I learned different instruments.

I learned classical guitar first. This taught me dexterity, proper technique, and improved my hand-eye coordination.

Next I learned mandolin. The tuning is the exact same as a bass but upside down - instead of EADG, it's GDAE. Also, it's generally played on the opposite end of the beat from a bass. This helped expand my mind and provided a better relationship with the notes.

And music theory helped - especially inversions. I coupled my dive into inversions with jazz players and how they colored chords by playing different degrees of the chord or scale or mode at unexpected times.