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GoldieLocks · May 17th, 2008, 02:53 PM

Just curious how many people here play bass in church?

I was just reading Danno's post about his promotion to bassist. Congratulations. (you should be able to have fun since you're using a Firebird) Is it a Gibson or Epiphone?

I'm always surprised how many people think of bass as a boring instrument. I only play bass occasionally but I totally love it when I do. I try to bring out my influences from (Geddy Lee, Roger Glover, Allan Woody, Nathan East). I especially like the old-school Gospel tunes.
Although playing with bad (beginner) drummers definitely takes the fun out of it. But we have some good drummers too.
I like being able to control the thickness of the music.

ChurchPlayer · May 17th, 2008, 04:09 PM

I do it on occasion. Bass was my primary instrument from 9th grade through the age of about 35. I was a struggling guitar player in a school of better ones when a family friend gave me an old Hofner (non-Beatle) the summer before I entered 9th grade. I took to it immediately. Suddenly everything I was trying to do musically on the guitar made sense in a world of 4 strings.

I played all through HS and college and played in bands when I got out. I was playing in a Christian band in the late 90's when odd circumstances put us together with another bass player looking to join. I'd been playing guitar all along and I agreed to go from bass to lead guitar and things clicked, and I've been on guitar ever since. These days the bass duties in out church band are handled by a kid who also plays fiddle. When he's on the violin the bass part will either fall to the keyboard player or I'll pick it up since we have 2 guitar players. Tomorrow, as things would have it, he can't make it at all so I'll be dragging my Precision along and we'll figure out how things fall.

I love playing bass, probably more than I love playing guitar - and that's a lot. It's a very misunderstood instrument. If you're not having fun playing it then you haven't discovered the soul of the instrument. Andy West of the Dixie Dregs once told me that it's the bass players job to make "the groove so deep it becomes a ditch", and I've taken that to heart. Whether it's roots and fifths or my best Jaco impersonation (which isn't very good) the key is to keep the song anchored. If you see the bass as a 4-string guitar and not as a part of the rhythm section then it's never gonna satisfy you. But when you can rest in the cradle of a groove then it'll make you as happy as music ever possibly can.

Now I'm really looking forward to tomorrow.

Rick Towne · May 17th, 2008, 05:38 PM

I learned bass because there was often a vacancy at the piano-driven pentecostal-style Church on the Way where I started playing. I still played guitar most often. When we started attending Toronto-style renewal meetings in Pasadena, in 1995, (overlapping COTW for six months-usually playing five separate service per week) and began playing contemporary (i.e. Vineyard, early Delirious and Matt Redman) guitar-oriented worship I joined a band with a bass vacancy and got a G&L L-2500 5 string. I have had a Pedulla 5, a Zon 5 and now have a Rondo 6, while I search for another lightweight 5. The 6 string was $250, and plays fine. Basic playing style is Jamerson/Nashville. Favorite CCM/worship bassists are Nashville based Gary Lunn and Michael Rhodes. Still play guitar 95% of the time but always have the bass there if needed.

jazzrat · May 18th, 2008, 01:02 AM

I play lead guitar but, I think I'm actually a better bass player. I really love to lock in with the drummer. I don't find it boring at all.
I play a fretless so I enjoy a more melodic style on occasion too.

bobthecanadian · May 18th, 2008, 01:27 AM

Like you, Goldilocks, I like to play when the drummer is good. Playing with a hokey drummer is too much work and no fun.

Bob

stoopalini · May 18th, 2008, 07:58 PM

I'm usually on rhythm electric, and sometimes on lead electric, with my wife being the primary bassist. I do get to fill in for her from time to time, and I really look forward to those times; mostly because I love playing her 5-string Ernie Ball! What a great instrument!

We've added 'Break Free' by Hillsong into our rotation, and man, what a great bass line in that tune! My wife played it today, and did a great job with all the movement in it!

I agree with previous comments: The better the drummer, the more fun, relaxing, and sense of creativity I have playing bass.

Thomas.

psychetelec · May 19th, 2008, 10:33 AM

I play every Sunday unless my "real" band is out of town. I rotate basses for the church band and right now I'm digging my new Ibanez. I use a boss bass chorus a lot 'cause Peter Hook is a big influence on my playing, fits the music well.

