BASS & DRUM STYLES AND

TECHNIQUES
- John Hatcherian & Angelo Melendez –

I. Developing a Consistent Sound

A. Bass

1. Wood, strings, pickups and amplification all affect tone quality.

2. Precise attacks and hand position (intonation) are key to the overall
sound.
3. Patterns, scales, and arpeggios help to develop physical stamina,
dexterity, and understanding of chord theory.
4. The bass does not need to be loud, yet should have enough
bottom-end for the band to build a foundation on.
5. Collaborate with the sound team to hone the bass sound out front.

B. Drums

1. Acoustic drums must be tuned properly to get the best sound. (For
more information on tuning drums refer to the seminar “Drums
Master Class” from last year’s PDI worship conference).
2. Rudiments should be learned well, and speed should only be
increased when you can play them at one tempo in a relaxed
manner with little or no effort.
3. Keep in mind that playing a slow tempo is much more difficult than
playing a fast one.
4. Different styles of music require different playing disciplines.
5. Be aware that drummers often rehearse one way and play another.

II. Volume and Dynamics

A. Dynamics are executed in a variety of ways.

1. How we phrase also plays a big part in how we interpret and

execute dynamics.
2. Sensitivity and experience can help check whether we are too loud
or soft while playing a song or specific passage.
3. Acoustic drums provide an extremely wide range of dynamics,
while electronic are more forgiving.

Bass & Drums Styles and Techniques – Angelo Melendez, John Hatcherian
PDI Worship Conference - A Passion for the Glory of God 2000
Copyright 2000 PDI Ministries
7881 Beechcraft Ave., Suite B, Gaithersburg, MD 20879
 Page 2 of 6

B. Time

1. Each player contributes to the time factor in a song, though we

generally use the drummer as a point of reference.
2. The importance of building up an internal time keeping mechanism
can not be over emphasized.
3. It is EVERYONES job on the platform, ether playing an instrument
or singer to keep time. Period. Having said that, it is the
Fundamental job of the bass and drums to keep the beat “locked
in.”

C. Meter

1. Meter is mathematics.
2. It’s important for both drummers and bassists to understand and
feel comfortable with the differences in duple and triple meter.
3. Each beat in a measure is accented according to the meter, the
tempo and style of the composition. Measures build phrases
according to form; songs are built on phrases.

D. Groove

1. Each player contributes to the groove.

2. To create a foundation, the bassist and drummer (and the other
rhythm section instruments) work together contrasting tonality and
length of notes implementing a tension and release to establish the
groove.
3. Solid time is essential to the groove. However, we also have to be
aware that the music must breathe.

III. Figuring Out Parts

A. Know all the parts of a song, including text and melody.

1. Text and melody largely determine a song’s structure.

2. The text communicates most clearly the essence of what we are
trying to say through the song.
3. As often as you’re able, sing along as you play. It will help you
appreciate the flow of the song lyrically, as well as musically.

B. Road maps

1. When you first listen to a song, try to pick out the form.

Bass & Drums Styles and Techniques – Angelo Melendez, John Hatcherian
PDI Worship Conference - A Passion for the Glory of God 2000
Copyright 2000 PDI Ministries
7881 Beechcraft Ave., Suite B, Gaithersburg, MD 20879
 Page 3 of 6

2. Consider writing out a simple flowchart for songs that have a

challenging arrangement. How many measures are in each piece of
the structure? What about repeated sections, intros, the bridge,
etc.? Notate the bass drum pattern and practice it (with a
metronome).

C. Memorization

1. Memorization of music increases our capacity to play with fluidity

and confidence.
2. Learn to memorize songs by section.
3. Memorization enables us to focus more on playing as a cohesive
unit, to respond to the guidance of the worship leader, and most
importantly to worship God through the leading of the Holy Spirit.

IV. Remaining Creative

A. Style and Context

1. As we are aware of all the parts being played and sung, we can
add rhythmic textures and color to serve as a foundation for the
musical structure.
2. When we listen to music, the flavor and groove implied by the
composer and/or the artist identifies a particular style.
3. Environmental factors and our level of musical knowledge often
drive our musical preferences.

B. Personal Style

1. Every player develops his or her own style of musicianship.

2. One way to expand our horizons is to play in as many musical
scenarios as possible. Be careful not to expose yourselves to
music or environments that would compromise your walk with the
Lord.
3. Playing along with CD’s can be an effective way of broadening your
stylistic vocabulary.

C. The Importance of Fundamentals

1. A key to creativity and expression is our command of the

fundamentals.
2. When we practice alone, we should experiment with different
sounds and chops. During meetings, however, we should strive to
play within our level of confidence and ability.
3. We ”have to address space, tone, melody, note choice, and above
all, support (Bass Player, May 2000, pg. 10)” in order to provide a
foundation for creativity to be spawned within the group.

