By John Nightwolf
Over coffee this morning I was listening to “long Train Runnin'" (LTR) by the Doobies. Since my last article stressed the “fact" that the Bass Player's main job is to play right in line with the Drummer, I thought this Song would be a good example of when to go against the grain.
Syncopated is the proper word I believe. LTR is a great example because if you listen to Tiran Porter's Bass lines you will notice that he chooses the syncopation carefully, playing syncopated Bass lines only during the verses and jumping back on track with the beat for the choruses. The syncopation adds to the “rolling train" feel of the Song, while jumping back on the beat ties it all together for the choruses. I have heard Mr. Porter's Bass playing described as “Busy", which I am sure was meant as a compliment, but I think his playing is appropriate for the Songs and gives me the opportunity to discuss point/counterpoint Bass playing.
Point/Counterpoint
Tiran Porter's Bass lines bring to light that playing right with the Drummer is not always appropriate for the Song. As a member of the rhythm section, the main objective is to keep motion, movement, and groove going throughout the arrangement. Syncopation is often how the guitarist handles certain sections. It is a lot more common to hear the Guitar lines deviate from the beat while leaving the rhythm section to hold it together, but in certain situations when the Guitar is riding the rhythm it leaves the bassist free to add a separate groove that adds another dimension to the motion of the Song.
Adding New Dimensions to Arrangements
As I stated in the last section; “the main objective is to keep motion, movement, and groove going throughout the arrangement." the motion and groove you are looking for is not always the rhythm of the “main" section, it often falls to the Bass player to add a separate line of motion, which adds another dimension to a composition.
Being primarily a composer these days I generally start writing a Song on a single instrument playing a single line/rhythm. Once I create a vocal melody to go with the line I have written, I have added another dimension to the Song, which makes it more interesting.
When to “break" the Law (moderation is the key)
So, my last article stressed the “fact" that the Bass Player's main job is to play right in line with the Drummer. The main point of this article is that there are times when it is appropriate to “break" that rule. Notice that the LTR bass line is only syncopated during the verses and then jumps back on track with the beat for the choruses. The point-counterpoint bass technique can add dimension to a song, when used sparingly it can be a powerful tool.
Next month:
Throw away your picks and thump it
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About John Nightwolf
John Nightwolf is 42 years old and has been playing since the age of 13. Although John also plays Guitar, Keyboards, and Drums, he would tell you that Bass is his real passion.
John plays a Regal acoustic Bass, an Ibanez 4string, and a Schecter 5string. Hartke Amp with a Genz Benz cabinet.
He has played for Witch, Intox, Stressmonkey and Two and a Half WeeKs over the years.
John Nightwolf is a member of the Songstuff music community.
