BASS
BE THAT GUY | Gary Lunn
Be the encourager ! Encouraging others to listen more closely to everyone else in the band as they play is a noble cause . In fact , it ’ s been my mantra for years ! The two primary goals are always to 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 individual part of every song . In this way , bassists learn what each part of the song needs fundamentally . As the song builds , they transition from a simple / soft bass line to a more authoritative approach . This is merely one possibility . Listening as we play creates endless possibilities for bass lines .
Practicing can be one of the greatest ways to encourage others by example . Practicing as much as you can not only makes a huge difference in your own confidence , but it also has the same effect on your bandmates . 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 are never above learning !
Practicing with a click and / or loops can and WILL help ( trust me … timing gets worse as you get older ). It also will help you to better hear and compare 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 .
I have always felt that the bass player in a rhythm section is the most “ time ” conscious member of the band . This responsibility 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 .
Sensing rushing or dragging within the rhythm section is a gift that can be quite useful . 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 . But they have to be “ listening !”
Eighth-note-style worship songs are still the standard these days . It seems boring , but you can discover what is difficult about this style if you look hard enough ! LOL ! In fact , it ’ s the simple songs / styles that 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 ( ugh !).
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 , the click , guitars , etc ., and just let your fingers play . Concentrate on the song as a whole and try to get through it without being hypnotized ! No train wrecks allowed !
Make goals ! I have said this before , but a great practice method is to pick out a piece of music
with a bass part that is a bit “ over your head .” Woodshed on it intensely and continuously , even if it takes days , weeks , months … whatever ! Break it apart by 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 and then discover that all of the other songs in your “ learned ” repertoire will be easier to play . Your musical “ bar ” will have been raised . That wonderful sense of accomplishment absolutely will give you a boost ! Your bandmates will notice !
We MUST continue to grow as musicians ! Remember that God has given us SO much . We are called to continue to develop the talent He has given to us . Keep in the front of your mind that as we put forth the effort to grow , we minister to Him . He is worthy ! 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 , scheduling , or suggestions on topics to cover ! garylunn @ me . com
94 May 2024 Subscribe for Free ...