Nine...

[ChrisB2]

Originally Posted by woken2reason

Thanks for all the great feedback. I like to test myself so I have used all your info and also checked out a few want ads. and i have come up with this:

Learn atleast 45 mins of material and play it to a level that I am satisfied with.

Then play it all togeter with 30sec-1min intervals.

I think that if i can achieve that then I'm ready.

Your work ethic is admirable, however I think you're asking too much of yourself. As many others have said:

-There is a band out there that needs a bassist, one that you qualify for;
-You'll advance much faster playing with other musicians;
-You may help them grow at the same time;
-Just get out there, it's FUN!

I never asked anyone when should I join a band. If you can get on board, you're good enough. I see ads all the time for guys just wanting to get together and make music, maybe play out down the road, and they don't care if you're not an expert player.

Just do it, man! Time's a wastin'!!!

[steveksux]

Originally Posted by Mo'Phat

I think I'd want to be at least as good at war as the other people in the war.

Being able to play as well as the players who play the same music you want to play is imperative.
.

I disagree.

I've found playing with better musicians raises the level of your playing significantly.

The trick is not getting TOO far over your head so you can't pull it off.

Caveat: Some bands won't care if you're not as good as the bands you're emulating. Originals bands can be much more lenient. However, if you're going to be covering well-known bassists bands (Chili Peppers, Primus, etc.) you MUST be able to pull it off convincingly

Agree with this though, you must be able to either play it right, or capture the essense of the bassline if you do have to simplify it to nail it.

Randy

[Boostedrex]

Coming from someone in your shoes, I say go for it. I actually have my first audition tomorrow night for a local cover band that's forming. I'm not sure if I'm "good enough" or not, but I'm going to go out and see what happens. The guys sent me a few songs that they're currently working on and I've spent the past several days trying to get them down smooth. The worst that can happen is I'm not what they're looking for. If that's the case then I'll ask them for any criticisms they may have so I can work on those and improve. In the end, it's all about having fun and playing music. Go for it bro!!

Cheers,

Zach