There's nothing wrong with studying on your own to progress faster. Here's some links and information that may be helpful to you.
Here are a few links that I've collected along the way that I've found enlightening and hope you will as well.
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF TB
************************************************** **
Read as many of the FAQ's as you can. Lots of good info there.
If you haven't already, fill out your "User Profile", especially the equipment you own. Many TB'rs will check out your equipment list and music influences before posting an answer to a thread you create.
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/faq.ph...#faq_faq_slang Slang/abbreviations, forum usage, TB maint., posting.
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/faq.php TB rules, Website questions, Membership, Terms of Use
**Note: On TB, GAS means Gear Aquisition Syndrome.
Searching TB
------------------
So many topics have already been covered on TB, that it is always suggested that you try a search before you create a new thread. The internal search feature of TB is limited to words 3 characters or more. There is always the Google search option that utilizes Google search features. One of the best ways to search Talkbass.com is to use Google's Advanced Search parameters. Putting the year in your search terms is one way to limit the number of responses to a search. You can check it out at Google.com.
Here's a link to a Google search tutorial that I've found helpful:
http://www.googleguide.com/crafting_queries.html
example: The - can be used for any search where you don't want to see a resullt with a certain word excluded. Such as
-Fender when you want to find out how to play jazz bass not look for a Fender Jazz Bass
Subscribing to TB threads
----------------------------------
In your "MyTalkBass" control panel, there is a menu selection "Edit Options". When you click on "Edit Options", one of the choices is for "Default Thread Subscription Mode".
I find it usefull to choose "Daily email notification" mode. What this does is to send you an email for each thread you post a reply to so you can follow subsequent replies without having to log on to TB. You can susbscribe to individual threads manually as you come across info that interests you but doing it manually takes time.
For threads that interest you for which you don't want to post a reply, post a reply with "subscribed" in the reply box. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Receiving email notification of Private Messages
------------------------------------------------------------------
Also 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. I've received replies to a PM I sent months later just because of this situation.
MUST READS (save years of headaches and hard knocks)
**************************************************
If only I knew then what I know now... If I only knew then...(covers all topics of being in a band)
Best musical advice you ever got Best musical advice
Things every bassist should know? Things every bassist should know
NEWBIES
**************************************************
Most common mistakes? Beginners common mistakes/where to start
Guitar players as bass players...... Guitar players switching to bass
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/advice-first-bass-506102-post6817723/ First "bass" advice
Which would you upgrade first? An amp or a bass? Upgrade bass or amp first?
Tabs or music Tab or not to tab?
When Did You Get Off Tabs? Getting off tabs
http://www.thelibster.com/bass/ Introductory Bass Lesson (click on Beginners)
The 'feel' Developing musically
http://www.musictheory.net/index.html Xlnt visual Beginning Music Theory (Power Point lessons), ear trainer, chord calcs
Newbie learning modes! Learning modes
http://www.download.com/NoteCard/300...-10004005.html Download program-learning bass clef(as recommended by TB member AlphaMale)
http://www.playthebass.com print flashcards for learning bass clef, print staff paper
For bass teachers, and students seeking them Find a bass teacher
LESSONS, BOOKS, MUSIC THEORY, EAR TRAINING, JAM TRACKS
************************************************** ****
Practicing
Practice Practice Practice How to practice bass
Pacman's sure-fire scale practice method How to practice bass
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
Free online lessons
A LOT of Free Lessons, how to's and other stuff from me! TB member Dmanlamius has free video lessons
Who do you think has the best lessons on youtube? Who's the best youtube bass teacher?
http://www.studybass.com/ Bass studies,online metronome, fretboard printer, bass clef tutor,more.
http://www.activebass.com/ Tab based lessons by members for members covering all types of bass instruction.
http://www.playbassnow.com with MarlowDK including videos.
http://www.thelibster.com/bass/ beginners' guide/lessons, tech advice,drills, bass sound files,tips,Q&A, links/more .
