Here are a few links that I've collected along the way that I've found enlightening and hope you will as well.
GET THE MOST OUT OF TB
Read as many of the FAQ's in each forum as you can, possibly bookmarking them for future reference.
Fill out your "User Profile".
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/faq.ph...#faq_faq_slang TB Slang, forum usage, maint., posting
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/faq.php TB rules, Website questions, Membership, Terms of Use
Getting the most out of Talkbass TB posting and etiquette tips
*Note: On TB, G.A.S. or GAS means Gear Aquisition Syndrome
SEARCHING TB
Do a TB search before you create a new thread. The internal TB is limited to words 3 characters or more. IMO, the Google search option is more flexible. Google's Advanced Search parameters help refine your searches. Putting a "year" in your search terms is one method to limit responses.
Here's a link to a helpfull Google search tutorial:
http://www.googleguide.com/crafting_queries.html
example: The - is used for any search where you don't want to see a result with a certain word included.
SUBSCRIBING TO TB THREADS
In your "MyTalkBass" control panel, menu selection "Edit Options". Click on "Edit Options", select "Default Thread Subscription Mode". I find it useful to choose "Daily email notification". TB sends an email for each thread you post in so you can read subsequent replies w/o having to log in.
RECEIVING NOTIFICATION OF PRIVATE MESSAGES
Within the "Edit Options" page, you can setup TB to send you an email when you receive a Private Message (PM). This is very helpful if you don't log on regularly.
LINK SECTION
For ease of use, outline of links by Category and Sub-Category.
1. MUST READS
2. FOR NEWBIES & NON-NEWBIES
3. LEARNING:
~Practicing
~Online Lessons
~Ear Training
~Books and Instructional Materials
~Theory
~Getting Creative
~Going "pro"
~Teaching Bass
~Software
~Free Jam Tracks
4. COLLEGE MUSIC
5. STYLES:
~Blues
~Funk, Groove, R&B
~Latin
~Jazz
~Metal
~Hip Hop
6. BEING IN A BAND
~Starting
~Auditioning
~Leaving the band
~Band Management
~Band Names
~Band Rehearsals/Gigs/P.A.
~Cool Rigs, Equipment and Info
~Building/Fixin' Stuff
~Guitars
7. EFFECTS/ ACCESSORIES
8. OTHER
~Tips for day to day living
1. MUST READS
If only I knew then what I know now... If I only knew then..
Best musical advice you ever got Best musical advice
Things every bassist should know? Things every bassist should know
2. NEWBIES & Non-NEWBIES
Most common mistakes? Beginners mistakes/where to start
The 'feel' How to develop musically
For bass teachers, and students seeking them Find a teacher
Guitar players as bass players...... Guitarists switching to bass
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/advice-first-bass-506102-post6817723/ First bass advice
http://www.garywillis.com/pages/bass...tupmanual.html How to setup a bass
Which would you upgrade first? An amp or a bass? Upgrade bass or amp first?
Really silly question about buying instrument cables Buying cables 1 of 2
Best cables? 2 of 2
Good strap for heavy bass Comfortable strap 1 of 3
Recommend a Bass Guitar Strap? 2 of 3
New bass is heavy, causing pain. Comfort Strapp? Other suggestions? 3 of 3
Tabs or music Tab or not to tab?
When Did You Get Off Tabs? Getting off tabs
do you really have to learn how to read music to be a good bassist? Sight read or not?
A LOT of Free Lessons, how to's and other stuff from me! TB member Dmanlamius-great beginners site
http://www.thelibster.com/bass/ Intro Bass Lesson (click on "Beginners")
Need help reading bass clef Read bass clef
i want to learn how to read music. Learning rythym
http://www.download.com/NoteCard/300...-10004005.html Software-Read bass clef (recommended- TB member AlphaMale)
http://www.playthebass.com print bass clef flashcards and staff paper
http://www.musictheory.net/index.html Visual Beginning Music Theory (Power Point lessons), ear trainer
3. LEARNING
~Practicing
Practice Practice Practice How to practice 1 of 2
Pacman's sure-fire scale practice method 2 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f15/can-anyone-recommend-good-headphone-amp-494539-post6634274/ Headphone amps/mixers/trainers
Need advice on best headphones Recommendations for good headphones
Hands Going numb. Help! My wrist/fingers are sore and/or tingling
My girl friend took my bass. Repairing cuts on your fretting fingers
~Online lessons
Who do you think has the best lessons on youtube? Who's the best Youtube teacher?