Brian Krashpad · May 19th, 2008, 10:43 AM

When I was church-playing I had to handle both electric guitar and bass. So if it was a rhythmic song that didn't need electric guitar (we had another guy playing rhythm on acoustic-electric), I would play bass to give myself a break and break things up during the service. Maybe one or two songs per service, to 3 or 4 depending on what the songs that week were.

Bass is fun.

Danno · May 19th, 2008, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoldieLocks

Just curious how many people here play bass in church?

I was just reading Danno's post about his promotion to bassist. Congratulations. (you should be able to have fun since you're using a Firebird) Is it a Gibson or Epiphone?

Hey Goldie. It's an Epiphone. She's rock solid, built like a tank. I have a buddy constantly trading and somehow or another I wound up with it. Always wanted one though I've never had a hankerin' to play bass (just wanted one at the time for home recording).

Sitting in with the guys totally opened up my eyes and ears to what being in the bass role is like. I leaned on my 30 years of drumming experience more than anything and the drummer seemed very pleased that I was locking in with his bass drum. This was my first time at a non-drum role within a band - strange yet familiar. The drummer said that sounded like his first wife.

psychetelec · May 19th, 2008, 05:21 PM

Got a hearty "AMEN" after the bass solo in a tune during yesterday's service.

Rick Towne · May 19th, 2008, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psychetelec

Got a hearty "AMEN" after the bass solo in a tune during yesterday's service.

..............

telered · May 31st, 2008, 12:27 PM

Just recently joined a new church so not playing yet - but for the last 20 years or so have been playing mostly bass in praise bands.

I recently got a 2002 MM Stingray 4 and love it. It can do it all and its real fun to play. Kinda retired my '74 Jazz bass cause of the weight, but now and then it gets some time.

I have played electric rythym from time to time and that's a blast as well.

Hey, we need more Bass threads!!!

Trimmed&Burnin · May 31st, 2008, 05:46 PM

I get to break out my fretless from time to time. I usually play guitar but I cherish and look forward to the times I get to play bass.

Ptrallan01 · June 1st, 2008, 09:11 PM

As a bass player and was starting to get the groove down well, and another guy showed up who already had the groove so I moved to guitar. Lost our drummer, bass guy went to drums I went back to bass. Got another drummer bass guy back to bass. I'm back to guitar and haven't touched either bass in about six months. I've got a cheap samick jazz bass and a Tacouma Thunderchief Acoustic that I tried to sell, twice, but its too much fun and sounds too good to get rid of.

Tele295 · June 5th, 2008, 08:33 PM

We don't have a drummer, but I play bass instruments (electric bass, upright bass, and cello as the mood or season suits me) as an accompaniest to the pianist/cantor.

iansmitchell · June 9th, 2008, 02:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tele295

We don't have a drummer, but I play bass instruments (electric bass, upright bass, and cello as the mood or season suits me) as an accompaniest to the pianist/cantor.

For someone who started on electric guitar and only picked up bass for mostly American rock songs, It IS boring.
Reggae basslines, however, are simply amazing, difficult yet easy, and a blast.

Cello, however, is an amazing instrument(atleast by apocolyptica or the string quartet)

Danno · June 9th, 2008, 01:54 PM

Had my first gig as a bass player Friday night. Actually it was my first gig as anything other than being the drummer. Very cool. It was a one off performance with folks from our worship team playing "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack. Really opened my eyes to that type of music and it was such a good challenge for me to come in at the last minute and sit in with such a seasoned group of players.

The drummer and guitarist/team leader are really adamant about me playing with them which is really flattering given these guy's talent. My wife and I are having to address some open issues before we join the church so no joining the team until that point. Kindly pray for us if you feel led. I also want to thoroughly search my motivation in all of this to make sure I am first and foremost serving God, the church body, and being mindful of the precious time I have with my young family.

God Bless.

Edit: The current rig is my trusty Epi T-bird and Peavey Minx amp. I have little tied up in this rig and it sounds so good! The Lord has seen fit to bless me with this outstanding combo.

JohnSS · June 14th, 2008, 01:17 PM

Presently switching between playing bass (50%) electric slide/lead (40%) or 12 string acoustic (10%) at church. Church bass is a very nice Ibanez GSR200, though if needed, I have an Ibanez Artist prototype and a 70's Jazz Bass that I can play. I play whatever instrument the music director requests. After all, we're doing it to serve God, right?

