[quote name='Lowender' timestamp='1387373356' post='2311192']
In general -- the principle is the same. If you try to memorize "songs", it'll take years and you'll never quite get it. You have to understand form and basic theory. Do that, and you can play ANY song.
And here's the "secret."
When playing standards, there is no bassline. It's not a part. It's simply accompanying the chords. You don't to be able to read music but you have to know what notes are in a chord. Then you simply match the rhythm and notes of your choice to each measure.
The most basic example , and best to practise, is a 2/5/1 progression. So, in the key of C, that's Dm7, G7 and C maj 7. Pick a tempo (or several tempos) and just mess around playing the notes in those scales. Then you can do the same thing in any key.
After a while, you'll start to recognize chord groupings .
I know this isn;t the quick/.easy answer to your question but it'll take no longer than learning one song. And then next time you'll be looking to copy the bassline to another and another and another. This way, you have limitless basslines at your fingertips.
Good luck.
[/quote]
That reminds me I was following StudyBass.com lessons but I just ran impatient and started playing songs.
So far I can play a few and I learnt a lot while practicing them (finger dexterity, string muting, things like that), so I can't really complain of "the path" I've taken. That said, Yes, I should probably get back to learning basic theory one of these days. And when I know enough theory to understand what you are actually saying (so far I'm clueless about concepts you metion), I will follow your advice.
Thanks