http://www.playbassnow.com with MarlowDK
A LOT of Free Lessons, how to's and other stuff from me! TB member Dmanlamius-great beginners site
http://www.musicdojo.com/index.asp Online bass course (5 day free trial)
http://www.cliffengel.com/ Free and paid lessons from Cliff Engel
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showth...92#post6857992 Cliff Engel customer reviews
http://www.studybass.com/ Bass studies,online metronome,bass clef tutor & more
http://www.activebass.com/ Tab based lessons by members for members
http://www.thelibster.com/bass/ Beginners' guide/lessons, tech advice,drills, bass sound files & more.
http://www.cyberfretbass.com/index.php For all bassists, videos & more,
~Books and instructional materials
http://www.bassbooks.com/shopping/default.asp Books, DVDs, all styles and methods
looking for "the bass guitar bible!" Looking for the Bass "Bible"
http://playbassnow.com/recommended-learning-materials/ MarlowDK's recommended books
Best Theroy book "Best" theory/harmony book
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=99676 TB Book Links - all styles,levels and techniques
http://www.jonliebman.com/ See all of Jon's books and others
~Ear training.
http://www.good-ear.com/ http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...lineScreen.swf Test your ear
http://www.miles.be/ Great, free downloadable ear trainer (basic/advanced) - uses chords to help you. Solfege training included. "Must have" program.
~Theory
I need to learn how to read music for bass, how do i do it? Learn to read music 1 of 2
Reading Music 2 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f22/sight-reading-486398-post6521582/ Improve site reading
Introduction to Scale and Chord Theory Intro to scale & chord theory
I need basic music theory help... Learning Theory
Music Theory/General Instruction Links and Book List TB Gen.Instruction Theory links list
Theory Forum FAQ and Links Theory (from the DB side of TB)
Newbie learning modes! Learning "modes"
The reason for Modes Reason for modes
Modes...How to use them practically in music. Using modes
Circle of Fifths Question Key signatures/Circle of 5ths/Cycle of 4ths
Circle of Fifths Question Circle of 5ths (spreadsheet format)
http://www.teoria.com/ Music Theory. Check out the tutorials, exercises and reference dictionary
~Getting creative
Where does creativity come from? Where does creativity come from?
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f30/creating-bass-lines-8154/#post80043 Creating bass lines 1 of 3
Bass Line Construction: Target Approach 2 of 3 - Target Approach
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f22/what-good-ways-approach-playing-over-chords-503344/#post6770334 3 of 3 - For a jam
Scales and improvisation Playing scales
what is in front of/behind the beat? Playing behind/ahead of the beat
The 'feel' "Feel"
~Going "pro"
Foundation Degree in Popular Music Practice does it mean anything? (help please) Becoming a session player
Advice for aspiring Studio Players or anyone that wants to "Go Pro"
~Teaching Bass
Lesson Plan for Bass Teachers To teach or not to teach
~Software: Transcribing, Slow Downer, Looping, Recording, Utilities
A way to slow down MP3s without altering the pitch? Slow down software 1 of 2
I need software to slow down a song so its easier to learn 2 of 2
Software for Transcribing? Transcribing software
The Big Free Music Related Software Thread Free music software
best free recording software Cheap but good recording software
FREE Software Thread - Utilities & Applications You Cannot Live Without Computer utilities/software you can't do without
~Free Jam tracks
http://www.freejamtracks.com/index.html Note: there are still free tracks. Scroll down below the Stevie Ray video (current as to 2/7/09).
http://www.cyberfretbass.com/jam-zone/index.php Drum tracks
4.COLLEGE MUSIC
Colleges? So you want to be a music major in college?