http://www.musicdojo.com/index.asp Online bass course (5 day free trial)
http://www.cliffengel.com/ Free and paid lessons
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showth...92#post6857992 Cliff Engel customer reviews
http://www.cyberfretbass.com/index.php For all bassists
Free Jam tracks
http://www.freejamtracks.com/index.html
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
Theory
Need help reading bass clef Read bass clef
I need to learn how to read music for bass, how do i do it? Learn to read music
Reading Music Learn to read music
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f22/sight-reading-486398-post6521582/ Improve site reading
Introduction to Scale and Chord Theory Intro to scale and chord theory
I need basic music theory help... Learning Theory
Circle of Fifths Question Key signatures/Circle of 5ths/Cycle of 4ths
Circle of Fifths Question Circle of 5ths (spreadsheet format)
The reason for Modes Reason for modes
Modes...How to use them practically in music. Using modes
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)
http://www.teoria.com/ Online study of music theory. Check out the tutorials, exercises and reference dictionary
Online ear training.
http://www.good-ear.com/ http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...lineScreen.swf Test your ear
Getting creative
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f30/creating-bass-lines-8154/#post80043 Creating bass lines
Bass Line Construction: Target Approach Creating bass lines - Target Approach
Scales and improvisation Playing scales
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f22/what-good-ways-approach-playing-over-chords-503344/#post6770334 Creating bass lines for a jam
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
Teaching Bass
Lesson Plan for Bass Teachers To teach or not to teach
COLLEGE MUSIC
**************************************************
Colleges? So you want to be a music major in college
Solfege - What's the Point? Solfege
http://www.music.vt.edu/musicdictionary/ Virginia Tech Multimedia Music Dictionary (music theory terms)
Just Had My First Audition on Bass [Long Post] Auditioning for college jazz band
Ok... College audition dilemma College audition dilemma
STYLES
**************************************************
--Blues
Slow Blues bassline help needed! Slow blues
http://www.music.vt.edu/musicdiction...ogression.html Blues Progressions explained with samples
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)
--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 to play jazz
http://www.outsideshore.com/primer/primer/index.html Jazz Improvization Primer - Sabatella (Book/Online)
Good books to learn walking bass? Walking bass lines
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
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?
Need help in the world of cover bands! Covers vs. Originals
Power Trio Playing in a 3 piece band
Bands: Starting, Auditioning, Quitting
Making a Band Starting a band
Starting a "Top 40" type band. some questions Starting a cover band
Starting a cover/tribute band from scratch Starting a new band- how to audition
How to run Guitarist Auditions? Auditioning a new member for your band
Getting Suckered Auditioning: red flag stories
Would you treat this as a red flag? Auditioning story
Quitting the band without losing friends Quitting a band
Band management
Introduction to Management Forum - important links here ... Intro to band management
TB Compilation: Must-Read Book Recommendations Band management 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?"
Aspiring band newbie seeks craigslist ad advice Advertising yourself
Business cards on the cheap? Any sources or ideas? Business cards
The "Get Mad at Local Acts/Venues" Thread Originals Band "paying dues"
Band Reheasal/Gigs
Hearing Loss and Ear Plugs Protect your hearing! Wear ear plugs!
Band Practice Tips? Rehearsal tips
Band practice efficiency Rehearsal efficiency
How often does your band rehearse? How often to rehearse?
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
First gig ever tonight First gig
First Gig tomorrow night First gig
Great gig dolly Moving equipment
how do you move gear with a bad back? Moving equipment
Anyone know of beginners books for live sound? Learning Live Sound mixing
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/ Band name website
http://www.1728.com/bandname.htm Band name website
Cool rigs, equipment and info
Best cables? Cables
AMPS FAQ!! Info on OHMS, Allsize RIGS-OverUnderPowerCabs DIY TechTalk-Links TB Amps FAQs
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
Portable amps, cabs and combos Links to 30 Manuf. of Light weight cabs,amps, combos
The "I love my rig" Club Happy with my rig.
happy with my rig Happy with my rig
Your Ultimate Rig (with sort of a twist) Ulitmate fantasy rig
Mini Rigs of Doom-Let's see 'em!l Mini rigs of doom
RIGS OF DOOM - Ch. 3 Rigs of doom
I want a monster amp...... which one? That is the question.. "I want a monster amp!"
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
Building Stuff
bass cabinet plans? Cabs
DIY Lightweight Composite Cab Build Light weight cab
finished making a 100w valve amp Building a tube amp
Guitars
Need advice for a 12'er (Guitard content) 12 string guitars
OTHER
**************************************************
Accessories
Light for fretboard Lights for your fretboard.
Aging guitars/basses
http://www.grguitars.com/pick%20guards.html http://www.grguitars.com/parts_5bass.htm http://rchildsrelics.com How to make a bass look old and well used?
For fun
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showth...=480666&page=1 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