Preacher · June 16th, 2008, 05:10 PM

got to play this weekend, normal bass player (somewhat inexperienced) was gone and I got to lay down the groove. The drummer said it felt different... helps when someone is making him keep time instead of trying to find where he is going.
I really enjoy playing bass...

jspeter51 · July 18th, 2008, 04:31 PM

Man, check out Salvation is Here by Hillsong, or some PLanetshakers stuff. Both of those bass players take any kind of boring out of bass playing in church. I myself play on occasion, and the drummer and myself lock in and let loose where the tune allows. Not a lot of slap opportunities in How Great is Our God, lol

TxTeleMan · July 25th, 2008, 03:36 PM

I've been playing guitar in church for 30+ years. First on electric, then acoustic, and Tele for the last 8 years. During these past 8 years I also played electric bass.

Our church had a lead guitarist, and the bass player needed to scale back, so I played the church's G&L 5-sting, which took a lot of getting used to, as I switched of electric guitar and bass in a band before then. When the lead player left, I was there every Sunday, either on the Tele, or G&L.

Now, I'm starting with another church on bass, using a Godin SD-4.

My main bass influence is Rick Danko, so playing bass in contemporary worship music is a whole 'nuther thing. Some of the bass parts are boring... straight 8s on an A for two bars, then straight 8s on an E is not my idea of excitement, but sometimes that's what the song calls for, much like strumming a G chord in double 4 in the first position for four bars.

I don't know most of the worship songs from the CDs, so I make up most of my own bass parts.

The best part is hooking up the beat with a good drummer (if you can find one)!

tom grossheider · July 25th, 2008, 04:28 PM

Been subbing on bass for a while now, and I really love it. Get right in that groove pocket and it is so sweet. Way different than guitar (which I play mostly) but much nicer.

randelli · August 2nd, 2008, 06:01 PM

I alternate between guitar and bass at our church. I really do not know which I prefer as they both have their own high's and low's. I am slightly more at ease on the bass because I am not out in front and get to slip in some funk and soul. I really like trading octaves with the lead guitar and soloing up at 12-16 frets.

When the people get involved and start worshiping it is better than any bar crowd.

pshuffield · August 21st, 2008, 08:42 PM

I started on acoustic guitar then moved to bass and now I play lead electric guitar. On occasion, I will move to bass and a couple of time, I have actually played all three during one service based on the songs we were doing. I just enjoy playing, so I will play where ever they want me too.

ravindave_3600 · September 6th, 2008, 01:49 AM

Lately I've been playing more bass. Usually I do leads, but I found out the bass player really wanted to play guitar. OK, why not? He seems happier, the bass playing is just as good, and I'm getting to train the jr.hi-aged drummer. And ego boost? People have said they like me on bass AND they miss my leads!

franchelB · September 6th, 2008, 12:17 PM

I use to play more bass when I was part of a Praise & Worship service we had at my church. But I usually play my (Taylor 355CE) 12-string A/E guitar now.

broadcaster · September 27th, 2008, 09:45 PM

I play bass on rotation at church. Been doing it for years and love it. We have lot's of very good musicians and vocalists on our team. The low B really comes in handy for worship music.

aunchaki · September 27th, 2008, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by randelli

I alternate between guitar and bass at our church. I really do not know which I prefer as they both have their own high's and low's.

Ba-Dum-Cha!

For the years I was in a P&W band, I switched between guitar and bass regularly. By the end, I was playing bass 80% of the time and LOVING it. Now, I only get to play occasionally and only with guitar (there's no real band at my new church and I have to drive things solo when I play).

My main bass is a Squier 5-string that I love. The low B string is essential for me (I just gotta have that low D). I haven't plugged it in for over a year [wipes tear away].

mlong · November 7th, 2008, 08:53 AM

I'm our Churches Bass player. I play an Ibanez 506 six string and love being able to do my part in the service to worship my Lord. One of the best thing for me is taking my head set off and hearing the people sing to the L

ord.

psychetelec · November 7th, 2008, 05:34 PM

Last week we had "old fashioned day" and played lots of old standards, only played bass on one tune, played banjo and mandolin mostly.

andy__woods · November 17th, 2008, 06:47 PM

I rarely play bass, but I was asked to play for our service last night. Most of the songs were simple enough, but we did the hymn version of "Oh Worship the King" and my left had was flying trying to keep up! I was playing one of these which the church owns:

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....ass?sku=517958

Buck@r00 · November 18th, 2008, 02:18 PM

I played upright bass before we moved from MO to GA. Our group back there was more folk/bluegrass oriented. Here we just started a "Lifeteen" service. I play my '62 wannabe and sing. My son Jake is the lead guitarist.

