I still consider myself a beginner bassist.
I first picked up a bass a few years ago, and played for a few months/years on and off never really got anywhere. Then I decided to buy my own bass, something that was all mine and not borrowed.
It took off from there, I'd sit in the attic with youtube and my bass (at the start all I had was a 15w Park Guitar amp). I'd pick songs and try and play them. If I couldn't then I'd move on for a few weeks and find something else to play. My musical influence is anything from Motown, Punk, Rock to Hip Hop. It helped having a broad influence, and knowing that to get the sound I was happy with then I'd need to learn to play with fingers, since a pic was my first way.
As time went on, I went back to those basslines I ''couldn't'' do. It was really nice to see my playing come together with experience. Now I get excited to hear something I can't wait to finish work to go home and have a go!
I saved up and bought a proper Ampeg amp, and was blown away by how good a good bass amp sounded. Along with this I developed GAS, and bought and sold a few I didn't get on with but my main bass is still here. With this, a few guys who used to play in Punk and Rockabilly bands back in the late 70s early 80s needed a bassist. So I though what the hell.
Now I'm in my first band, with my first gig booked in March. I was literally dripping with sweat on my first practice as I never played in front of anyone before, let alone people who can actually play. Turns out I'm ready for gigging, something that meant to me you had to be awesome and confident to do. Well I keep time and I can play everything they've thrown at me and I'm on top of the world at the moment. It has helped my playing big time playing with others, especially a drummer.
I now play to learn, I don't want lessons or anything (not that I think anything is wrong with that at all), as I find part of the fun for me is the learning and working stuff out for myself. If I get stuck, I'll ask, but part of the challenge lays in me using my own head and trying.
Also I've already noticed that this forum is a fantastic and very knowledgeable place to be. I've asked a few questions already, and all advice has worked, so cheers for that!
Garth