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The Devil Ain’t in the Details Part 2 by Steve Gregory
Meet Steve Gregory –
In my last article we explored the tremendous impact small details can make on our bass playing. For that article, I had used “Our God” by Chris Tomlin, from the album, “Passion: Awakening”. This song provided fantastic material for discovering details: a strong kick drum/bass lock and dramatic dynamics that were perfect for bass line analysis.
A few days prior to that article being published, I was in a worship rehearsal working on the song “Blessed Be Your Name” by Tree 63. The song felt “flat” during our run-through and a very astute observation was made by my friend Dane: it can be extremely difficult to make a song with a repeating chord structure, especially one that has further been edited for radio play, exciting and energetic. This is absolutely true and calls for the bass player to pay even closer attention to the details that breathe life into a song.
The version of the song I’m referring to can be found on the album, “The Answer to the Question”. This is a great song with fantastic sing ability for the congregation. Now for the transcription – ready?
Db – Ab – Bbm – Gb (Db – Ab –Gb)
Ok, maybe we should expand the transcription a bit further, but I wanted to make a point: 4 basic chords total, repeating often (To be fair, there are several instances where a sus chord can be played, but I’ll leave that aside for now). Rather than provide a detailed, note-for-note transcription, the following is a “bass sketch” chart, which only shows the root motion and basic rhythm reminders.
To compare and contrast with last article’s detail analysis, let’s look at similar elements this time: rhythmic figures and dynamics.
“Blessed Be Your Name” has several rhythmic elements that should be used to their full advantage. The first bass entrance, halfway through the first verse, allows us to lock with the drummer immediately. The eighth note lead in on the “and” of four adds nice propulsion through the verse. To build from this figure the first pre-chorus changes to straight quarter notes, which lead to the eighth notes used in the first chorus. After the chorus, which ends in a whole note, the verse is “reset” by the low, held Db (marked by a subscript in the markup) which holds over the first and second measures of the verse.
The next area of rhythmic interest occurs during the last pre-chorus, where whole notes build to eighth notes, leading into the final chorus. Both sections create an overarching rhythmic shape that creates a sense of build and release. This shape should be applied so that the bass line creates movement, without bass note complexity.
The next element to look at is dynamics. In my last article, analysis of “Our God” provided the following dynamics chart:
“Our God” Dynamics Chart
Contrast that shape with the dynamics chart for “Blessed Be Your Name”:
“Blessed Be Your Name” Dynamics Chart
Dynamics are where I believe the radio/album editing to be most evident. There are three builds, all peaking in the chorus. Further, the dynamic changes are not very dramatic – mezzo piano to mezzo forte to forte. In cases such as these, it is extremely important to pay strict attention make clear differentiations between the different dynamic levels. When there are small dynamic variances as there are in this song, it’s very easy to make everything “mezzo forte-ish”. When that happens, any chance of using dynamics to our advantage is lost.
I chose to compare and contrast “Our God” and “Blessed Be Your Name” by using rhythmic figures and dynamics as elements for analysis. These are certainly not the only two elements available. For example, one important detail in “Blessed Be Your Name” is providing steadiness when running eighth notes. Locking these into the groove and making every note count is critical. Further, using octave changes and short licks to shape phrases is another small detail that provides a big impact. There are other ways to view this song and find the details that make the difference; I hope you share your finding by commenting below or chatting with me in the Bass Musician Magazine Community, I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
“Blessed Be Your Name” is a fantastic song with the possibility for great congregation involvement. On the surface, it may appear that there isn’t much to use to make your bass line great; however, careful attention to details gives us the tools to make the maximum impact. Bring your best bass playing to worship and make the small investment in details that provides great returns.
Until next time, I hope that your bass playing is blessed and that you can bless others through your bass playing!
Gear News
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
Spector offers Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses…
Spector, a leading authority in bass guitar design, unveils two new Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses. Synonymous with bass excellence since 1987, Wimbish collaborated with Spector’s USA Custom Shop to create the DW-4 and DW-5 models, echoing the iconic instruments that have been favored heavily throughout his recording and performing career.
These signature basses faithfully replicate Wimbish’s originals, down to the smallest details like neck contours and nut widths. Customized EMG pickups, developed in collaboration with Wimbish, capture the distinctive sound that has shaped his monumental musical impact. These models invite players to explore the feel and response that have defined Wimbish’s signature style over the years.