It's fun learning a whole new type of music. Most of the time the director will come to Jake and me and ask if we know a certain song she wants to do. We'll say yeah we heard it on one of those "Now that's What I Call..." commercials. She'll say, "Great see if you can learn it by next week and teach everyone else."

Little Willie · November 18th, 2008, 06:41 PM

I play bass sometimes at church. Sometimes our regular bass player wants to sing a special and he will play guitar while I play bass.

Little Willie

ravindave_3600 · November 19th, 2008, 08:22 PM

L'W, that's a great avatar.

Little Willie · November 20th, 2008, 07:12 PM

Thanks,
Thats pretty much me........

Little Willie

Telebass · November 21st, 2008, 12:56 AM

I play bass at church from time to time. I primarily go to a Vineyard church and fill in in the band as needed. I started out on electric doing a little lead or just rhythm to back the leader's acoustic, then I occasionally started filling in on bass or acoustic when people were gone a Sunday or two here and there. I actually kind of prefer bass now though and enjoy messing around with rhythms and scales and stuff to add to the music

Doug 54 · January 7th, 2009, 01:04 PM

I slap the devil out of mine....

sonserve · August 19th, 2009, 05:25 PM

Our leader was passing the church bass around the guitar guys when I started. I told him I wasn't hip enough to do that 'cause I really didn't want to do it, I love my Tele don't ya know. Later I was led to ask him to let me learn to play our material the way it should be done on bass 'cause the rythm section was a tad hapless. It was like a call from the Spirit that I had to answer. He tried to get me back on guitar but I just dug my heals in and kept practicing. Now he understands why He put me on bass and man I love it. I know theTele and Strat are lonely but my Pecision just hits my sweet spot... I probably ain't really that good at it but I get comments that the folks like it better so I guess it's OK. I hope a hot bass player doesn't show up and bump me back to guitar!

broadcaster · August 19th, 2009, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sonserve

Our leader was passing the church bass around the guitar guys when I started. I told him I wasn't hip enough to do that 'cause I really didn't want to do it, I love my Tele don't ya know. Later I was led to ask him to let me learn to play our material the way it should be done on bass 'cause the rythm section was a tad hapless. It was like a call from the Spirit that I had to answer. He tried to get me back on guitar but I just dug my heals in and kept practicing. Now he understands why He put me on bass and man I love it. I know theTele and Strat are lonely but my Pecision just hits my sweet spot... I probably ain't really that good at it but I get comments that the folks like it better so I guess it's OK. I hope a hot bass player doesn't show up and bump me back to guitar!

If you are smooth with the groove which it sounds like you are now, you is the man on bass.

sonserve · August 20th, 2009, 10:02 AM

Yeah man. We were locked in last night. It is such a blessing to be out of the bars. It hit me shortly after I sorta caught on to the style of material we play that this is why The Lord had me lugging a guitar around for forty years. What a blessing to find my home.

May 17th, 2008, 02:53 PM	#1 (permalink)
GoldieLocks Tele-Holic Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Abbotsford B.C. Posts: 874	playin' bass in church Just curious how many people here play bass in church? I was just reading Danno's post about his promotion to bassist. Congratulations. (you should be able to have fun since you're using a Firebird) Is it a Gibson or Epiphone? I'm always surprised how many people think of bass as a boring instrument. I only play bass occasionally but I totally love it when I do. I try to bring out my influences from (Geddy Lee, Roger Glover, Allan Woody, Nathan East). I especially like the old-school Gospel tunes. Although playing with bad (beginner) drummers definitely takes the fun out of it. But we have some good drummers too. I like being able to control the thickness of the music. __________________ "How little I know inspires me tremendously! I'm a huge fan of other people's playing." Bonnie Raitt

