new to gospel bass

[stevewhitmore]

hello, my name is steve. i just recently got a gig in a gospel band in a local church and i have never played gospel before. last sunday was the first time i got to play with them and i was a little lost. there was no chord charts  and i  really did not know how the music progressed. i managed to fake my way through it but i am a little nervous about this sunday. i have been playing for about 10 years and thought i was pretty good, but this is a whole new experience for me. i know it will get easier the more i do it, but does anyone have any advice to make my transition into gospel a little smoother.       thank you                   steve

[trymone]

it's been 2 years for me since i played with a band.  the music has changed since i've last played, so I'm somewhat in the same boat as you. My approach was to get a copy of the music from the MD or download from the internet. and i also record the keys/organ at practice and at service. the progressions of these songs are on a constant change and its hard to keep up, but now i have it recorded so the next to we play the song i won't be guessing. but of course we can never tell where the Spirit will lead and a song that you've never heard will be played. in those cases, i get close to the key/organist and ask them to call out notes\intervals. I hoped that helps.

We can do all things through Christ!

[uriahsmusic]

...WHAT IS IT THAT IS GIVING YOU A PROBLEM?...IS IT THAT YOU JUST AREN'T FAMILIAR WITH THE MATERIAL?

[uriahsmusic]

ALSO WHAT ETHENICITY OF GOSPEL IS IT? BLACK , WHITE...SPANISH ETC

[stevewhitmore]

ALSO WHAT ETHENICITY OF GOSPEL IS IT? BLACK , WHITE...SPANISH ETC

it's a black church with i'm guessing mostly traditional black gospel music. i am white and this is the first time i have been exposed to this style of music. the problem i am having is that i don't know the music. i don't have the oppertunity to hear the music before hand and sunday mornings i am going in cold. i really enjoy the music and a lot of times it takes on a life of its own. but the songs that are planned out i don't know. the band consists of a keyboard player and the singers on one side and an organ player, drums, and myself on the other. i'm just not sure how the songs progress. if it starts in g where does it go from there. i usually go to the 5th or 2nd and hope i'm right, but alot of times i'm not. i guess it will get easier with time and should really help me with ear training. just wanted to try to grt some opinions, thanks           steve

[Cirrus6playr]

Hey Steve,
My name is Tim and guess what, about three years ago I was in the same situation.  I have been involved with music most of my life and when I started going to church they were playing music that I had never played, much less heard, before.  Our congregation is mixed about 50% white and 50% black with a total of around 1200.  The music ranges from everything, but mostly modern black gospel.
It took about a year before I got involved with the music ministry and when I did....I could'nt keep up.  So I have learned over the past years these following things which have made me a better musician than I ever thought I could be.  
1.  You have to be relaxed and flow with the music.  Sometimes there are no set rules.  This brings improv and ear training to the next level IMHO.
2.  Watch this site..I have only been on here a few days but Uriah has some good examples to follow. I think his theory on teaching is a good one as well.
3.  Try to get your hands on as much of the music as possible.  On cd's, the web, etc.  If you can WATCH as many concerts as possible.  The most talented musicians I have EVER listened to are here in this style. My point....watching these guys play is incredible and you will learn from them.  The other musicians should be able to point you to the original music for you to practice with.
4. Practice as much as possible with the other musicians to feel their groove, touch, movements.  Chances are you will see the keyboard man playing some 9th, 11th, 13th, etc.  
5. Pray for the Lord to give you wisdom and guidance in this talent.  If you are using it for His glory then He will help you in this.  Trust me.

I hope I didn't ramble trying to give you some insight but if you knew how much this music has changed my life you would understand.

Here are some of the bassists that have in influenced me the most.
Jamaal Andrews (this guy is incredible)- Clint Brown
Terrance Palmer - Israel & New Breed
Fred Hammond
Hezekiah Walker

Thump on till that day! :mrgreen:

[uriahsmusic]

...I agree with cirrus6player....especially what was said about me...ha..ha..

seriously...I couldnt have said it better!

[stevewhitmore]

thanks for the advice, i will keep you guys informed of my progress. each week it seams to get a little easier. i think it will just take some getting used to. i agree , some of the bassist i have heard on some gospel stuff are just amazing. hopefully someday i will be there to.