BASS
THINGS THAT MATTER | Gary Lunn
Sometimes, first impressions are hard! You only get one shot at it. No do-overs! You can try to say,“ Wait, wait, wait … can we start over … please?” However, only on very rare occasions will you meet someone who can( and will) actually forget and start again. So let’ s talk a little about making that first one count!
At this point, you’ re probably wondering,“ What does this have to do with bass guitar?” In my humble opinion, first impressions have very long arms. Not only do they leave the new person you’ ve met with a good feeling about you, but it also adds to your confidence as a musician. This will make you a better bassist!
You don’ t want to be that guy who always looks unsure of himself. You want to give the person you’ re working for( i. e., the worship leader, the event leader, etc.) a good feeling about you, your integrity, and your musicianship. So, after you arrive early( important), your first impression starts when you enter the room with a smile and a handshake, preferably with everyone in the room. Also, the fact that you got there early ensures that there will( most likely) be people who get there after you. This is a good thing. Help them carry their gear in!
Next, quickly set up all of your clean, dust-free, polished-up, well-maintained gear, keeping socializing to a minimum. But once you are set up, hang out with people! It may require a little extra effort( speaking for myself, of course), but it’ s always worth it. Always try to look your best as well. As far as I am concerned, anything just shy of a suit and tie is not overdressing.
Maintaining proficiency on the bass is equally as important to your first impression. Always try to be as practiced and warmed up as you can be before you arrive. If possible, take time to practice scales, timing, and improvisation daily. It doesn’ t matter how long you’ ve played or how experienced you are! It’ s always good to feel loosened up and over-prepared!
Speaking of preparation, try to make it a point to listen to and learn as many different musical genres as possible. Some music is more challenging to“ tackle” than others! When someone is trying to describe a particular style of bass line, and they refer to a group or style, you want to be ready!
Practice playing with the click— not ahead of it or behind it. As you get better at this, it will help you to hear and compare differences between your fellow musicians’ styles, timing attributes( groove), and musical individuality.
I feel that it’ s most important to always do what you say you will do. Be a person of your word! If you know that the music you will play is difficult, try to get audio examples and charts ahead of time— this way, you can be prepared.
I’ ve declined situations I felt I wasn’ t the right guy for, always striving to handle those situations with grace and humility. When you do this, they will remember this about you and respect your honesty. In my opinion, 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 always remember that kind of behavior. Your good reputation is your best calling card. Let your first choice be to“ fall on the sword.”
Face every new situation with boldness and confidence. You are an overcomer and a good steward of the gifts you have been given. 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. Really! garylunn @ me. com www. facebook. com / garylunn
94 May 2025 Subscribe for Free...