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
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Read as many of the FAQ's in each forum as you can. Lots of good info there. I suggest you bookmark your favorite threads or even keep a copy of them in a document for future reference.
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.php?faq=vb_faq#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
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=79390&postcount=1 TB posting and etiquette tips
**Note: On TB, GAS means Gear Aquisition Syndrome.
Searching TB
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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 result 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
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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 useful 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
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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)
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http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=429034 If I only knew then...(covers all topics of being in a band)
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=434246 Best musical advice
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=481465 Things every bassist should know
NEWBIES
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http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=489818 Beginners common mistakes/where to start
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=484065 Guitar players switching to bass
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6817723 First "bass" advice
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=55969 Upgrade bass or amp first?
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=500040 Tab or not to tab?
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=504263 Getting off tabs
http://www.thelibster.com/bass/ Introductory Bass Lesson (click on Beginners)
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6776933&postcount=40 Developing musically
http://www.musictheory.net/index.html Xlnt visual Beginning Music Theory (Power Point lessons), ear trainer, chord calcs
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2338584&postcount=4 Learning "modes"
http://www.download.com/NoteCard/3000-2133_4-10004005.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
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=363909 Find a bass teacher
LESSONS, BOOKS, MUSIC THEORY, EAR TRAINING, JAM TRACKS
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Practicing
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=79878 How to practice bass
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=50170 How to practice bass
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6634274 Headphone amps/mixers/trainers
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=499438 Recommendations for good headphones
Online lessons
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=481548 TB member Dmanlamius has free video lessons
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=490379 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.cyberfretbass.com/index.php For all bassists
Link Removed Online bass course (5 day free trial)
http://www.cliffengel.com/ Free and paid lessons from Cliff Engel
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6857992#post6857992 Cliff Engel customer reviews
Books and instructional materials
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed] Books, DVDs, all styles and methods
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=491293 Looking for the Bass "Bible"
http://playbassnow.com/recommended-learning-materials/ MarlowDK's recommended books
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=498831 "Best" theory/harmony book
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=99676 TB Book Links - all styles,levels and techniques
Theory
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=419687 Read bass clef
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=479642 Learn to read music
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=479401 Learn to read music
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6521582 Improve site reading
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=125519 Intro to scale and chord theory
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=473968 Learning Theory
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=498975 Key signatures/Circle of 5ths/Cycle of 4ths
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6703697&postcount=22 Circle of 5ths (spreadsheet format)
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=507769 Reason for modes
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=485421 Using modes
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=56761 TB Gen.Instruction Theory links list
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=88294 Theory (from the DB side of TB)
http://www.teoria.com/ Online study of music theory. Check out the tutorials, exercises and reference dictionary
Getting creative
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=511516 Where does creativity come from?
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=80043 Creating bass lines
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=125536 Creating bass lines - Target Approach
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=506691 Playing scales
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6770334 Creating bass lines for a jam
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=491679 Playing behind/ahead of the beat
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=500896 "Feel"
Going "pro"
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6777192&postcount=7 Becoming a session player
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=173311
Teaching Bass
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=493881
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=353486
Software: Transcribing, Slow Downer, Looping, Recording, Utilities
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=142112 Transcribing software
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=481448 Slow down software
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23303 Slow down software
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=269168 Free music software thread
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=501892 Cheap but good recording software
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=374400 Computer utilities/software you can't do without
Free Jam tracks
http://www.freejamtracks.com/index.html Note: there is a membership option. There are still free tracks. Scroll down below the Stevie Ray video (current as to 2/7/09).
Online ear training.
