Tony1953

Don't get caught up in the whole technical.gear, equipment, pedals etc stuff. It won't help you "play." Learn the basics of music theory is my advice - this is the basis of all music, no matter what instrument you play. Listen to ALL music - jazz, pop, rock, classical, folk - everything. And if you really want to be a real musician - learn to read music; it's hard work, frustrating, but in the end you'll be miles better than all the guys who can't read, and who just play the same stuff over and over again. You will be in demand! In my experience most bass players, and guitarists can't IMMEDIATELY tell you or know what notes are on the fretboard. "Where's G flat on the A string?....."Er, hang on, well, there's the F and then there's the.... er, hang on, that's it, is that it?" You won't find any other musician who can't play a note on demand on their respective instrument.

I have found that saying "Get off the stage, or I'll kill you" usually works quite well.

Well.... surely the main thing is to be in a band where there is common ground. You play music for yourself first, and the punters after. I can't see the point in playing something you don't like - unless you are in some boring "functions" band playing Neil Sedaka. I play in a blues band, four of us, and that is the music we love. And that's what we play!