To early to join a band

[two fingers]

Originally Posted by Sigying

Yeah that's what I'm scared of, that if I do start to play with them and it turns out they're all really good. I'd feel out of place then and feel like I'm keeping them back

Then back out if that happens. No harm done. But joining a band will boost your learning speed by a LOT. Plus, it will get you all pumped up to work on your fingers. Come back here and ask questions often. Good luck!

[Synthax]

I started playing bass last Christmas, started jamming with a few people along the way, nothing serious, just playing a few tunes along the way and it helped a TON. In September I joined a real , bona-fide band. My playing has improved a ton since September. I mean it, a ton. I practice a lot, 2-6 hours a day, practice once a week with these guys and on nov 17 I had my first live gig. 3 sets of material in front of real people. Do it kid, you only live once. If you can get there, go play with them,just do it. If not, find someone closer, but hook up with people and find your inner muse .

Good luck and keep playing

Neil

[MarkMgibson]

Originally Posted by Sigying

Yeah that's what I'm scared of, that if I do start to play with them and it turns out they're all really good. I'd feel out of place then and feel like I'm keeping them back

Just tell them that you'll give it a try, and if they don't think you're good enough, no hard feelings. You've got nothing to lose and a lot to gain. Above all, you'll have a blast, and you'll learn more in an hour than in a month practising alone.

[Cycho]

Consider yourself lucky that you got asked. There are no guarantees but you have a lot to gain and little to lose.

[Chief2112]

Just be honest about your ability and tell them you'll give it a shot if they will have some patience with you. I found that my playing improved TREMENDOUSLY only a week after playing with other musicians for the first time. I was lucky enough to find a group of guys who are very experienced but they let me jam along pounding out root notes until I started getting more comfortable and learning more.

[MalcolmAmos]

I have to jump back in here ---- No one is taking into account your age. Your Mother will decide if it is to early for you to join a band.

[davidjackson]

Slightly different example but I joined a jazz band a year back after having never played any jazz before. I wasn't good enough and ended up getting kicked out but it taught me a) where I needed to improve on my theory, b) what it feels like to play with a large group of jazz musicians and c) to sharpen up my sight reading and understanding of charts.

I have been able to work on all of that now and get a lot better. I expect to be ready to move back into playing with a jazz band soon and this wouldn't be the case had I never tried.

Like others have said, what have you got to lose? Even if it doesn't work out you will know why and be able to build on that. Being overly ambitious with my jazz pretensions was the best thing I ever did because it has spurred me on like never before.

[tone696]

Originally Posted by MalcolmAmos

I have to jump back in here ---- No one is taking into account your age. Your Mother will decide if it is to early for you to join a band.

+1 especially if you have to rehearse a few times a week, let her know what you are getting into.

But go for it, never too early, enjoy it and do not be too proud to ask question!

[kevteop]

I've been playing over 20 years and I've just taken two gigs for later this month that are a little 'too soon' for my ability. I took them because I've been putting off taking these kinds of gigs for about 2 years and I'm going to have to bite the bullet at some point.

Sounds similar to your situation. If you can muster the confidence then go ahead and do it, you can only benefit from it.

[oniman7]

If it's a good band and you put effort into practice, criticism, and review, nothing will grow you faster as a musician

[Grabow]

go for it!!! but of courseterll them you have only been playing of 8 months, if they already know this or are ok with this, then do it
will it make you a better player, definitely, without a doubt

[tdub0199]

DO IT!!!!

[Sigying]

Thanks everyone it's basically my friend who asked me to join because 1. I'm the only bassist he knows and 2. We're friends and listen to similar music.
And I'm not scared of being behind them anymore with my playing skills because I found out I have the second most experience, the next being the drummer who is apparently amazing at drums. The lead guitarist has been playing six months but he's already pretty good, the rhythm guitarist (if he can actually make it to practice) has been learning a couple of months and thinks this could help him. And the singer has been singing for years.
I know it's better to join a band with people who have more experience then me. But in my own opinion I think it's okay to be in a band with other beginners to start with so we can all build up our skills together, right? And work together to become better musicians?

[MarkMgibson]

Sounds perfect to me. Everybody had to start somewhere.