Hey there...your thread had become a favorite for me..your really helpful to everyone ...thanks for that.

so Ive been playing bass for a hair over a month now and Im trying to build up some "know-how" and some confidence with my playing before I can start playing with friends because I dont want them to not want to play with me again if they play with me before Im ready. I dont trust my own ear right now.

My question is ..am I on the right path with this? When I do start to play with people I want to keep the song moving with rhythm but also be there with the melody and Im worried about pushing the melody side of things to much (I dont know if thats a valid worry or not). Im trying to say I want to be positive force while playing and could use some thoughts on how Im doing. I developed horrible habits when I played guitar for years in my bedroom so I want to be really cautious and develop correctly. here a link to a video of me playing over some changes ...so anyone who has advice..well I could really use it right now.... thanks everyone who reads this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMlflPcnxfU

You are quite advanced for playing for a month! Your guitar playing has come in handy, for sure, but you sound great.

I don't see any reason for you to "restrain" yourself from playing with others.

Keep doing what you're doing, and do it every day. Also, learn some lines from records you like...you probably know a bunch, but do as much of that you can, helps with practical application.

I dunno - you're on the right path, don't think about it too much! Just get out and play!

JMJ

thanks so much for your reply. I felt like it has been coming together pretty quick because of my guitar past. So many things started clicking for me really quick that never fully clicked on guitar that I was worried I was missing something somehow. A part of that thinking comes from the fact that Ive never learned any song or riffs even when I played guitar (I dont know why really just never could get motivated) but, with your advise I think I will go start learning some Jamerson and Babbitt and some Kim Gordon and you.
I needed that... thanks.

There you go.

Do your thing...and again, don't think about it. Just play constantly.

JMJ