It's a great advantage playing with other people. Many moons ago, when I was 16, my parents bought me a Bass Guitar. I taught myself the very basics from books and tapes (yes tapes, remember them!?) but I was obviously very green.
After 3 months, a school friend of mine said that a local 60,s band were looking for a bass player as they had gigs booked and their bass player had walked out!
Looking back now, it seemed a crazy thing to have done, but I jumped at the chance. The other band members were much older (30 ish) but they let me come along for a try out. We went through some songs, and I wasn't that good suprisingly, however the band leader Simon said that If I practised a lot, they would let me play at their next gig in 3 weeks time!
I was so scary at the time, so much to learn and so little time, but the band members really helped. We had lots of practices and between these it was all I did.
The first gig was really a terrifying and exhilarating experience. Yes there were a few bum notes and it was basic bass root notes, but after it I felt SO good.
I stayed with the band for a couple of years, but had I not jumped at the chance I would not have learned all that I did. It moved me on a lot quicker than I would have thought possible, and it was a lot of fun learning the songs.
I've been in different bands over the years and we have taken on green, young guitarists who have only ever played in their bedrooms, who suddenly come alive in front of a crowd.
As soon as I feel comfortable with the Sax, (could be longer than I originally thought) I will look to join something...anything....as it really does makes a difference.
Sorry for the long post, just realised I've been going on again lol...
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