I agree with those who point out that for worship music the rhythm is the most important factor. Having a good simple rhythm and playing the root is what most songs call for. I wouldn't feel bad about just playing the root for the majority of the songs. For many worship songs just playing basic root whole notes serves the song the best. Root/5 combinations also can work well and simple chromatic and nonchromatic chord approaches. In my experience doing much more than that can really muddy up a worship song. I sometimes play more complicated baselines but usually in the end I realize that it doesn't serve the song and I revert back to the simple baseline with a good rhythm for most songs. Our closing songs are usually more animated and then there is more opportunity to diverge.
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Getting out of riding the root.
- Thread starter Ka-ching
- Start date
I understand you completely. I recently picked up bass after dreaming of doing it for 26 years haha. And play in a church plant. Here is what I have learned about playing in a church.
-Be aware of where your band mates find their rhythm and if they feed off yours. I have tried to throw in bass-lines and because some of the lines were syncopated it messed everyone up. (Still does lol)
-Simpler can be better. Today we played a solid set of 6 songs that really rocked. Me? I played solid roots with rhythm and mutes thrown in to keep ppl from messing up around me.
It is WAY better to play a solid rhythm then try and do something fancy and ruin the atmosphere in the worship. Remember, its not about you buddy. 
-Remember that you don't have to play every song the whole way through, I gotta tell you sometimes when the drums and bass drop off and everyone in service is singing its really awesome. Worship is a different way of playing because your not playing a show with fans.
-Like these fellas said, play with your box shapes and 3rds 5ths and 7ths and you will discover what sounds good to your ear.
Hope that helps my friend....oh and be careful with effects haha some people get itchy if you try to throw in overdrive on "Not to Us"
-Be aware of where your band mates find their rhythm and if they feed off yours. I have tried to throw in bass-lines and because some of the lines were syncopated it messed everyone up. (Still does lol)
-Simpler can be better. Today we played a solid set of 6 songs that really rocked. Me? I played solid roots with rhythm and mutes thrown in to keep ppl from messing up around me.
It is WAY better to play a solid rhythm then try and do something fancy and ruin the atmosphere in the worship. Remember, its not about you buddy. -Remember that you don't have to play every song the whole way through, I gotta tell you sometimes when the drums and bass drop off and everyone in service is singing its really awesome. Worship is a different way of playing because your not playing a show with fans.
-Like these fellas said, play with your box shapes and 3rds 5ths and 7ths and you will discover what sounds good to your ear.
Hope that helps my friend....oh and be careful with effects haha some people get itchy if you try to throw in overdrive on "Not to Us"
I was just mentioning that I like to play the root, third, seventh of Am7
or A, C, G, over an Am7. (One particular song in mind) I drop the fifth completely in the fill.
Another piece of advice, simpler is better. Better to be there for the one than to tear everyone's faces off with a blistering, soul crushing fill and miss the one.
or A, C, G, over an Am7. (One particular song in mind) I drop the fifth completely in the fill.
Another piece of advice, simpler is better. Better to be there for the one than to tear everyone's faces off with a blistering, soul crushing fill and miss the one.
