BASS
PRACTICE PLUS | Gary Lunn
Of course , an excellent bass player learns their instrument , but that ’ s only part of the equation . Mental preparation is just as important . Let ’ s look at both .
PHYSICAL PREPARATION Practice . Always be ready for any style that might be thrown at you . Listen to ( and practice ) all types of music . Broaden your palette because this will be your reference library for styles and ideas as you contribute to the musical task at hand . Just being familiar with and aware of band names / song titles to reference is always helpful . We are always learning and growing because we never truly “ arrive .” The process never stops .
A good way to boost your playing ability is to set a goal to learn a piece of music with a bass line that you think is beyond your ability . Begin to dissect it methodically , and practice sections of the song until you can play them . ( Try watching “ tribute ” videos on YouTube . I have done this several times .) When you can combine the individual sections and play the whole song , you will have conquered the “ beast ” and mastered that “ impossible ” part . Also , you ’ ll feel better about everything else that you can already play . A sense of accomplishment can really boost your ability .
From a simpler , more basic angle , consider that much of today ’ s worship music contains 1 / 8 notes . For practice and tempo awareness , try playing eighth notes at 120 bpm and then play them at 110 bpm . It will always take you a few seconds ( or more ) to acclimate to the slightest tempo change . This exercise will increase your awareness and make you concentrate on the consistency of the length of your notes .
Another way to practice eighth notes is to incorporate slides ( glissandos ) between them , either bar-to-bar or between beats 2 and 3 in every bar . Try playing eighth notes on A at the fifth fret on your E-string . Then , on the “ and ” of beat 4 , slide up to A , 12th fret on your A-string without interrupting your pattern or missing the higher note . This is a very common move in modern worship and , when executed precisely , creates emotion within the song . These processes all work together in a bass player ’ s world , and they do amazing things in the spirit . As always , use this sliding technique sparingly and try to save it for later on in the song .
UPPING YOUR MENTAL GAME Your attitude toward others is also something you should constantly keep at the front of your mind . Practicing this is just as important as technical playing practice . In my humble opinion , considering the people in the band and which things to think about in the process are in my thoughts ahead of time .
The wonderful , musical conversation we have with the drummer is the most important . We can play right with them , slightly behind them , or a little ahead of them , but the coolest part is that we can do all of them . If there is ever any question , feel free to ask them about the kick patterns they want to play in certain sections . Always try his suggestions before you make your suggestions .
Always pay close attention to the worship leader . Learn their body language for musical dynamic cues ( soft , loud , breakdowns , etc .), section changes off the chart , repeating a section , etc . Also , if you can , try to be familiar with the instrument they lead from . You can often tell what changes a guitar player will play by watching his hand from the back of the neck ( only if you play some guitar yourself ). The same goes for keyboards ( I watch my worship leader ’ s “ bass hand ” most of the time during worship ). Always ask them how you can serve them better .
Listen intently to the guitars and keyboards . Constantly think of new ways to stay out of their way . Listen to the individual parts and think of ways to enhance their playing by not conflicting with them .
As a responsible musician , try to be the last person who will make the sound man ’ s job more difficult . Don ’ t force him to mix everything around your bass volume level . Typically , from my experience , the drummer or the guitarist ( s ) usually gives sound men that challenge . Be kind to the audio engineer . Be their friend and ask them if your stage volume is too loud .
Always try to have some background singers ’ presence ’ in your monitor or headphones . You never know when they will be / feel called to add something to the song . You always need to be there to support them or “ play off ” them . More musical conversation !
Last but not least , be kind to yourself and get your mix in your headphones or wedges dialed in right . Having clarity and perspective between all instruments , the lead vocal , and the click is paramount to finding the groove to play with . I like the kick , bass , and click as the loudest elements in my mix . If you are using amp / wedges , be sure to take the bass out of the wedge and listen to your bass from your amp only . It will help you play with the drums closer and alleviate any phase problems . Also , never turn anything completely off in your mix . You always want to hear a little bit of everything .
By definition , we should always be decent , ethical , good , honest , honorable , just , moral , right , right-minded , righteous , straight , true , and upright . Strive to be nice and thoughtful of everyone that you encounter . Think of everyone else before yourself . It will come back to you one hundredfold .
Gary Lunn Gary is a session player / producer / writer in Nashville , TN . He plays for many recording session accounts , and records from home . Email him for questions , comments , or scheduling at ... garylunn @ me . com