How do I approach this bass line

[frostyplan]

Hi. I have a song in particular that I'm trying to play for a gig. It's called "Glory to glory to glory" by Fred Hammond. I must have listened to the bass line 1001 times already, and I can't get what he's doing on the recording, especially in the "A" and "B" sections. (The "C" section - where they sing "let the people praise him" is more clear and easier to hear.)

Anyway, the guys in the band want me to play it just like the CD. HELP! I need some kind of simple approach that will still bring the general feel across . . . what do you suggest? Thanks so much.

[Steve Lawson]

Hi Frosty,

sadly I don't know that particular song - I borrow a fred hammond DVD from a student of mine a few years back, and loved it, but can't remember the tracks...

have you got a chord chart for the song? That's the first thing - get one of the guys in the band to write them out for you if you haven't got them.

Then, find out if there are any bits of the song where the bass plays in unison with anyone else... if not, you're safe. If there are, get the person playing the line with you to show you how to do it.

Then, LISTEN TO THE DRUMS - start by playing the root of the chord on each kick drum, and build from there. It may be that that's enough. Take it slowly, stay with the groove first and add stuff as it feels right, but err on the side of caution.

Enjoy,

Steve
www.stevelawson.net