As I’ve grown in music and experience I realized a change in thought. Starting in bass, and music in general, the way I “measured” how good a player was was based on the technical ability and difficulty of what they played. This changed for me recently, because it is just one aspect of being “good”. I listen to someone like Yngwie Malmsteen or even Davie 504, and obviously from a technical standpoint they are really good. At the same time, it’s kind of soulless and not memorable. Yngwie from a technical standpoint can play circles around BB King. But BB would play something so soulful and emotional, you would just connect with it.
Some of the best bass lines aren’t difficult, but just tasteful and groovy. Krist Novoselik from Nirvana for example. Or how the Foo Fighters can write 100 songs that are all memorable and great songs.
So, pursue technical proficiency, but at the same time, one can be a great musician without it. Don’t let “I’m not as good as Davie504 at bass, so why try or put myself out there” be a reason you don’t go out on your own.
I dunno, thoughts?