and sorry for this once again (I feel so stupid compared to all you lot going on about this scale and that scale etc.), but I tried looking for how to play the dorian scale (and i assume its the same with the mixoyldian) and it asks me for a root, errr what do i do? :L (im only 15 so sorrry. :L)
First of all, I think it is great that you have the humility at 15 to even ask for help, that is awesome. Here is a little bit of my early experience:
1. started on piano at 6 years old, learned to read music and played lots of scales as all piano students do.
2. started playing keys in a band when i was 13.
2. switched to bass after a few months.
3. had 1 or 2 lessons with a guy who showed me how to hold the bass and play running down a dream, and the basic mechanics of slapping.
4. when I was 14, since there was no one else better, I started playing in the schools jazz band. I was now FORCED to learn where the notes were on the bass, and what the chords symbols meant. I could already read music which helped, but I didn't know the notes on the bass.
At the same time, having fallen in love with bass, I was spending hours every evening learning every note on mother's milk, REM records, and all the led zep I could get my hands on.
5. when i fifteen, I was still playing in jazz band, but got my hands on an upright bass, and it was all over then!
Now I am 32, and have a music degree under my belt, but I am still working on my funk by studying Jamerson.
Here is my point, Rome wasn't built in a day! When I was 15, I probably wasn't a slap guru either (or now) but I have learned a LOT since then, and so will you.
It sounds to me that you are actually not speaking about funk as much as slap-rock like 311, or Fieldy, or primus.
What you need is a good TEACHER. Preferrably a pro-level bass player who has been to music school.
I have been very lucky with my teachers although mostly upright. Only now, at 32 have I sought out a good electric teacher.
cheers! and don't get discouraged. Keep on rockin!
