1) Memorizing all the notes on your Bass Guitar is an eventual must.

2) There is no such thing as practicing "too much".

3) Learn as many "cover" songs as possible i.e. be a walking jukebox.

4) Try to write original songs on your bass guitar.

5) Jam with other musicians i.e. get in a band and play gigs.

6) Be able to read music on your bass guitar.

7) Stay away from tablature. If you already use it, lose it.

8) Buy the best bass equipment you can afford---it's well worth it.

9) Memorize a Root order for where to play all 30 Major and Minor Scales i.e. "The Circle of Fifths"---This helps big time in memorizing Key Signatures (sharps and flats in each scale). Be able to play these scales for the rest of your bass guitar career.

10) Make sure the neck of your bass guitar is about 99% straight---Accept nothing less.

11) The ideal length of a pick-up cord for your bass is 18'6" or a 20 footer---Anything else is either too short or too long---Buy the best cord you can afford.

12) Tuners and metronomes are a good thing and everyone should own one of each.

13) Using effect pedals on your bass guitar is great for coming up with fresh/new ideas.

14) Don't cut off the ends of your bass strings to make winding them easier. By cutting your strings, you lose a lot of the life (tone) in them.