Ask questions, read responses, check out what they say.
Listen to all music, learn from it, enjoy it, and ....don't forget...this is FUN!
Don't let forum reading replace practicing and/or performing. Reading and talking(typing) about it can be educational but playing and performing are so much more.
Warnings:
Pay little or no mind to some of the equipment-phobics around who may "look down" at others for using budget gear. I tried out my $119 SX P/J clone at a gig last night as I have no Fenders and didn't want to spend tons on one(rather spend it on other things and/or brands).
There's also some "musical one way streets" that you should pay no mind to and/or try not to get on yourself. One is talking/looking down to other players who don't shred, play your style of music, etc. The other is thinking that what you prefer to play or listen to is better than other forms of music. Both of these one way streets will limit your growth as a bass player.
Take care and again, HAVE FUN!
