Contemporary Christian Music

['59]

My church got me playing bass for them just because they needed a bass player.

The problem I'm having is that CCM doesn't really have interesting bass parts given that the whole point of it is not letting the music distract from the words. Usually I just end up playing quarter notes of the root or occasionally a simple major/minor arpeggio.

Most of the "movement" in a CCM song comes from the singers and the chord changes, so what I'd there to do for a bass player who wants to add more texture to the song?

 

[beaubrummels]

Follow the drums, find rhythm points in both the drums and the vocals that you can subtly reinforce and play behind, and/or find passing tones you can drop in empty spots where it 'needs something', but without sticking out and taking away where the music needs to 'breathe.'

 

[Ascension]

My church got me playing bass for them just because they needed a bass player.

The problem I'm having is that CCM doesn't really have interesting bass parts given that the whole point of it is not letting the music distract from the words. Usually I just end up playing quarter notes of the root or occasionally a simple major/minor arpeggio.

Most of the "movement" in a CCM song comes from the singers and the chord changes, so what I'd there to do for a bass player who wants to add more texture to the song?

Your playing in the wrong Church! I know a BUNCH of worship bass players that would nuke bout anyone in any rock band large or other wise. Go listen to some urban Gospel like THIS!

 

[Ascension]

Here is an old buddy of mine who was here in the States for a while touring with a Gospel group from South Africa. Alvin used to stay at the house with us when he was in town. There are a BUNCH of folks in churches round here that can lights out PLAY and do regularly in our worship services.

 

[Ascension]

Live Sunday night clip from my old Church we kinda rocked a "little" LOL.
https://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=3873344

 

[Ascension]

Playing a service with some friends a few months ago.

 

[Ascension]

Here try and play this one! This is the kind of stuff i regularly play.
Gary Lund the bass player here is just nuts good!! This entire band player for player is just insane.

 

[Ascension]

Here is a song we opened every night at a conference with that was fun.

 

[Ascension]

Played with some of these folk a few times. Nice 6 string bass into to this song.

 

[Blille]

My church got me playing bass for them just because they needed a bass player.

The problem I'm having is that CCM doesn't really have interesting bass parts given that the whole point of it is not letting the music distract from the words. Usually I just end up playing quarter notes of the root or occasionally a simple major/minor arpeggio.

Most of the "movement" in a CCM song comes from the singers and the chord changes, so what I'd there to do for a bass player who wants to add more texture to the song?

I’ve been playing CCM bass for a while and what I’ve noticed is that as long as you respect and support the dynamics of the music you can do whatever you want.

The typical song has something like you sit out for the beginning, then play while notes in verses, quarter notes in the chorus and eight notes or something busier in the bridge. Whatever it is, make sure you understand the dynamics of the song and respect that, particularly not playing.

As long as you do that, the typical things I do:
- double the vocals when they have a pickup like in beats 3 or 4 before a section (graves into gardens does that a couple of times)
- go crazy playing root, fifth, sevenths, octaves and transition notes in the most upbeat section, supporting the (usually busy) drumming pattern
- some kind of pentatonic fill at the end of a section when there is a change in dynamics (to help things go up or down)
- double parts of guitar riffs - not all the notes but a few make a difference
- play root+10 (3rd up an octave) in quiet parts, with some chorus

Your playing in the wrong Church!

I’m sure “his” in a great Church

 

[Ascension]

Here is a n old favorite of mine that I have played with a bunch of different folks pull off these bass lines!

 

[Ascension]

I’ve been playing CCM bass for a while and what I’ve noticed is that as long as you respect and support the dynamics of the music you can do whatever you want.

The typical song has something like you sit out for the beginning, then play while notes in verses, quarter notes in the chorus and eight notes or something busier in the bridge. Whatever it is, make sure you understand the dynamics of the song and respect that, particularly not playing.

As long as you do that, the typical things I do:
- double the vocals when they have a pickup like in beats 3 or 4 before a section (graves into gardens does that a couple of times)
- go crazy playing root, fifth, sevenths, octaves and transition notes in the most upbeat section, supporting the (usually busy) drumming pattern
- some kind of pentatonic fill at the end of a section when there is a change in dynamics (to help things go up or down)
- double parts of guitar riffs - not all the notes but a few make a difference
- play root+12 (3rd up an octave) in quiet parts, with some chorus





I’m sure “his” in a great Church

Spot on post. Played in a few places that were so tight I couldn't hang with it is what I was talking about. Could be a great church but--. My home church for the last few years isn't what I'm used to but is a cool place. I get my musical fix playing out doing conferences and such. Point is playing in church doesn't have to be bland and boring nor should it be!

 

[Blille]

You can also ping our worship players thread in case other folks may comment https://forum.seymourduncan.com/forum/the-sound-room---off-topic/6110204-Worship-Players


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Ascension]

You can also ping our worship players thread in case other folks may comment https://forum.seymourduncan.com/foru...orship-Players


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Link is invalid
Invalid Page URL. If this is an error and the page should exist, please contact the system administrator and tell them how you got this message.

 

[Blille]

Link is invalid
Invalid Page URL. If this is an error and the page should exist, please contact the system administrator and tell them how you got this message.

You have to be logged in to access it since it in the off topic section. Saw you just posted there so it looks like you found your way there.

 

['59]

Thank you guys. There is too much info here to comment on everything, but I did have two questions that this brought to mind.

The root +12 interval, how do I use that? I've been practicing it in different contexts and I can't quite figure it out.

If the band is playing a chord more complex than just a standard major, minor, or 7th chord, should I change the triad I'm using? Such as an A2, is it best to avoid the major 2nd?

Also, I basically only need two scale positions on bass right? The one where the root is on the first and the one where the root is on the second string?

Also is it worth buying a 5 string simply for the added benefit of being able to play a lower D? Sometimes the open D string is a bit excessive.

 

[Ascension]

Hit Youtube there are TONS of tutorials for Worship and Gospel players on any instrument. It can be a little different at times from playing most rock , Country and Blues stuff.
Example of what I'm talking about. If your playing a specific song and are having a problem with a lick check as you will be surprised how much is out there for worship players.

 

['59]

I'll give that video a look

 

[Ascension]

This one is cool. Playing in some of the southern pentacostal churches both Black and majority white around here you will hear these walking bass lines used often.

 

[Ascension]

Here is one in particular that's useful for any player not just bass.