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", especially the equipment you own. Many TB'rs will check 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 TB Slang, 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, 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
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=429034 If I only knew then..
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
2. NEWBIES & Non-NEWBIES
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=489818 Beginners mistakes/where to start
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6776933&postcount=40 How to develop musically
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=363909 Find a teacher
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=484065 Guitarists switching to bass
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6817723 First bass advice
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=55969 How to setup a bass
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=513657 Upgrade bass or amp first?
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=507568 Buying cables 1 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=511817 2 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=493548 Comfortable strap 1 of 3
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=522579 2 of 3
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=500040 3 of 3
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=504263 Tab or not to tab?
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=520008 Getting off tabs
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=481548 Sight read or not?
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=419687 TB member Dmanlamius-great beginners site
http://www.thelibster.com/bass/ Intro Bass Lesson (click on "Beginners")
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7067672&postcount=6 Read bass clef
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=79878 Learning rythym
http://www.download.com/NoteCard/3000-2133_4-10004005.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
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=50170 How to practice 1 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6634274 2 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=499438 Headphone amps/mixers/trainers
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=519742 Recommendations for good headphones
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=509908 Help! My wrist/fingers are sore and/or tingling
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=490379 Repairing cuts on your fretting fingers
~Online lessons
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6857992#post6857992 Who's the best Youtube teacher?
http://www.playbassnow.com with MarlowDK
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=491293 TB member Dmanlamius-great beginners site
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?t=498831 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
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed] Books, DVDs, all styles and methods
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=99676 Looking for the Bass "Bible"
http://playbassnow.com/recommended-learning-materials/ MarlowDK's recommended books
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=479642 "Best" theory/harmony book
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=479401 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/
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed] 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
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6521582 Learn to read music 1 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=125519 2 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=473968 Improve site reading
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=56761 Intro to scale & chord theory
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=88294 Learning Theory
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2338584&postcount=4 TB Gen.Instruction Theory links list
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=507769 Theory (from the DB side of TB)
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=485421 Learning "modes"
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=498975 Reason for modes
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6703697&postcount=22 Using modes
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=511516 Key signatures/Circle of 5ths/Cycle of 4ths
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=80043 Circle of 5ths (spreadsheet format)
http://www.teoria.com/ Music Theory. Check out the tutorials, exercises and reference dictionary
~Getting creative
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=125536 Where does creativity come from?
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6770334 Creating bass lines 1 of 3
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=506691 2 of 3 - Target Approach
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=491679 3 of 3 - For a jam
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=500896 Playing scales
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6777192&postcount=7 Playing behind/ahead of the beat
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=173311 "Feel"
~Going "pro"
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=493881 Becoming a session player
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=353486
~Teaching Bass
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=481448
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23303
~Software: Transcribing, Slow Downer, Looping, Recording, Utilities
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=142112 Slow down software 1 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=269168 2 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=501892 Transcribing software
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=374400 Free music software
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=479377 Cheap but good recording software
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=484028 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
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=507075 So you want to be a music major in college?
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=480154 Solfege
http://www.miles.be Solfege training. Free downloadable program
http://www.music.vt.edu/musicdictionary/ Virginia Tech Multimedia Music Theory Dictionary
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=517439 Auditioning for college jazz band
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=469825 College audition dilemma
http://imslp.org/wiki/Main_Page Classical sheet music (free)
5. STYLES
~Blues
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=517730 First blues "open mic." jam 1 of 3
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=506931 2 of 3
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=522409 3 of 3
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=502819 Slow blues
http://www.music.vt.edu/musicdictionary/appendix/blues/Bluesprogression.html Blues progressions explained w/ audio samples
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6527889&postcount=10 Influential blues musicians (mostly) pre-1959
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blues History
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=314342 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/showthread.php?t=501425 Links to over 20 funk,groove and R&B bass players
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9859 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
Link Removed " Standing in the Shadows of Motown" James Jamerson book/CD
Link Removed Funk Bass Bible
~Latin
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=522578 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=502252 Learning
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed] Improvization Primer - Sabatella (Book/Online)
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=482544 Walking bass lines examples
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=485799 Walking bass lines books
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=290907 Jazz Scales
http://www.jazzstandards.com/history/index.htm History of Jazz
~Metal
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=514529 Metal
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=497571 How to scream/growl
~Hip-Hop
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=495628
6. BEING IN A BAND
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=496467 How "good" do you have to be to play in a band?