May 17th, 2008, 04:09 PM	#2 (permalink)
ChurchPlayer Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 377	I do it on occasion. Bass was my primary instrument from 9th grade through the age of about 35. I was a struggling guitar player in a school of better ones when a family friend gave me an old Hofner (non-Beatle) the summer before I entered 9th grade. I took to it immediately. Suddenly everything I was trying to do musically on the guitar made sense in a world of 4 strings. I played all through HS and college and played in bands when I got out. I was playing in a Christian band in the late 90's when odd circumstances put us together with another bass player looking to join. I'd been playing guitar all along and I agreed to go from bass to lead guitar and things clicked, and I've been on guitar ever since. These days the bass duties in out church band are handled by a kid who also plays fiddle. When he's on the violin the bass part will either fall to the keyboard player or I'll pick it up since we have 2 guitar players. Tomorrow, as things would have it, he can't make it at all so I'll be dragging my Precision along and we'll figure out how things fall. I love playing bass, probably more than I love playing guitar - and that's a lot. It's a very misunderstood instrument. If you're not having fun playing it then you haven't discovered the soul of the instrument. Andy West of the Dixie Dregs once told me that it's the bass players job to make "the groove so deep it becomes a ditch", and I've taken that to heart. Whether it's roots and fifths or my best Jaco impersonation (which isn't very good) the key is to keep the song anchored. If you see the bass as a 4-string guitar and not as a part of the rhythm section then it's never gonna satisfy you. But when you can rest in the cradle of a groove then it'll make you as happy as music ever possibly can. Now I'm really looking forward to tomorrow. __________________ Jake "I tell my kids, 'Daddy's the best guitar player on the block. Always will be. Even if we have to move.'"

May 17th, 2008, 05:38 PM	#3 (permalink)
Rick Towne Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Woodland Hills, CA Posts: 861	Lots of bass... I learned bass because there was often a vacancy at the piano-driven pentecostal-style Church on the Way where I started playing. I still played guitar most often. When we started attending Toronto-style renewal meetings in Pasadena, in 1995, (overlapping COTW for six months-usually playing five separate service per week) and began playing contemporary (i.e. Vineyard, early Delirious and Matt Redman) guitar-oriented worship I joined a band with a bass vacancy and got a G&L L-2500 5 string. I have had a Pedulla 5, a Zon 5 and now have a Rondo 6, while I search for another lightweight 5. The 6 string was $250, and plays fine. Basic playing style is Jamerson/Nashville. Favorite CCM/worship bassists are Nashville based Gary Lunn and Michael Rhodes. Still play guitar 95% of the time but always have the bass there if needed.

May 18th, 2008, 01:27 AM	#5 (permalink)
bobthecanadian Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: EDMONTON, Alberta... yes, in CANADA Age: 43 Posts: 1,729	Like you, Goldilocks, I like to play when the drummer is good. Playing with a hokey drummer is too much work and no fun. Bob __________________ It don't mean a thang if it ain't got that TWANG!!!

May 19th, 2008, 10:43 AM	#8 (permalink)
Brian Krashpad Tele-Holic Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: GVL FLA USA Posts: 804 39 Photos	When I was church-playing I had to handle both electric guitar and bass. So if it was a rhythmic song that didn't need electric guitar (we had another guy playing rhythm on acoustic-electric), I would play bass to give myself a break and break things up during the service. Maybe one or two songs per service, to 3 or 4 depending on what the songs that week were. Bass is fun. __________________ Visit Crash Pad at: http://krashpad.fortunecity.com http://www.myspace.com/CrashPad Gear List/Pics: http://krashpad.fortunecity.com/brian.html

May 18th, 2008, 01:02 AM	#4 (permalink)
jazzrat TDPRI Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Idaho Posts: 94	I play lead guitar but, I think I'm actually a better bass player. I really love to lock in with the drummer. I don't find it boring at all. I play a fretless so I enjoy a more melodic style on occasion too.

May 18th, 2008, 07:58 PM	#6 (permalink)
stoopalini NEW MEMBER! Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 6	I'm usually on rhythm electric, and sometimes on lead electric, with my wife being the primary bassist. I do get to fill in for her from time to time, and I really look forward to those times; mostly because I love playing her 5-string Ernie Ball! What a great instrument! We've added 'Break Free' by Hillsong into our rotation, and man, what a great bass line in that tune! My wife played it today, and did a great job with all the movement in it! I agree with previous comments: The better the drummer, the more fun, relaxing, and sense of creativity I have playing bass. Thomas.

