I'd suggest moving to a standard sized map until you feel more comfortable with tradition. This makes tall and tradition a little more appealing, and it makes wonders easier to build. To me the 3 iconic tall civs are Korea, Arabia, and India. I would recommend India to start, his early bonuses do a really good job of addressing Tradition's early weaknesses (especially the lack of faith). Tradition really wants a strong production start, and India can delay building the first shrine, which is sort of a production bonus in a weird way. Korea is a great civ, but he is kind of weak early on. Unless you get a really good start he won't get a religion. Arabia is a little harder to play (but also really fun)
Just a few tips I find personally useful that some others maybe didn't notice
-If I start with my capital on a river, I usually enter the classical era through Masonry
-In classical/medieval era invest all your gold into buildings in the capital. There are so many important things to build, your capital is pretty burdened by having to rush so many national wonders as well as normal buildings
-Pay attention to when your first golden age begins, and try to build the School of Philosophy before it begins
-Enter the medieval era through Education and build Oxford University quickly
-Rotate great people in the capital. What this means is work all available scientists, then when the scientist is born change them to another great person (maybe merchants). When the great merchant is born, switch those citizens to another type. A lot of people seem to consider specialists weak early on, but you can afford to work them. Great person points are really valuable