http://www.good-ear.com/
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed] Test your ear
COLLEGE MUSIC
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http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=479377 So you want to be a music major in college
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=484028 Solfege
http://www.music.vt.edu/musicdictionary/ Virginia Tech Multimedia Music Dictionary (music theory terms)
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=507075 Auditioning for college jazz band
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=480154 College audition dilemma
STYLES
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--Blues
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=506931 Slow blues
http://www.music.vt.edu/musicdictionary/appendix/blues/Bluesprogression.html Blues Progressions explained with samples
http://www.amazon.com/Blues-Bass-Jon-Liebman/dp/0793586682 "Blues Bass" by TB member Jonster (John Liebman)
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=502819 Blues books
http://www.amazon.com/Razor-Sharp-Blues-Guitar-Turnarounds-Music/dp/B000PHU7J2 "101 Razor-Sharp Blues Turnarounds by Larry McCabe
http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Rhythm-Guitar-Guide-Blues/dp/1574241389/ref=pd_sim_b_1 "Complete Rhythm Guitar Guide for Blues Bands" by Larry McCabe
--Funk,Groove,R&B
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6527889&postcount=10 Links to over 20 funk,groove and R&B bass players
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=314342 Funk 101
http://www.amazon.com/Funk-Bass-Bui...079351620X/ref=pd_sim_b_5/185-2146101-2319058 "Funk Bass" by TB member Jonster (John Liebman)
http://www.amazon.com/Funkmasters-Great-James-Rhythm-Sections/dp/1576234436/ref=pd_sim_b_1 R&B/Funk
http://www.amazon.com/Standing-Shad...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1231863330&sr=1-1 James Jamerson book/CD
--Latin
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=501425 Learning Latin music
http://www.amazon.com/Latin-Bass-Bo...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1232222000&sr=1-1 "The Latin Bass Book" by Oscar Stagnaro and Chuck Sher
--Jazz
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9859 Learning to play jazz
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed] Jazz Improvization Primer - Sabatella (Book/Online)
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=502252 Walking bass lines
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=482544 Jazz Scales
http://www.jazzstandards.com/history/index.htm History of Jazz
--Metal
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=485799 Metal
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=290907 How to scream/growl
BEING IN A BAND
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http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=497571 How "good" do you have to be to play in a band?
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=495628 Covers vs. Originals
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=496467 Playing in a 3 piece band
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=173764 Bassist's guide to singing
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=509908 Repairing cuts on your fretting fingers
Bands: Starting, Auditioning, Quitting, Getting Fired
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6777630&postcount=9 Starting a band
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=493356 Starting a cover band
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=483181 Starting a new band - how to audition
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=508611 Starting a new band - how to audition
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=494723 Auditioning a new member
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=492200 Auditioning: red flag stories
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=501208 Auditioning story
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=507131 Quitting
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=510146 Getting fired
Band management
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=73200 Intro to band management
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=425221 Band management books
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=507322 First band
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=477182 Running a band: democracy or dictatorship?
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=466534 How to fire a band member
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=504370 Band "funds", "to be or not to be?"
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=494100 Advertising yourself
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=503211 Business cards
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=508702 Originals Band "paying dues"
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=508446 Is playing for "free" really "free"?
Band Reheasal/Gigs
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3743 Protect your hearing! Wear ear plugs!
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=479102 Rehearsal tips
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=458468 Recording your rehearsals/practice/gigs
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=486490 Rehearsal efficiency
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=484615 How often to rehearse?
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=492051 To noodle or not to noodle?
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=497067 Being asked to turn down the volume
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=500417 First gig
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=442203 First gig
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=237521 Moving equipment
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=483338 Moving equipment
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6914637 Coiling cables
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=489244 Learning Live Sound mixing
Band names
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=113925 Best/worst real band names
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=391461 Infamous band name thread
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6734711 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
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=507568 Cables
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=166225 TB Amps FAQs
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=193818 Gear insurance thread
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6729196 Isolating Amp/Cabs from stage/each other
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=442966 Links to 30 Manuf. of Light weight cabs,amps, combos
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=475615 Happy with my rig.
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=455442 Happy with my rig
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=140446 Ulitmate fantasy rig
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=280571 Mini rigs of doom
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=450492 Rigs of doom
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=506640 "I want a monster amp!"
Building Stuff
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=491220 Cabs
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=432560 Light weight cab
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=499264 Building a tube amp
Guitars
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=503675 12 string guitars
OTHER
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Accessories
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=494366 Lights for your fretboard.
Aging guitars/basses
http://www.grguitars.com/pick guards.html
http://www.grguitars.com/parts_5bass.htm
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=484051
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=480666
For fun
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=480686 Gadgets and Gizmos
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=484653 Tips for living
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/faq.php?faq=vb_faq#faq_faq_slang Ways to save money