Bass & Drums Styles and Techniques – Angelo Melendez, John Hatcherian
PDI Worship Conference - A Passion for the Glory of God 2000
Copyright 2000 PDI Ministries
7881 Beechcraft Ave., Suite B, Gaithersburg, MD 20879
 Page 4 of 6

V. Working as a Team

A. Acquire a Basic Understanding of the Drums and their Function

1. Ask questions of the drummer’s physical approach to the kit.

2. While the drummer is the primary timekeeper, the band should
generate time as a unit, with the drummer leading the effort.
3. Effective Communication between Bassists and Drummers

a. Make sure you each have a good vantage point to see/hear

direction from the worship leader, while maintaining eye
contact with each other.
b. Develop a game plan and simplify, then simplify some more
– especially on Sunday mornings.
c. Determine the individual strengths in each other and allow
the strongest musician to guide.

B. Focal Points for Maintaining Time

1. Lock the bass guitar into the bass drum pattern(s).

2. Use contrasts to setup time, dynamics and the groove.
3. The groove is what drives a song, no matter how subtle.
4. Even when we are called on to play a song we have not previously
heard, the groove must be set up, developed, and maintained for
the duration of any given song.

VI. Playing Different Styles

A. Space – Not a lot of movement – (King Of Grace)

B. 6/8 – (As Long As I Have Breath)

C. Latin – (The Heavens They Preach)

D. Shuffle – (God Is My Redeemer)

E. Class Choice

VII. Class Participation

Bass & Drums Styles and Techniques – Angelo Melendez, John Hatcherian
PDI Worship Conference - A Passion for the Glory of God 2000
Copyright 2000 PDI Ministries
7881 Beechcraft Ave., Suite B, Gaithersburg, MD 20879
 Page 5 of 6

RESOURCES AND PRACTICE MATERIALS (BASS)

1. Trinity Hymnal – Great Commission Publications, Inc.

2. Building Jazz Bass Lines – Ron Carter (Hal Leonard)
3. Shadows of Motown – The Life and Music of the Legendary Bassist James
Jamerson (Dr. Licks)
4. Electric Bass – John Patitucci
5. Modern Reading Text in 4/4 – Louis Bellson (and Gil Breines)
6. Patterns for Jazz – Coker, Casale, Campbell, and Greene
7. New Method for Double Bass – F. Simandl (Carl Fischer)
8. 30 Etudes – F. Simandl (Carl Fischer)
9. Worship Together – UK Magazine
10. Bass Strings and Accessories Online – (www.getstringscheap.com) and
(www.juststrings.com).
11. Bass Player – Magazine and web site (www.bassplayer.com).

a. Gear – Gear guide for amps, basses, and accessories.

b. Woodshed – Study and practice materials.
c. Trenches – Real world knowledge for developing and implementing your
skills.

12. BassBooks – Comprehensiive web site for books and videos

(www.bassbooks.com)

a. Links to other sites that provide a variety of useful resources.

b. Online lessons soon to be available.

13. Bassics – Magazine and web site (www.bassics.com).

14. Bass Frontiers – Magazine and web site (www.bassfrontiers.com).

Bass & Drums Styles and Techniques – Angelo Melendez, John Hatcherian
PDI Worship Conference - A Passion for the Glory of God 2000
Copyright 2000 PDI Ministries
7881 Beechcraft Ave., Suite B, Gaithersburg, MD 20879
 Page 6 of 6

RESOURCES AND PRACTICE MATERIALS (DRUMS)

Video

1. Danny Gottlieb’s “The Complete All Around Drummer” (Both videos, Vol. I &2.)
Excellent teaching on styles, technique and developing a “groove”
2. DCI Videos; Many different artists with teaching and performing sections. Use
for developing different styles as they cover all styles by the best drummers in
each category.

Books

3. Stick Control – Can be used as a guide for hands or feet, great beginner book for
developing reading technique but don’t skip over this one, it is a classic.
4. Accents and Rebounds – Great for developing your technique. Another classic
book that’s been around for years.
5. Syncopation – Helps you develop hand independence, great book and another
classic.

Web sites

1. Purchasing videos http://www.musiciansource.com/Videos/drums/drmvid.html,

http://www.musicbooksplus.com/vperc.htm
2. Teaching web sites include
1. http://catalog.com/drummers/ Beginner and advanced drum lessons online
including MIDI files of the examples. $ 49 cost for 70 lessons.

Bass & Drums Styles and Techniques – Angelo Melendez, John Hatcherian
PDI Worship Conference - A Passion for the Glory of God 2000
Copyright 2000 PDI Ministries
7881 Beechcraft Ave., Suite B, Gaithersburg, MD 20879