Solfege - What's the Point? Solfege
http://www.miles.be Solfege training. Free downloadable program
http://www.music.vt.edu/musicdictionary/ Virginia Tech Multimedia Music Theory Dictionary
Just Had My First Audition on Bass [Long Post] Auditioning for college jazz band
Ok... College audition dilemma College audition dilemma
http://imslp.org/wiki/Main_Page Classical sheet music (free)
5. STYLES
~Blues
Going to a blues jam tonight ... any pointers First blues "open mic." jam 1 of 3
First open blues jam tonight... pointers? 2 of 3
Blues Jams... What you should know. 3 of 3
Slow Blues bassline help needed! Slow blues
http://www.music.vt.edu/musicdiction...ogression.html Blues progressions explained w/ audio samples
Recommend some old school blues. Influential blues musicians (mostly) pre-1959
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blues History
http://www.amazon.com/Blues-Bass-Jon.../dp/0793586682 "Blues Bass" by TB member Jonster (John Liebman)
Looking for some Blues books Blues books
http://www.amazon.com/Razor-Sharp-Bl.../dp/B000PHU7J2 "101 Razor-Sharp Blues Turnarounds by Larry McCabe
http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Rhyth...ref=pd_sim_b_1 "Complete Rhythm Guitar Guide for Blues Bands" by Larry McCabe
~Funk,Groove,R&B
Old School funk song suggestions... Links to over 20 funk,groove and R&B bass players
Funk 101 Funk 101
http://www.amazon.com/Funk-Bass-Buil...146101-2319058 "Funk Bass" by TB member Jonster (John Liebman)
http://www.amazon.com/Funkmasters-Gr...ref=pd_sim_b_1 R&B/Funk
http://shop.jonliebman.com/product.s...=1&productId=8 " Standing in the Shadows of Motown" James Jamerson book/CD
http://shop.jonliebman.com/product.s...1&productId=31 Funk Bass Bible
~Latin
Latin help. Learning Latin music
http://www.amazon.com/Latin-Bass-Boo...2222000&sr=1-1 "The Latin Bass Book" by Oscar Stagnaro and Chuck Sher
~Jazz
Knuckleheaded question of the day Learning
http://www.outsideshore.com/primer/primer/index.html Improvization Primer - Sabatella (Book/Online)
Walking bass "licks" - some help for those new to walking bass lines Walking bass lines examples
Good books to learn walking bass? Walking bass lines books
jazz scales? not played bass in over a year Jazz Scales
http://www.jazzstandards.com/history/index.htm History of Jazz
~Metal
Teach me to play metal bass... Metal
how do you learn to growl/scream?? How to scream/growl
~Hip-Hop
bass for hip hop
6. BEING IN A BAND
How good do you have to be to be in a band How "good" do you have to be to play in a band?
~Starting
Need help in the world of cover bands! Covers vs. Originals
Power Trio Playing in a 3 piece band
Most professional Craigslist wanted ad I've seen Advertising for new member(s)
Making a Band New Band
Starting a "Top 40" type band. some questions Cover band
~Auditioning
Starting a cover/tribute band from scratch How to audition for new band 1 of 2
Starting new band... best methods for auditions? 2of 2
How to run Guitarist Auditions? Auditioning -new member 1 of 3
Getting Suckered 2 of 3 -red flag stories
Would you treat this as a red flag? 3 of 3 -story
~Band names
Coolest and Dumbest band names you've played under... Best/worst real band names
The Infamous Band Name Thread Infamous band name thread
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f67/band-name-change-cadillac-bloodmen-499655-post6734711/ Changing a band's name
http://www.bandnamemaker.com/ http://www.1728.com/bandname.htm
~Leaving the band
Quitting the band without losing friends Quitting
Got fired from my band last night. Getting fired
~Band management
Introduction to Management Forum - important links here ... Intro
TB Compilation: Must-Read Book Recommendations Books
Any tips for a first band? First band
Is your band a democracy? or the opposite? Running a band: democracy or dictatorship?
How to fire someone from a band How to fire a band member
gig money = band fund ?? Band "funds", "to be or not to be?"
The "Get Mad at Local Acts/Venues" Thread Originals Band "paying dues"
I'll Never Play for Free Again Is playing for "free" really "free"?
How do we get a gig and get paid? Getting gigs
Aspiring band newbie seeks craigslist ad advice Advertising yourself
Business cards on the cheap? Any sources or ideas? Business cards
~Band Reheasal/Gigs/P.A.
Bassist's Guide to Singing Bassist's guide to singing
Hearing Loss and Ear Plugs Protect your hearing! Wear ear plugs!