May 19th, 2008, 10:33 AM	#7 (permalink)
psychetelec Tele-Meister Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Austin,Texas Age: 51 Posts: 239	I play every Sunday unless my "real" band is out of town. I rotate basses for the church band and right now I'm digging my new Ibanez. I use a boss bass chorus a lot 'cause Peter Hook is a big influence on my playing, fits the music well.

May 19th, 2008, 05:21 PM	#10 (permalink)
psychetelec Tele-Meister Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Austin,Texas Age: 51 Posts: 239	Got a hearty "AMEN" after the bass solo in a tune during yesterday's service.

May 31st, 2008, 12:27 PM	#12 (permalink)
telered TDPRI Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: CT Age: 52 Posts: 31	Just recently joined a new church so not playing yet - but for the last 20 years or so have been playing mostly bass in praise bands. I recently got a 2002 MM Stingray 4 and love it. It can do it all and its real fun to play. Kinda retired my '74 Jazz bass cause of the weight, but now and then it gets some time. I have played electric rythym from time to time and that's a blast as well. Hey, we need more Bass threads!!!

May 31st, 2008, 05:46 PM	#13 (permalink)
Trimmed&Burnin Tele-Holic Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bellingham Wa Age: 55 Posts: 859	I get to break out my fretless from time to time. I usually play guitar but I cherish and look forward to the times I get to play bass. __________________ Keep your lamp Trimmed And Burnin Shannon,

June 1st, 2008, 09:11 PM	#14 (permalink)
Ptrallan01 Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 670 3 Photos	Started off As a bass player and was starting to get the groove down well, and another guy showed up who already had the groove so I moved to guitar. Lost our drummer, bass guy went to drums I went back to bass. Got another drummer bass guy back to bass. I'm back to guitar and haven't touched either bass in about six months. I've got a cheap samick jazz bass and a Tacouma Thunderchief Acoustic that I tried to sell, twice, but its too much fun and sounds too good to get rid of. __________________ Ooh, I want my guitar to sound like Jimmie Smith's organ!!!

June 5th, 2008, 08:33 PM	#15 (permalink)
Tele295 Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: St. Latchodrom, CA Posts: 4,028 14 Photos	We don't have a drummer, but I play bass instruments (electric bass, upright bass, and cello as the mood or season suits me) as an accompaniest to the pianist/cantor. __________________ "Turn it up and it doesn't need any reverb." - Danny Gatton www.dannygatton.info Tiger Town Aces - Music That Bites Back In Redd we trust! Free Bill Kirchen! If lawyers are disbarred and clergymen defrocked, doesn't it follow that electricians can be delighted, musicians denoted, cowboys deranged, models deposed, tree surgeons debarked, and dry cleaners depressed?

June 9th, 2008, 01:54 PM	#17 (permalink)
Danno Tele-Meister Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: NC Age: 43 Posts: 345	Had my first gig as a bass player Friday night. Actually it was my first gig as anything other than being the drummer. Very cool. It was a one off performance with folks from our worship team playing "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack. Really opened my eyes to that type of music and it was such a good challenge for me to come in at the last minute and sit in with such a seasoned group of players. The drummer and guitarist/team leader are really adamant about me playing with them which is really flattering given these guy's talent. My wife and I are having to address some open issues before we join the church so no joining the team until that point. Kindly pray for us if you feel led. I also want to thoroughly search my motivation in all of this to make sure I am first and foremost serving God, the church body, and being mindful of the precious time I have with my young family. God Bless. Edit: The current rig is my trusty Epi T-bird and Peavey Minx amp. I have little tied up in this rig and it sounds so good! The Lord has seen fit to bless me with this outstanding combo.

June 14th, 2008, 01:17 PM	#18 (permalink)
JohnSS Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NYC Posts: 284	Presently switching between playing bass (50%) electric slide/lead (40%) or 12 string acoustic (10%) at church. Church bass is a very nice Ibanez GSR200, though if needed, I have an Ibanez Artist prototype and a 70's Jazz Bass that I can play. I play whatever instrument the music director requests. After all, we're doing it to serve God, right?

