Tips on improvement?

[Party Poison]

Hey guys. I've started playing bass 2 years ago, and I don't really see a big improvement on my playing, I know it takes awhile to see any real improvements, but I feel like I'm not getting anywhere.
I've started playing guitar first, I was self taught then a year later entered high school where I was placed in a music class. My teacher was amazing, and taughed us theory, but I didn't really get none of it, it wasn't until my final months in high school when I finally got the hang of the basic theory.
I want to be the best I can be, but I don't want to become the next Flea or Wooten or anything, but I feel I' mediocre at best.
All I can really play is straight roots, and lines of such bands as blink-182 and Paramore, I usally improvise the lines to make them less dull. I want to be good enough so when my band jams, I can improvise proper lines instead of making one up on the spot and hoping it'll pass off as good.
And I want to be the bassist that goes up on stage and does my part for the song, whether the lines or complex or not.

So any sites that'll help me with theory or anything that'll improve myself as a bassist.

Thank you all very much in advance.

 

[Phil Smith]

Find someone to study with or enroll in a college program and do all of the stuff that they tell you to do plus more. You want to get good, you need to invest time in it, there is no shortcut, you gotta do the work. Start working on those 10,000 hours.

 

[Elsie8687]

I found this site to be helpful at times ( Online Bass Lessons at StudyBass.com), but don't rely too much on self teaching via web sites. I've had many years of keyboard and vocal musical training and theory instruction. I picked up some guitar experience in college. More recently I decided to expand my musical horizons by adding the electric bass to my instrument arsenal. After playing for a number of years, I found my skill level stagnated (stuck at the basic level) and my frustration level rising because I couldn't get to the next step on the improvement ladder. Self teaching with books and web sites was no longer working. So I found an excellent instructor, and it opened a lot of doors. Best move I ever made! Sounds like you might be a prime candidate to do the same. Recommend you try it.

By the way, I'm over 60 years old, I play with two church praise teams, and have recently been asked to play with a southern gospel/bluegrass gospel band. It's never too late to learn.

 

[Party Poison]

Thanks you two!
And very inspirational words Elsie! I'll look into some lessons. Thanks!

 

[Elsie8687]

"Git R done!"

 

[Stumbo]

Check out the link in my sig below for some great TB info that may help you out.

Good luck.

 

[MalcolmAmos]

Seek out bands that will make you stretch. Play with people that are better than you are - you will learn from them.

I would love to jamm with a jazz band, first one to even hint they need a bassist, I'll be the first in line to try out.

.