~Starting
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6999210&postcount=9 Covers vs. Originals
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6777630&postcount=9 Playing in a 3 piece band
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=493356 Advertising for new member(s)
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=483181 New Band
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=508611 Cover band
~Auditioning
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=494723 How to audition for new band 1 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=492200 2of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=501208 Auditioning -new member 1 of 3
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=113925 2 of 3 -red flag stories
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=391461 3 of 3 -story
~Band names
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6734711 Best/worst real band names
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=507131 Infamous band name thread
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=510146 Changing a band's name
http://www.bandnamemaker.com/
http://www.1728.com/bandname.htm
~Leaving the band
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=73200 Quitting
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=425221 Getting fired
~Band management
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=507322 Intro
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=477182 Books
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=466534 First band
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=504370 Running a band: democracy or dictatorship?
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=508702 How to fire a band member
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=508446 Band "funds", "to be or not to be?"
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=509379 Originals Band "paying dues"
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=494100 Is playing for "free" really "free"?
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=503211 Getting gigs
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=173764 Advertising yourself
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3743 Business cards
~Band Reheasal/Gigs/P.A.
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=518269 Bassist's guide to singing
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=521015 Protect your hearing! Wear ear plugs!
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=479102 In-ear monitors
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=486490 Band rehearsal through headphones
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=484615 Rehearsal -tips 1 of 3
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=458468 2 of 3 -efficiency
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=489244 3 0f 3 -how often?
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=237521 Recording rehearsals/practice/gigs
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=483338 Learn Live Sound mixing
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6914637 Moving equipment 1 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=500417 2 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=442203 Coiling cables
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=492051 First gig 1 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=497067 2 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7048418&postcount=7 To noodle or not to noodle?
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=181555 Being asked to turn down the VOLUME
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=441138 Compression will save your
amp/speaker(s)
P.A.
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=84740 What size?
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=7044862 First
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=5622952 Upgrading
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=166225 Upgrading
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=442966 Configuring
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=5041266 Learn Live Sound mixing
~Cool rigs, equipment and info
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=510214 TB Amps FAQs
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=163735 Links to 30 light weight cabs,amps, combos
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2968494 Buying a combo 1 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=515702 2 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=519459 Combos vs Head/Cab
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=475615 10's v. 12's v. 15's v. 18's 1 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=455442 2 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=280571 4x10 vs. 2-2x10 vs. 2x10/1x15 vertical stack
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=347456 Happy with my rig 1 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=450492 2 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=506640 Mini-rigs of doom 1 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=140446 2 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=193818 Rigs of doom
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6729196 "I want a monster amp!"
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2020562 Ulitmate fantasy rig
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=491220 Gear insurance thread
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=508659 Isolating Amp/Cabs from stage/each other
~Building/Fixin' Stuff
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6169317 Upgrading speakers in old cabs
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=432560 Cabs
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=499264 Cabs(plans included) + discussion of cab building
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=7046092 Bill Fitzmaurice cabs
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=57 Light weight fiberglass cab
http://www.mojomusicalsupply.com/ Parts
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=18 Building a tube amp
http://www.el34world.com/service.htm Fixing tube amps
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=465992 Good amp-tech links
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=503675 TB's Luthier's Corner
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=427924 Bass Setup and Repair
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=36 Sound proofing (reduction) 1 of 2
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=494366 2 of 3 -w/ room pics
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=480666 3 of 3 -w/ room pics
~Guitars
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=480686 12 string guitars
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=484653 Favorite guitar?
7. EFFECTS/ACCESSORIES
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/faq.php?faq=vb_faq#faq_faq_slang TB Effects Forum
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/faq.php Lights for your fretboard.
8. OTHER
~Tips for day to day living
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=79390&postcount=1 Gadgets and Gizmos
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=429034 Tips for living
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=434246 Ways to save money