June 16th, 2008, 05:10 PM	#19 (permalink)
Preacher Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Oklahoma Age: 41 Posts: 256	got to play this weekend, normal bass player (somewhat inexperienced) was gone and I got to lay down the groove. The drummer said it felt different... helps when someone is making him keep time instead of trying to find where he is going. I really enjoy playing bass... __________________ So many guitars... so little time.

July 18th, 2008, 04:31 PM	#20 (permalink)
jspeter51 Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Arizona Posts: 110	Man, check out Salvation is Here by Hillsong, or some PLanetshakers stuff. Both of those bass players take any kind of boring out of bass playing in church. I myself play on occasion, and the drummer and myself lock in and let loose where the tune allows. Not a lot of slap opportunities in How Great is Our God, lol

July 25th, 2008, 03:36 PM	#21 (permalink)
TxTeleMan Tele-Meister Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Austin, Texas Age: 54 Posts: 355 22 Photos	I've been playing guitar in church for 30+ years. First on electric, then acoustic, and Tele for the last 8 years. During these past 8 years I also played electric bass. Our church had a lead guitarist, and the bass player needed to scale back, so I played the church's G&L 5-sting, which took a lot of getting used to, as I switched of electric guitar and bass in a band before then. When the lead player left, I was there every Sunday, either on the Tele, or G&L. Now, I'm starting with another church on bass, using a Godin SD-4. My main bass influence is Rick Danko, so playing bass in contemporary worship music is a whole 'nuther thing. Some of the bass parts are boring... straight 8s on an A for two bars, then straight 8s on an E is not my idea of excitement, but sometimes that's what the song calls for, much like strumming a G chord in double 4 in the first position for four bars. I don't know most of the worship songs from the CDs, so I make up most of my own bass parts. The best part is hooking up the beat with a good drummer (if you can find one)!

July 25th, 2008, 04:28 PM	#22 (permalink)
tom grossheider Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Mokena, IL Posts: 789	Been subbing on bass for a while now, and I really love it. Get right in that groove pocket and it is so sweet. Way different than guitar (which I play mostly) but much nicer.

August 2nd, 2008, 06:01 PM	#23 (permalink)
randelli TDPRI Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bakersfield, CA Age: 43 Posts: 16	I alternate between guitar and bass at our church. I really do not know which I prefer as they both have their own high's and low's. I am slightly more at ease on the bass because I am not out in front and get to slip in some funk and soul. I really like trading octaves with the lead guitar and soloing up at 12-16 frets. When the people get involved and start worshiping it is better than any bar crowd. __________________ A fulfilling and meaningful life is one that follows the path of least convenience. ~randelli Get the new Joe Bonamassa live CD here http://www.jbonamassa.com/affiliates...ate.php?id=315

August 21st, 2008, 08:42 PM	#24 (permalink)
pshuffield TDPRI Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Arkansas Age: 41 Posts: 16	I started on acoustic guitar then moved to bass and now I play lead electric guitar. On occasion, I will move to bass and a couple of time, I have actually played all three during one service based on the songs we were doing. I just enjoy playing, so I will play where ever they want me too. __________________ Shuff "Two wrongs don't make a right, but three rights make a left."

September 6th, 2008, 01:49 AM	#25 (permalink)
ravindave_3600 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Boise, USA Posts: 1,230	Lately I've been playing more bass. Usually I do leads, but I found out the bass player really wanted to play guitar. OK, why not? He seems happier, the bass playing is just as good, and I'm getting to train the jr.hi-aged drummer. And ego boost? People have said they like me on bass AND they miss my leads! __________________ Want my guitar to sound like BBQ tastes!

September 6th, 2008, 12:17 PM	#26 (permalink)
franchelB Friend of Leo's Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Irving, United States of Texas! Age: 44 Posts: 2,312	I use to play more bass when I was part of a Praise & Worship service we had at my church. But I usually play my (Taylor 355CE) 12-string A/E guitar now. __________________ Feel free to visit my homepage! http://www.myspace.com/francisbalagtas

September 27th, 2008, 09:45 PM	#27 (permalink)
broadcaster Tele-Holic Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: westconsin Age: 51 Posts: 738	I play bass on rotation at church. Been doing it for years and love it. We have lot's of very good musicians and vocalists on our team. The low B really comes in handy for worship music. __________________ groovalicious

November 7th, 2008, 08:53 AM	#29 (permalink)
mlong NEW MEMBER! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Watervliet MI Age: 57 Posts: 3	I'm our Churches Bass player. I play an Ibanez 506 six string and love being able to do my part in the service to worship my Lord. One of the best thing for me is taking my head set off and hearing the people sing to the Lord.

