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Worship bass question- sheet music issue?

F

Fassa Albrecht

Feb 18, 2007
7,818
26
38
Tyneside, UK
#1
Basically I've ran into a problem. In church there is a mixture of modern songs and traditional music. A lot of stuff we play does have a bassline to play and isn't a problem. But some stuff doesn't, and so I have a choice- to play from the keytard's stave, or the guitard's melody line.
Which one would be better music-wise? Reading music isn't a problem for me, neither is playing melody bass.
 
#3
mat gregory said:
I would play off a chord chart and make ur own basslines up.
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I agree. The bass clef from the piano music can sometimes be a source for ideas, as can the vocal or guitar melody lines, but for the most part you're on your own with praise music. (At least that's what I find with the charts and lead sheets we're given at my church.)

Best thing is to listen to the songs that do have a bass line and try to figure them out by ear.
 
#5
p0k said:
yeah, i usually just make up my own lines based on what chords the guitar player is playing
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+1 On the contemporary worship music, I try to play as close to the original bass lines on the CD as I can, but if there is an old score and no bass line, then I will follow the Guitarist's chords and lay out my own line.
 
#7
Fassa Albrecht said:
Basically I've ran into a problem. In church there is a mixture of modern songs and traditional music. A lot of stuff we play does have a bassline to play and isn't a problem. But some stuff doesn't, and so I have a choice- to play from the keytard's stave, or the guitard's melody line.
Which one would be better music-wise? Reading music isn't a problem for me, neither is playing melody bass.
Click to expand...

Most sheet music is just a piano sketch of the song not exact parts. I would recommend like the others if you haven't got a real bass part, or haven't had time to do a take down on the tune use the Chord symbols and make your own line. I wouldn't be doubling the melody, who's holding down the bottom if you playing the melody? I would imagine you aren't making friends with singers either if you play the melody. That keeps them from phrasing the song their way.

The last two churches I been a member the band learns the tunes during the soundcheck. If needed then go into back room and talk the tunes down during opening meditation. Worship is like any gig you have to be able to think on your feet, create bass parts appropriate for the song on the spot.
 
#8
mat gregory said:
Hey fassa, If I was youuu I would play off a chord chart and make ur own basslines up. It's much more interesting that way, and then you're not playing in complete unison with another instrument.
Click to expand...

When I play worship and praise music at my church I always do this. Makes it more fun. You can make it as simple or as busy as you want it. Great way to learn and grow as a musician too.
 
#9
The chord charts are a good starting point. I tend to listen to the original version to get the gist of the song, then I avoid the recording like the plague, because I like to find my own voice and drag the praise team with me! It's not the original performers fault that they often play their own song wrong!:D
Larry
 
#12
I have to say that I think a newcomer to the scene should probably follow more closely to the keyboardist's left hand if they can. Then as they learn the repertoire, start making up more interesting things to play that deviate from the keyboard bass but still support the song. I have never heard of a bass player getting flak for playing too little.

Actually, that's not true. I have gotten flak at sessions for playing too little. But believe me, given the choice between getting flak for playing too much or for playing too little, it's better for playing too little. Playing too little at least shows you care ;)
 
#13
If the Lead sheet has the Chord progression shown above the treble staff, be it the Piano or Vocal line, write down those chord tones (1-3-5-7 if major, or 1-b3-5 etc if minor) in a quarter note rhythm. Try the upper and lower chord tones (from the root) or inversions. This alone can lend harmonic variety that doesnt exist in the written piece. We play scary Vatican 17th century organ compositions next to Crowder tunes...the approach from minute to minute varies widely.

The biggest hurdle I find is flexibility in the Worship Leader in allowing your "taste" vs. his musical intent for the piece. I am fortunate enough to have a WL that loves my writing, though I always run it by him in rehearsal if I wanna be acrobatic a bit, first. My baseline line is always less is more approach anyway for pop/rock type CCM performing.
 
#14
...certainly all the advise here is good. As a worship bassist, I'll only add another thought to the mix, in that the PVG or Piano lead sheet/notation is the one I like to look at particularly when I have no-clue as to what the song is/have never played it/or heard it before.

And actually, I like looking at that arrangement [anyway] in the bass cleff not only to get ideas, but looking to see the rhythmic note values and patterns in treble cleff, in order to decide what kind of fills to play for say; at the beginning/riffs/motifs up high on the bass or just getting a general sense of the groove for the bass-line of the song from that same melody... .

Blessings,

Jimmyjoe

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Ampeg Member #12

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#15
I think that it would depend very much on what the rest of the band is playing. If you have the pianist playing straight from the hymn book, your bass line ad lib is most likely going to clash with the pianist's chords. If your band plays those traditional songs from chord sheets, however, then it might be a little safer to deviate.
 
#16
I usually just play off the chord charts unless the bassline is well known and other parts of the song are built around it. Just like any other piece of music.
Kudos to everyone who plays in a Praise Band as a paying gig or a volunteer. Regardless of your spiritual leaning, your music could be exactly what someone needs to lift their spirits.
Good Karma To You!
 

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