IEM- In Ear Monitor ... Usage/Experiences In-ear monitors
Audtion with Pro Tools and headphones-any tips? Band rehearsal through headphones
Band Practice Tips? Rehearsal -tips 1 of 3
Band practice efficiency 2 of 3 -efficiency
How often does your band rehearse? 3 0f 3 -how often?
Zoom h2 Recording rehearsals/practice/gigs
Anyone know of beginners books for live sound? Learn Live Sound mixing
Great gig dolly Moving equipment 1 of 2
how do you move gear with a bad back? 2 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f203/coiling-cables-video-512082-post6914637/ Coiling cables
First gig ever tonight First gig 1 of 2
First Gig tomorrow night 2 of 2
Noodling/Showing-off between songs To noodle or not to noodle?
Bar Manager Refused to Pay Us! Now what? Being asked to turn down the VOLUME
Eminence 2515 wattage needed for xmax Compression will save your
amp/speaker(s)
P.A.
What size/type of PA do you use on your gigs? Check all that apply. What size?
first half decent pa: any advice First
Help a little band out with advice on a PA Upgrading
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f203/pa-system-help-521661/#post7044862 Upgrading
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f203/help-me-configure-our-pa-first-gig-427316/#post5622952 Configuring
Anyone know of beginners books for live sound? Learn Live Sound mixing
~Cool rigs, equipment and info
AMPS FAQ!! Info on OHMS, Allsize RIGS-OverUnderPowerCabs DIY TechTalk-Links TB Amps FAQs
Portable amps, cabs and combos Links to 30 light weight cabs,amps, combos
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f15/best-combo-music-money-388713-post5041266/ Buying a combo 1 of 2
Best gigging combo amp 2 of 2
Pros and Cons of combo Amps Combos vs Head/Cab
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f15/10-inch-speakers-vs-12-inch-speakers-248190/#post2968494 10's v. 12's v. 15's v. 18's 1 of 2
why 10s for bass? 2 of 2
410 vs 210 vertical stack...question 4x10 vs. 2-2x10 vs. 2x10/1x15 vertical stack
The "I love my rig" Club Happy with my rig 1 of 2
happy with my rig 2 of 2
Mini Rigs of Doom-Let's see 'em!l Mini-rigs of doom 1 of 2
Mini Rigs of Doom: Episode II - A pack of the Cones 2 of 2
RIGS OF DOOM - Ch. 3 Rigs of doom
I want a monster amp...... which one? That is the question.. "I want a monster amp!"
Your Ultimate Rig (with sort of a twist) Ulitmate fantasy rig
The Gear Insurance Thread Gear insurance thread
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f203/i-have-counquered-500628/#post6729196 Isolating Amp/Cabs from stage/each other
~Building/Fixin' Stuff
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f15/old-cabs-new-drivers-174035/#post2020562 Upgrading speakers in old cabs
bass cabinet plans? Cabs
fEarful™ 12/6 & 15/6 enclosure designs - FREE! Cabs(plans included) + discussion of cab building
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f21/why-i-keep-hammering-carol-kaye-pick-method-452467-post6169317/ Bill Fitzmaurice cabs
DIY Lightweight Composite Cab Build Light weight fiberglass cab
http://www.mojomusicalsupply.com/ Parts
finished making a 100w valve amp Building a tube amp
http://www.el34world.com/service.htm Fixing tube amps
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f15/good-amp-techs-519922-post7046092/ Good amp-tech links
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f57/ TB's Luthier's Corner
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f18/ Bass Setup and Repair
How to sound isolate a garage? Sound proofing (reduction) 1 of 2
http://drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37523 2 of 3 -w/ room pics
http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/s...d.php?p=493324 3 of 3 -w/ room pics
~Guitars
Need advice for a 12'er (Guitard content) 12 string guitars
Whats your favourite guitar maker? Favorite guitar?
7. EFFECTS/ACCESSORIES
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f36/ TB Effects Forum
Light for fretboard Lights for your fretboard.
8. OTHER
~Tips for day to day living
Gimmicks, gadgets, gizmos that WORK - found any? Gadgets and Gizmos
Tips/tricks for living, what are some you've found over the years? Tips for living
Ways to save money that you know. Ways to save money
have em sticky that!! 