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November 7th, 2008, 05:34 PM	#30 (permalink)
psychetelec Tele-Meister Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Austin,Texas Age: 51 Posts: 239	Last week we had "old fashioned day" and played lots of old standards, only played bass on one tune, played banjo and mandolin mostly. __________________ Proud owner of Dee Murray's Steinberger! http://www.myspace.com/shapedsound http://www.eggmen.com

November 17th, 2008, 06:47 PM	#31 (permalink)
andy__woods Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Michigan Age: 24 Posts: 1,205 60 Photos	I rarely play bass, but I was asked to play for our service last night. Most of the songs were simple enough, but we did the hymn version of "Oh Worship the King" and my left had was flying trying to keep up! I was playing one of these which the church owns: http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....ass?sku=517958 __________________ -- Andy "Woods" Crowder --

November 18th, 2008, 02:18 PM	#32 (permalink)
Buck@r00 Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Kathleen GA Age: 48 Posts: 162	I played upright bass before we moved from MO to GA. Our group back there was more folk/bluegrass oriented. Here we just started a "Lifeteen" service. I play my '62 wannabe and sing. My son Jake is the lead guitarist. It's fun learning a whole new type of music. Most of the time the director will come to Jake and me and ask if we know a certain song she wants to do. We'll say yeah we heard it on one of those "Now that's What I Call..." commercials. She'll say, "Great see if you can learn it by next week and teach everyone else." __________________ "You got time to breathe, you got time for music" - Briscoe Darlin

November 18th, 2008, 06:41 PM	#33 (permalink)
Little Willie TDPRI Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: central tx Age: 55 Posts: 41	I play bass sometimes at church. Sometimes our regular bass player wants to sing a special and he will play guitar while I play bass. Little Willie __________________ " Don't ask me, I just play the guitar"

November 19th, 2008, 08:22 PM	#34 (permalink)
ravindave_3600 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Boise, USA Posts: 1,230	L'W, that's a great avatar. __________________ Want my guitar to sound like BBQ tastes!

November 20th, 2008, 07:12 PM	#35 (permalink)
Little Willie TDPRI Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: central tx Age: 55 Posts: 41	Thanks, Thats pretty much me........ Little Willie __________________ " Don't ask me, I just play the guitar"

November 21st, 2008, 12:56 AM	#36 (permalink)
Telebass TDPRI Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Ohio Age: 21 Posts: 17	I play bass at church from time to time. I primarily go to a Vineyard church and fill in in the band as needed. I started out on electric doing a little lead or just rhythm to back the leader's acoustic, then I occasionally started filling in on bass or acoustic when people were gone a Sunday or two here and there. I actually kind of prefer bass now though and enjoy messing around with rhythms and scales and stuff to add to the music

January 7th, 2009, 01:04 PM	#37 (permalink)
Doug 54 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ohio, Dayton area Posts: 1,308	I slap the devil out of mine.... __________________ "Cowboys to Girls"

August 19th, 2009, 05:25 PM	#38 (permalink)
sonserve Tele-Meister Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: The Colony, Tx. Age: 54 Posts: 223	Our leader was passing the church bass around the guitar guys when I started. I told him I wasn't hip enough to do that 'cause I really didn't want to do it, I love my Tele don't ya know. Later I was led to ask him to let me learn to play our material the way it should be done on bass 'cause the rythm section was a tad hapless. It was like a call from the Spirit that I had to answer. He tried to get me back on guitar but I just dug my heals in and kept practicing. Now he understands why He put me on bass and man I love it. I know theTele and Strat are lonely but my Pecision just hits my sweet spot... I probably ain't really that good at it but I get comments that the folks like it better so I guess it's OK. I hope a hot bass player doesn't show up and bump me back to guitar!

August 20th, 2009, 10:02 AM	#40 (permalink)
sonserve Tele-Meister Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: The Colony, Tx. Age: 54 Posts: 223	Yeah man. We were locked in last night. It is such a blessing to be out of the bars. It hit me shortly after I sorta caught on to the style of material we play that this is why The Lord had me lugging a guitar around for forty years. What a blessing to find my home.