question for praise and worship bassist

[funkybass]

We are playing made to worship by chris tomlin and was wondering what people here play during the chorus. I've listened to the cd and can tell the bass line moves, but it doesn't stand out enough for me to pick it out. Any suggestions?

[jmeyers44]

I think you should just sync with the kick drum on the chorus and not play as agressive on the verse like whole notes. Hope that helps.

[NS2A]

Just hit the roots and if you want improvise your own line. If you can't make out the line, neither can anyone in the congreation.

[chris.gotfunk]

Play what you feel. My view on doing worship in church is just that. Let go and allow the spirit to play through you. Just learn the song, the basic notes and let whatever comes out, come out.

For good or bad, I never play a song the same way from rehearsal, sound check to service.

But, if you are looking for a structure to play with. Bounce with the kick and hit the changes. Of course, it never hurts to throw in the 3rds both minor or major.

[praisebass]

I like to think of Paul Baloche's advice for 'Choosing a bass player for the worship team' - see the following on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MgDd...E0F1EA&index=8 - he has some great worship band DVD's available.

[relbling]

Sounds llike he's jamming on roots, 5ths and 9ths (2nds), with an occasional 7th. Hope that helps some.

[OshKoshJoash]

Originally Posted by chris.gotfunk

Play what you feel. My view on doing worship in church is just that. Let go and allow the spirit to play through you. Just learn the song, the basic notes and let whatever comes out, come out.

For good or bad, I never play a song the same way from rehearsal, sound check to service.

But, if you are looking for a structure to play with. Bounce with the kick and hit the changes. Of course, it never hurts to throw in the 3rds both minor or major.

I'm with Chris.

During practice/rehearsal, I'll play real simple and maybe mess around with fills or things that I could do. If someone sat in on one of my practices, they'd say that my playing is really sloppy and all over the place. That's because I never play the same thing twice even within the same song. I'm always thinking of different ways to play it, different places on the neck, and i'm constantly experimenting.

Now, I can only do that because practices for bassists in worship music (the stuff that I play...tomlin, crowder, hillsong, redman) is pretty repetitive and relatively uneventful and predictable. If I were playing urban gospel it'd be a diff story.

During actual worship services, I play totally different. I make sure my rhythm is solid, that I'm locked in with the drummer, and glue him to the melody. I use a ton of dynamics and express whats on my heart through not just my instrument, but with my entire body. (I move a lot) When I'm really feelin it, I'll throw in a lick or play out more.

Keep it simple, but don't be afraid to express yourself. 3rds, 5ths, and octaves are useful to use without sounding over the top or out of place.

Hope that helps

[chris.gotfunk]

Did anyone catch the first 15 seconds of the video? He names Jaco, but calls him Jaco Pastoria???? hahahha. Too funny. I like Paul, but that made me laugh a little bit at him.

While Paul has his idea on what he wants, it is not for everyone. BUT, (that is a big but) it is the safest route to play the way Paul explains. But, if you are like me and listen to a lot of other worship music, the whole 1/4 note and 1/8 note thing can really loose the feel of a song. Just listen to Hillsong. Their bass player locks in so nicely with the kick. Very good stuff.

[Calebmundy]

Here is the main rhythm he plays through the choruses, with a little bit of variation http://www.flickr.com/photos/88101831@N00/4116074884/not sure if that will help you. Generally, the 4th note he is playing the 5th below the chord root, and the last four 16th notes, he's playing a major pentatonic thing like (1-2-4-2).

In simpler terms-if the first chord is "C" (at work, so I can't check the key), the first measure is CCCGCCCCDFD-lined up with the rhythm I have on the first measure, then the whole thing moves up to the F chord. The fills vary, but that's the main line.

I would be up for helping out with some transcription from time to time if you ever need something specific.

[Calebmundy]

Is that image showing up for anyone else? I can't seem to get my flickr picture to work.

[NS2A]

I can't see it.

[Tahoe_Ed]

Hopefully this helps

[Rattman]

Originally Posted by chris.gotfunk

Play what you feel. My view on doing worship in church is just that. Let go and allow the spirit to play through you. Just learn the song, the basic notes and let whatever comes out, come out.

For good or bad, I never play a song the same way from rehearsal, sound check to service.

But, if you are looking for a structure to play with. Bounce with the kick and hit the changes. Of course, it never hurts to throw in the 3rds both minor or major.

Yep... this is exactly my 'take' on this as well. I rarely play the same way thru the differant stages either. During the actual "performance" per se, the Spirit can indeed impress upon you to play something you've never even heard/practiced before.. just be receptive.