When selecting a bass guitar, always play them through the same amplifer; practice 1/2 hour daily; ask bass players that you admire alot of questions; spend money on bass guitar lessons from a giging bass teacher - not a guitar teacher who teaches bass on the side ( there's a difference); learn to SING; decide if you want to play bass or a girlfriend (they'll put up with it for awhile); never sell your bass unless you're upgrading (you'll regret it); get a reputation that you'll be there on time for practice or a gig - that they can count on you; know the songs in different keys, don't cop an attitude; bring a back up bass in case your bass goes out on you in the middle of a song; dance around on stage and smile; learn different types of music, have a dependable ride like a van or station wagon that doesn't announce you have a bass in there; subscribe to Bass Player magazine; go to YouTube.com and listen to different players for free = Good Luck! more »