I am 41 and have gotten to the point where I have raised my kids and now have time to join a band. I've played guitar for 20 years on and off, but never too seriously as I traveled a lot in my 20's and raised a family in my 30's. So right now I have decided to pick up the bass as bass players are in short supply in my area and it would be much easier to get into a band....also, I'm not saying bass is easier but I think for myself it would be less pressure. See, I have almost no experience of playing out and playing in bands but want to change that. I am wondering what my best option would be? Just to get a few like minded musicians together to jam and start from the very bottom (i've done this a couple of times and never got off the ground) or just jump in at the deep end and join a soon to be gigging band?
LOL, if only it were that easy to just jump into a soon to be gigging band!
I would suggest getting a drum machine to play with and really learn how to lock into the different drum beats and patterns.
Also being a guitarist first, you need to decide if you really want to be a bass player, bass isnt really any easier, in fact to me its hard to get locked in with a drummer and hold a band together, yeah to me bass is the glue that holds it together.
Your best option would be to just find some garage jammers and start playing with them and make sure you can handle the instrument.
Good Luck