BASS
7 THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND AS A WORSHIP BASSIST | Norm Stockton
In many ways, music is music…and the GROOVE then add synth pads on the prechorus, then the
considerations between Sunday morning vs. Some define groove as the element of music wall of guitars on the chorus. Or on the other
any other gig are similar (things like having that makes the listener want to dance. I agree, end of the spectrum, perhaps lay out on the
functional gear, arriving on time, playing in tune, although I think it goes deeper than that, as a bass until the 2 nd chorus when playing a longer
etc., come to mind). But over the decades of groove-oriented approach can be employed ballad?
playing bass in the worship context, I’ve found while playing tied whole-notes or rests. I define there are certain factors that are particular to groove as “a feeling of consistent/predictable/ EMOTING
being a worship bassist, and keeping them in reliable forward motion in the music.” Playing I view my role in the worship band as one of
focus has been super helpful. with groove musically conveying what is happening lyrically
sensibility and awareness— is arguably the and spiritually. If the song is a rafter-shaking
HOMEWORK IS A SPIRITUAL THING most important musical element we can bring. praise fest, I’m striving to convey that. If it’s a
It’s tempting to put things into neat little boxes, If you don’t have a passion for the groove, I heart cry from the depths, I’m trying to express
where studying the scriptures and prayer are encourage you to pursue it. It’s what everyone that. It’s important to note that I’m not talking
spiritual considerations, while woodshedding you play with wants of you! about emotional manipulation—rather, I’m trying
rhythmic
solidity—having
and preparing to play on Sunday morning are
to avoid a musically schizophrenic statement
the practical. I encourage you to challenge that BEING THE FOUNDATION where there’s a disconnect between the music
mindset: if you are called to worship ministry, It’s well established that the bass and drums and lyric. Music isn’t just math or physics. There
then I would submit to you that shedding serve as the foundation for the rhythm section. is an emotional, heart component to it (isn’t that
and being ready to play the worship set well I believe that effective bass players are often why we love it?). God created us as emotional
and effectively are fundamentally spiritual driving from the backseat. For instance, by beings, too. Emote the tune!
endeavors, as well. setting up transitions (building into choruses, or a few well-placed, upper register whole- KEEPING THE MAIN THING THE MAIN THING
I’d humbly suggest that Bible study and prayer notes telegraphing a breakdown section, etc.), The pace of life can sometimes be challenging,
can also be highly practical, but that’s a different the bassist compels the drummer to similarly and it’s easy to find ourselves going through the
article! build or drop down, which allows the rest of motions from time to time. I find the best thing
the team to know where they’re headed with I can do to defibrillate my heart is get personal
PLAYING FOR THE TUNE & CONTEXT absolute certainty. This covert bandleading is worship times where it’s just me, God, and my
It can be a really healthy reminder and often well below the radar, but its absence is blasting car stereo (hopefully) drowning out my
“perspective aligner” to regularly take note of often indicated by musical trainwrecks! belting tunes above my vocal range! As I pour
the fact that it truly isn’t about me. Sunday
out my heart and really soak in the lyrics I’m
morning isn’t my musical outlet. I’m there to DYNAMICS: WHEN I CAN’T POSSIBLY PLAY ANY serve and bring my utmost to help direct the LOUDER eyes of the church to Him. When I’m embracing I couldn’t resist the reference to my favorite God bless you abundantly as you faithfully
that fact, it’s quite easy to play for the song. By drummer joke (exasperated drummer responds serve Him!
that, I mean serving the tune in a way that’s in to the producer: “What do you mean ‘play context with the musical style, without feeling it with dynamics?’ I’m hitting as hard as I can!”). necessary to throw jazz licks into a Coldplay- Letting a song build up or drop down is one esque rock song. Or slap on a Bethel ballad. of the essential ways to make the music say
something on an emotional level (more on that
On a related note, I highly encourage musicians in the next point). Dynamic variation can also
to not let the worship service be their sole be accomplished through layering; particularly
context for musical expression—even if it’s just on a big rock feel where it might sound odd to
spending 20 minutes midweek jamming with a have an instrument play less energetically. It can
drum loop or favorite recording, it’s invaluable to serve a similar function to simply have a section
have other opportunities to musically explore. be just vocals with drums and bass playing big,
74
June 2018
singing, perspective is restored.
Norm Stockton
Bassist/clinician/solo artist based in Orange County,
CA. Following his long tenure as bassist with Lincoln
Brewster, Norm has been focused on equipping
bassists around the world through his instructional
site (www.ArtOfGroove.com), as well as performing
or recording with several Grammy award winning
artists. Learn about his latest & most ambitious
project at www.GroovesAndSushi.com. His book,
The Worship Bass Book, is published by Hal
Leonard. He is also the electric bass teacher at Biola
University in Los Angeles. Visit Norm at Facebook,
Twitter, and Instagram
www.normstockton.com
WorshipMusician.com