have never heard of . It ’ s a bit embarrassing .
Every session I play , at home or in the studio , I play with a click . It ’ s the way of the business these days ! So much church music is played along with tracks nowadays , and every session that I do is done in ProTools , and the tracks are always “ on the grid ” with a steady , metronome tempo . So , I must be excellent at playing with a click — never ahead of it or behind it .
An added benefit of playing with a click is that my playing continues to improve because of it . In fact , it even helps me hear and compare differences between musicians ’ styles , their timing attributes ( groove ), and perhaps their musical individuality .
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 .” May God continue to bless the works of your hands !
Gary Lunn Gary is a session player / producer / writer in Nashville , TN . Contact him at garylunn @ me . com for scheduling or any questions . Seriously ! garylunn @ me . com
90 March 2024 Subscribe for Free ...