Just excited, so I thought I'd post.

I've been playing for about 14 months, and since I'm in a cover band, it's pretty much been just learning songs by reading tabs.

Well... I've decided that this instrument is fantastic, and deserves more respect. I've changed around my bass lessons and I'm starting to learn scales/modes/notes/etc...

I'm really excited. I don't want my bass playing to be nothing more than copying what others have done. I want to compose my own music.

So ya, just excited :D

Sweet man.

Try and keep that enthusiasm when it starts becoming work...Playing all those scales/modes/chords/inversions/patterns can get really daunting, but you'll see the positive change in your playing real soon.

Honestly I am in a similar boat and am having a ton of fun.
It is really cool when the light bulb goes on when you realize why you are playing something a certain way. Very cool stuff.

Have fun! I know I am.

Try to analyze the music you play or listen to in terms of its harmonic content, scales, chord patterns, etc. Music theory can be pretty dry unless you see how it is actually applied in real music.

I'm right there with ya. Was in a band in Hawaii while stationed there, and ultimately I was little more than a root machine. On occasion I'd double the guitar line, but little groove to be found. Then Jazzbo (is he even still around TB?) sent me a CD full of Jamerson. After that I quit telling people I played bass and started saying that I played at bass.

Now, after a few years without a bass, I've gotten another and will be diving into the lesson pool shortly.

Check out the link in my sig. Lots of good stuff there.

I have a very similar experience, except I am now just hoplessly and helplessly addicted to learning everything Funk and R&B ... But I have only been playing for like a month, comming from playing guitar for like 20+ years. So right out of the box I was an intermediate Bass player. Too freakin fun this instrument is!

I mean, no sooner do I learn a new Funk tune and I am chomping at the bit for more, more, and even more!

I just can not get enough Funk!

Today as soon as I get home from work, I am going to learn "Brick House" by the Commardores... And I want to burn my sick time to just go home right freakin now to learn it instead!

Long live the Funk!