Available in 4-string and 5-string versions, each model boasts unique features & finish options. The DW-4 comes in Amber Stain Gloss and Black Stain Gloss options, while the DW-5 offers Dark Blue Stain Gloss and Faded Natural Gloss. Every purchase includes a certificate of authenticity signed by Doug Wimbish. Wimbish comments, “Spector took the time to get every little nuance right, and that to me is dedication and being thoughtful enough to know ‘I want to nail it,’ and they did. I’m able to pick these instruments up for the first time and play them like I’ve already had them for years.”
For more information, visit spectorbass.com/doug-wimbish-usa-signature-series/.
Photo: Doug Wimbish, pictured with the new Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses
Bass CDs
New Campaign: Alberto Rigoni, Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings
Italian bass master and composer ALBERTO RIGONI is thrilled to announce his brand new project “Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings”.
Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings features a super talented drummer from Japan (TBA) and tons of female guitarists such as SAKI, Giusy Busetto, Alexandra Zerner (TBC) and many many others (TBA). Furthermore, Alberto has also launched a Fundraising Campaign for the project. 20% of the income will be donated to Lega del Filo d’Oro legadelfilodoro.it/it, an Italian association that helps deaf and blind children!
Alberto shares:
“Hello friends and music lovers! I’m Alberto Rigoni, an Italian composer and.. a BASS GUY! Between 2008 and 2024 I released 13 solo albums, spanning from progressive, rock, ambient to funky and experimental music, which also features contributions from musicians such as keyboard wizard Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) drummer Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree) and Marco Minnemann (the Aristocrats), keyboardist Kevin Moore (ex Dream Theater), singer John Jeff Soto (ex Goran Edman (ex Y. Malmsteen), bassists Nathan East, Stu Hamm (Joe Satriani), Nik West (ex Prince) and many others. I’m also bass player for BAD As, Sunset Groove Society, Kim Bingham, The Italians bands and co-producer of Mistheria’s Vivaldi Metal Project.”
Alberto on the new project Nemesis Call:
“Even if my latest album “Unexpected Lullabies”, dedicated to my newborn Vittoria Parini Rigoni, will be released on June 4th, 2024, when Vittoria came to life I felt the need to compose new music (yes, I really can’t stop!!!!!). This time will be quite challenging because I’m willing to release an instrumental ambient/prog/rock/metal album, that will feature a talented and young drummer (TBA) and tons of female guitarists (that’s why I will call the album “Queens of the Strings”) such as Alexandra Zerner, YOKA and many others (TBA/TBC)). It won’t be easy to manage all such great musicians but I will make it!! Are you ready to face a new prog experience? The album will be released in Digipack CD and in high-quality digital format approximately at the beginning of 2025.”
The Fundraising Campaign:
As an independent artist, Alberto is looking for supporters who can help him reach the budget for the production (recordings, mix, mastering, artwork etc.) of this new album and has started this fundraising campaign that will end successfully on October 15th, 2024.
Get further information about Alberto Rigoni’s new project Nemesis Call Fundraising campaign at albertorigoni.net/nemesiscal
Bass Videos
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
Bassist Derek Frank…
Many of you will remember the last time I chatted with Derek Frank was back in 2017. The main thing that impressed me was how busy Derek was and how he juggled playing with many huge acts.
Now, I am happy to hear that Derek launched a new album last March titled “Origin Story” where he digs deep into his roots and pays homage to Pittsburg.
Join me as we get caught up after all these years and hear the details about the new album, how Derek gets his sound, and his plans for the future.
Photo, Stephen Bradley
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www.derekfrank.com
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This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Check out our top 10 favorite basses on Instagram this week…
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Gear News
New Gear: Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Internationally renowned bassist ALBERTO RIGONI (soloist, BAD AS, Vivaldi Metal Project, TwinSpirits, etc.) is proud to announce the release of his signature bass VPR5 made by renowned Italian luthier Gaetano Costanzo!
The bass is entirely handmade in Italy, without the use of CNC or other machinery, and has rather special features. The VPR is a 5-string bass (but also available as a 4-string) with 30 frets, Seymour Duncan pickups, Music Man Alnico style, passive electronics (volume, tone and a switch to select series/parallel/single-coil mode), alder body, and American maple neck and fingerboard. Gotoh tuners that ensure perfect intonation. The bass is totally painted white (nitro finish) but other colors can be requested. The VPR has a weight of about 2.9 kg and suitable for any genre.
For more information contact Gaetanobass77@gmail.com or visit online at www.instagram.com/gaetanocostanzoluthier or www.facebook.com/GaetanoCostanzoLuthier
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
String Instrument Humidifiers
Interview With Bassist Graham Stanush
Review: CrystalBright Rombo Picks
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
String Instrument Humidifiers
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
