BASS
THE LANGUAGE OF CONFIDENCE | Gary Lunn
Staying on top of your game is always of utmost importance . Confidence is related to a mixture of a good attitude , excellent communication with your band members , and lots of practice . Let ’ s take a moment to remind ourselves of our goals , techniques , perceptions , and responsibilities .
Your attitude toward others is also something you should constantly keep at the front of your mind . Practicing this is just as important as personal practice time . In my humble opinion , considering every person in the band and their needs in the musical process should always be at the front of your mind .
That wonderful musical conversation that we bassists have with the drummer is always happening . You know the conversation - playing right with them , slightly behind them , or a little ahead of them , is typical , and the coolest part is that we can do all of them . Actual verbal conversation is great , too ! Feel free to ask them about the kick patterns to play in certain sections . Helpful hint : Always try their suggestions before making your own suggestions .
Listen intently to the guitars and keyboards . Constantly think of new ways to stay out of their way . Concentrate on their individual parts and think of ways to enhance their playing by not conflicting with them . This is a significant goal ! Also , I like to join them occasionally on lines they ’ re playing . It ’ s a fun interaction .
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 of them . More musical conversation !
Always watch your worship leader . Learn their body language for musical cues , section changes that might not be on the chart , repeating sections , etc . Try to be familiar with the instrument they lead from . If they lead from guitar , you can often tell what changes they will play simply by watching their hand move on the back of the neck . If you play a little guitar , you can do this ! If they lead from a keyboard , watch their “ bass hand ” closely and follow their notes . Always be sure to ask them how you can serve them better .
Don ’ t forget about the sound person ! Strive to be the last member of the band who will make their job more difficult . Don ’ t make them mix everything around your bass volume level . Typically , from my experience , the drummer or the guitarist ( s ) usually gives sound men that challenge ( but you didn ’ t hear that from me , LOL !). Be kind to the audio engineer . Be their friend and ask them if your stage volume is too loud . They ’ ll be shocked ! Ha !
About practicing : Be ready for any musical style that might be “ thrown ” at you . Listen to - and practice - all types of music . As you broaden your palette , your reference library in your head for styles and ideas that you may contribute will grow . Just being familiar with and aware of band names / song titles to reference is always helpful , too . Let ’ s always be learning and growing because , hopefully , we never truly “ arrive .”
Considering that much of today ’ s worship music is 1 / 8-note oriented , try playing eighth notes at 120 bpm and then play them at 110 bpm . It will always take a few seconds ( or more ) to acclimate to the slightest tempo change . It is a very simple exercise , but it will increase your awareness and make you concentrate on the consistency of the length of your notes . It will also remind you to listen more .
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 . If you have a stereo headphone mix , move elements around the spectrum . Individual instruments are easier to hear when you pan them to different positions . Personally , I like the kick , bass , and click as the loudest elements in my mix . If you are using amp / wedges , take the bass out of the wedge and listen to your bass from your amp only . It will help you play with the drums “ tighter ” and alleviate any phase problems . Also , never turn anything completely off in your mix . You always want to hear a little of everything and everyone you can see , even if it ’ s just a trace .
As the old saying says , keep your nose to the grindstone ( you might have to look that one up )! You will feel your confidence rise . Keep your chin up and your eyes always on Heaven ! May God continue to bless the work of your hands ! 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 .
Gary Lunn Gary is a session player / producer / writer in Nashville , TN . He does home recording , plays many recording session accounts , and attends Grace Church ( gracechurchnashville . com ) in Franklin , TN . Find him on www . facebook . com for questions or scheduling . garylunn @ me . com
84 November 2023 Subscribe for Free ...