WoodChux

I am basically self taught, unable to read music without painful transcribing, and only started really playing bass after college.

That was long ago. I now know 4 - 5 hours of music and gig often (pre-covid and hopefully post), but still don't read music. I think of myself as a functioning amateur. 40 hr/wk job and gig on weekends.

I attended a workshop put on by Billy Sheehan in Portland, OR in the mid 90s. He sat there on stage playing his Yamaha Attitude with scalloped frets and told everyone he doesn't read music or know scales. He plays scales, but he said he didn't necessarily know what scale.. He then played a scale and asked if that was A maj. Some agreed, some said it was minor....I had no clue. But he said he didn't let that stop him and riffed. He encouraged others if they had the desire. I decided it was for me and bought my 1st semi-pro bass - Charvel neckthru w/ Jackson pickups. I certainly am not as good as Billy, but I enjoy playing, singing, and entertaining. If one person is happy, I'm happy. I hope for more than one though.