Getting the Gig: 6 Audition Tips for Worship Bassists
Let’s face it: it doesn’t matter if you’ve been playing bass guitar for two years or twenty, auditions can be scary… and worship band auditions are no exception.
You start overthinking your bass lines as you get the nervous sweats… then your fretting hand starts cramping and you realize you’ve been holding your breath for thirty seconds…
I recently auditioned for the worship band at my church and jotted down a few tips I used to prepare.
6 Audition Tips for Worship Bassists
- Gather as much information as you can.
- Practice.
- Arrive early.
- Be prepared for anything.
- Don’t stop playing.
- Follow up.
1. Gather As Much Information As You Can
Ask, ask, ask! Communication is a huge part of preparation and establishes expectations for the audition. Here are some questions you should be asking whoever is in charge:
- “Do I need to bring my own amplifier? Or will a direct box be provided?”
- “When and where is the audition?” (kind of important!)
- “Would you like me to perform the song(s) note-for-note? Or do I have the option to add my own spin on the tune(s)?”
- “Can you provide me with resources to learn the song(s) to the best of my ability?” (chord charts, lead sheets, MP3s, YouTube video links, etc.)
2. Practice
Even if you’re familiar with every song you’re performing for the audition, it’s important to sit down and hash them out. Nail down those transitions, know where to enter and drop out, and for bonus points try learning each song in a different key- you never know when you might get a curve ball thrown at you.
As I mentioned above, it’s important to know if you need to perform your tunes verbatim as they appear on the original track. For my recent audition, I performed Endless Praise by Planetshakers. If you’re familiar with this one, you know that Josh Ham has some serious Geddy Lee-ish bass riffs hiding in there (listen around 2:35 and 3:20… you’ll know what I’m talking about).
After I gave it a listen for the first time, I knew there was no way I could master those runs within the next few weeks. So I replaced those fills with some original riffs I came up with that weren’t as technical but still added some flavor.
If you’re not required to perform your audition songs note-for-note, take the opportunity to add some personality. Try adding some fills (without going overboard) and use effects when necessary to showcase your own style and sound.
3. Arrive early
Not on time- EARLY! Give yourself plenty of time to commute, set up and warm up.
4. Be prepared for anything
Here’s how I expected my recent audition to go: I would arrive at the church on that Tuesday night (which is when the worship team has their weekly practice), set up my gear, and sit in with the band for the two songs I had rehearsed.
When I walked into the auditorium with my gear I quickly figured out that the band wouldn’t arrive for another 30 minutes. I was all by myself on stage, playing along with a click track and midi track of the song through my in-ears. It wasn’t a big deal, but I wasn’t expecting it at all!
In addition to the audition itself, be prepared and bring everything you can think of. Have an active bass? Might not be a bad idea to have a few extra 9-volt batteries on hand. Extra instrument cables, tuners, strings- bring it all!
5. Don’t stop playing
If you make a mistake, keep going! Making a few flubs is better than stopping and asking to start from the beginning. And don’t wince- your audience will be more likely to notice your mistakes if it shows on your face! Keep grooving and use your ears to get back on track.
6. Follow up
If the team doesn’t let you know you got the gig at the time of audition, ask when you should expect to hear back.
If you don’t get the gig, don’t get discouraged- ask what you did wrong so you can improve and build your chops for your next audition.
Practice, communicate, be confident, and be prepared for anything. Best of luck in your next audition!
8 Replies to “Getting the Gig: 6 Audition Tips for Worship Bassists”
BY ALL MEANS KNOW YOUR music theory.. KNOW your chord pergressions, Just rember that ALL western styled music no matter what genera is based on 3 chords, just ask what key the song is in, and go with that., It’ll relfect on the band you’re auditioning for, “He knows his stuff!” That will CUT hours of practice, Practice is only for muscle memory, pratice theory and mental pratice, it’s more powerful than fancy ‘show off’ riffs. And by ALL MEANS!!! if you play bass, play bass.. not lead.. work with the drummer, the bass and kick drum should work in tandam, be as one instrument, lay down the foundation!!
Thanks for your comment, Larry! Totally agree with your emphasis on being one with the drummer.
I agree that the bass is not supposed to try to be another lead guitarist. But I disagree on the theory comment. I never had a lesson, cant read a note, don’t know a lick of theory. But I have a natural, God-given gift and an ear. And I’m in good company. Most of the biggest, most successful names in rock music were self taught, ear players, like me. Before you make assumptions, Ive played full time music gigs aboard major cruise ships…without knowing how to read or write music! But, we were playing rock, pop, dance music. not rocket science. Most popular music is simple to play. As is most praise and worship. Especially the K-Love genre. Virtually every song will feature an echoey guitar riff, stolen directly from the Edge from U2. The drum pattern will be 4/4. I think it might be illegal in Nashville CCM to use any other drum rhythm than 4/4. And the bass will be single note peddles in a 4 chord pattern. Thus is today’s hit worship song formula, until the next trend replaces it. No need to stress over an audition. If you have an ear, and basic playing ability. no worries.
Thanks for commenting, Kurt. You bring up some great points. Also, it’s awesome you’ve played on cruise ships before! I bet that’s an awesome experience.
I hope I didn’t come on so strong.. but think about it…. a lot of musicians without thinking, try to sell themselves”Look What I can do” and NOT putting there care into the music, I say.. if the music/song sells, YOU sell.. cause you made the music a selling product.
Not at all! I appreciate your enthusiasm.
Great tips!
Thanks, Ken!