How to enjoy playing bass guitar when you have a full-time job

The bass is a good choice if you want to start playing in a band quickly. Though hard to master, it is easy to learn.Playing Jason Newsted's part is definitely easier than playing Kirk Hammett's lead parts. The bottom line is you have to love the songs you play or else you won't enjoy playing bass.If you've got a full-time job,a girl friend to accompany or other social events happening, you can still play bass in a band and have fun.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Bass guitar
• cable
• Bass amp
• Pick(if you need one)

1. Know your personality. Bass guitar is a supporting instrument. If you have a tremendous amount of ego and always want to show off, you might want to choose to play lead guitar or sing vocals. Generally speaking, the parts will be harder and take more time to practice.
2. Understand the role of the bass. The bass is to outline the chord and keep a steady tempo. You should work more on consistency(not making mistakes in your playing) rather than your favorite bass solo. How cool would that be if you could play a 200bpm solo and make mistakes when you play other songs? If you can hold the groove, people will like you more.
3. Play to your ability. Try to be realistic. Although bass greats like Geddy Lee or Billy Sheehan may have inspired you to take up bass. Playing their songs(the insane ones) can be seriously hard unless you have unbelievable talent and lots of time to practice. Remember these people work as musicians,they have the luxury to work on their songs for the whole day while you spend your day on your profession. Although you can play YYZ one day starting from 60bpm. It will probably take you months or half a year to be able to play their songs perfectly. Doing the same song for months at a slow tempo is mind numbingly boring.This is where people get frustrated and give up on the instrument. Don't get upset if you can't play like Geddy,to play like he does takes years of dedication and talent. Set realistic goals that require some effort(but not too much) can help you stay motivated. Start by playing songs you like with easy basslines. Imagine you bob your head everytime you listen to it. It would be so much more fun if you can bob your head and play the bass part as well!
4. Learn some music theory. With some music theory in mind, it is easier to communicate with other players. If you say 4th string 3rd fret to the keyboard he might not know what you mean. Saying a G makes more sense. The 1st thing is to learn the note names on the fretboard. Then the major scales. Although there are lots to learn, you don't have to feel pressured. Learn at a comfortable pace. Playing bass is your hobby, you should always have fun! It is better to take your time to learn and feel relaxed rather than try to learn everything in one day and feel exhausted.
5. Choose a way to learn the instrument. If you are the type of person who is good at time management, observative, always knows what you want and organized, you can choose to self learn. If not you'll be better off finding a teacher that can monitor your progress. Talk to him so you can have enough time to practice your learning stuff and the songs you play with your band.
6. Play in a band. The goal is to play in a band with other people. You learn a lot from playing with others. Surround yourself with good musicians. The people you surround yourself with makes you who you are.
7. As long as you keep things simple to start with, you'll always be a happy man. Always relax and enjoy the moment. Have lots of fun!

Tips & Warnings

• Listen to what others are doing, particularly the drums. He is your closest friend. Try to match your notes with the bass drum.
• Although it's not bad to play simply. Adding some movement to the bassline makes things interesting. Don't be shy to play a fill when the lead part is having a break. You'll learn when to get busy as you progress.
• Observe other musicians.
• Music needs commitment. To enjoy you'll have to spend some time to practice.
• Bass is not a flashy instrument. If someone tells you that you play a boring instrument. Don't be upset. You know it's all about being part of the song you like. Your bandmates treasure you. He just don't know bass.