Tips for Playing with less than a full band?

[velalv]

I wanted to get some thoughts on an issue I have been facing. I play primarily on my church band. I also fill in on a side cover project, but mainly do the church thing, and that is what I am writing for some direction/advice on. The music we do is primarily Contemporary Christian Music (CCM). This includes David Crowder, Chris Tomlin, Hillsong, etc).

We have been having less than a complete band for a while. Usually, we have at least three instruments between a djimbe, an acoustic guitar, keys, and myself on the bass. We are without a drummer must times. Because of this, I get asked to cover the missing part. For example, we played a song called "prince of peace" yesterday sans the drums. That kick drum is a big part of that first verse. I ended slapping dead notes on my E string, and then doing some slap to make up for lack of drums, ala Larry Graham.

When we have been without an electric guitar, or sometimes guitar period, and just keys I have filled in using a pick on preamp/amp induced overdrive to create a guitar sound.

What do those of you who play with less than full hand set ups do?

For what its worth, I have a Squire pbass with flats and a deluxe jazz bass with rounds. Any thoughts on gear appreciated, but mainly looking for ideas on technique and how to play to make the most of the space.

Thanks, and sorry about verbosity. As a relatively talentless guy I don't want to subtract from our mix, but add to it.

[waveofthinking]

There's not a whole lot you can do but play to the best of your ability while staying in the pocket. At the churches i play at, we usuakllty have just keys, bass + lead guitar or keys, bass+drums and it's more than enough to get the job done, recruit or just work with what you have. quick note, I probably wouldn't be using slap tecgniques for songs like prince of peace etc.

[randysmojo]

Just a thought, and nothing I've done myself, but you could try getting a five string, like the Squier 70's vintage classic I think it is, and string it like the bottom five of a six string like a four with an extra how string to help cover the guitar parts a little better. It sounds like you are probably doing a good job though!

[oldcatfish]

I play at several churches, and each has a different approach.

One church just brings in a sub--usually someone in the band knows somebody, or they just go "unplugged" and use acoustic instruments.

Another one has several fantastic keyboard players with high-end gear. They can use samples of other instruments that sound very realistic. They just get one of their keyboard players to fill the missing part.

Other churches that I play at on occasion--I am the sub.

[oldcatfish]

Oh to answer your question more directly...I tend to play more fills to cover some of the empty space. Also, that's where I actually might use bass effects to add some interest. Usually we have a drummer though.

They make a pedal that will add octaves and fifths/fourths with overdrive and can be run split signal. It's made by Fishman, specifically for bass, to cover a missing guitar.

[velalv]

Originally Posted by waveofthinking

There's not a whole lot you can do but play to the best of your ability while staying in the pocket. At the churches i play at, we usuakllty have just keys, bass + lead guitar or keys, bass+drums and it's more than enough to get the job done, recruit or just work with what you have. quick note, I probably wouldn't be using slap tecgniques for songs like prince of peace etc.

Believe it or not, some folks people came up to me later saying they liked the slap dead note thing to approximate the bass drum. Though i hear you because on one slap i failed to deaden the note and it sounded...rough.