BASS
IT ’ S ABOUT TIME | Gary Lunn
I truly believe that the bass player in a rhythm section is the most “ time ” conscious member of the band . Being a " time police officer ” requires us to constantly listen to subdivisions within the music , comparing the subtle differences in the styles of subdividing among the players . Bassists have a watchman-like perception of timing . We subconsciously compare the “ feel ” or “ pocket ” of the players around us . It may sound complicated , but it actually occurs naturally . Don ’ t tell the drummer !
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 . I love this about us ... but whatever you do , don ’ t tell anyone !
Practicing as much as possible makes a huge difference in your confidence in detecting timing issues . 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 . You can always learn . But how do you boost this “ awareness ”?
Practicing with a click and / or loops can and will help ! It also will help you to better hear the differences in various players ’ grooves . When you have a new player join the group , you ’ ll know if they have great timing and feel . You can listen to them more intently and learn their concepts and individual styles .
Eighth note worship tunes are still alive and well ! This worship can be boring , but it ’ s really not as simple as you might think . In fact , the simple songs / styles are the most challenging to play . As we repeat certain patterns over and over , our brains begin to second-guess the previous times we ’ ve played that same pattern or section . Don ’ t let your mind play tricks on you ! Remember 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 , the click , guitars , etc ., and just let your fingers play . Concentrate on the song as a whole and consider getting through it a major accomplishment !
Another useful practice method is to pick out a piece of music with a bass part that is a bit over your head . Then , don ’ t give up until you master it — even if it takes days , weeks , months ... whatever ! Break it apart into sections and learn it that way . Find a video of someone playing the song as a tribute on YouTube and study it . Eventually , you will master it . Then you will discover that all of the other songs in your “ learned ” repertoire will be easier to play . You
will have “ raised the bar ” another notch ! That wonderful sense of accomplishment absolutely will give you a boost !
Encourage others to work on listening closely to everyone else in the band as they play . Always , the two primary goals are to figure out how to get out of everyone ’ s way and to 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 individual part of every song . In this way , we as bassists learn what each part of the song needs fundamentally . For example , as a song builds , we might transition from a simple / soft bass line to a more authoritative approach . Listening as we play creates endless possibilities for bass lines .
As we strive to be better musicians , remember that we are continuing to develop the talent that He has given us . And as we continue to grow , we endlessly give it back to Him .
Blessing on the work 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 or scheduling . www . facebook . com / garylunn garylunn @ me . com