BASS
[ PLAYING LIVE: KEEPING IT ON THE TRACKS | Gary Lunn ]
During sessions, whenever a musical “train instrument or voice in a band or ensemble. “voice” in that process, but always remember
wreck” occurs, a common phrase you’ll often It can instantly affect the feel of the music that it is not about you - it’s about everyone else
immediately hear is, “Wow. Music is hard!” and change everything about a song. Bass that you share the platform with and what you
In the studio, there’s enough pressure for can make everything right or wrong in a split have to offer to ensure synchronicity and flow.
everyone with first-take expectations, winning/ second. Yikes!! Even more pressure!
living. With all of that said, at least you can go Sonically, the bassist’s tones go everywhere. In live situations, we have the ability to make
back and do fixes! Playing live, there is no going It’s the most difficult-to-tame audible element everyone else in the band sound better.
back. I began my career as a session guy, and in almost any live sound situation. We must If the other musicians are less seasoned,
when I began playing live with groups I realized constantly be aware of our volume and tone. then we must strive to lead them to greater
that there are a whole different set of rules... Along with that, because of our awareness heights, firmly holding down the low end and
and it’s a lot harder! of time fluctuation and groove, it’s our occasionally filling in the gaps when needed. If
impressing clients, and just plain ol’ making a
responsibility to listen to everything else that is the other players are very accomplished, then
The bass has to be correct on the downbeat. going on. I often tell people that bass players we offer them support. Either way, if we do
There is a certain solidity that is present in the are the “time police” of the band. It’s easy to our part to help them sound better, we will all
music when the bass is where it is supposed to assume that this is the drummer’s gift, but more sound better.
be. It adds comfort to the music, the song and often than not this is not the case. Bassists to the moment. It is sorely missed when it is typically have this innate ability.
It’s our responsibility to produce bass sounds
absent, leaving the music with no “pedestal” for
and dynamic levels that contribute to the
the spelling of chords to rest upon. It also can Concerning melodic issues, the bassist can overall sound of the band from song to song.
supply a thunderous effect in the music when make or break the connection between rhythm We must be careful to not overpower the band
an approaching dynamic calls for it. The bass and melody. Bass is crucial to the music, and by playing too loudly, particularly in the softer
is meant to be played with fortitude, and to is completely related to everything else going sections. Adjusting the tone at the amp to fit
supply a proper foundation. This requires skill, on. It can set the tone of the music with a the room or the stage helps. Too much bass
courage, and restraint. Its staying power and hundred notes, or just one. In a sense, we lead volume will have a negative effect on the stage.
consistency carries the entire band. Essentially, the band by outlining the tonality of the music A bass level that is too low can cause a type
the bass sets the stage for the ensemble. and marking out the significant notes of each of insecurity in the music. The bass tone can
No pressure!! chord. Our bass lines are a lot like signposts drastically change the effectiveness of the
along a path. When we supply these signposts bass’s purpose.
A fundamental part of the bassist’s role is well, everyone in the band is made more aware to supply the root, or “beginning” of every of where they are in the chord progression of The most important thing is that we do not
chord. It is the single most deciding factor that the song. desire or seek to draw attention to ourselves.
indicates the harmonization of the chord. Being
Remain humble! Always keep in mind the
the lowest note heard, it is always the first one Of course, one of our primary goals is to keep gifts of the Spirit. Love, joy, peace, patience,
listened for by everyone who is trying to precise time and “lock in” with the drummer. kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,
determine the harmonization of a chord. Bass This is critical! The bass and drum relationship and self-control…you can’t have any of these
is the most important tuning reference for every is vital to the groove. You can still find your own things without humility.
November 2017
WorshipMusician.com
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