Exploiting strengths of fretless bass

EPrendergast · #1 09-30-2005, 06:42 AM

I've got a cheapy 4 string active fretless from Vintage, but I find it has a great sound for the money. I expect I'm probably still playing it like a fretted, though. What are some songs to listen to that contain clear examples of technique that only works on the fretless (slides aside)? I've got a Jaco Pastorius album (Live in Paris) - are there some particular bits to be listening out to on that for imitable technique?

SteveC · #2 09-30-2005, 07:41 AM

Every Time You Go Away. Great fretless bass.

jbennardo · #3 09-30-2005, 07:45 AM

Sunset Grill - Don Henley
New York Minute - Don Henley
Lady In Red - Chris Deburgh

Pretty cool stuff

Andy On Bass · #4 09-30-2005, 02:34 PM

Goodbye Pork Pie Hat - Marcus Miller

Some really nice fretless work there

.

EPrendergast · #5 10-03-2005, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy On Bass

Goodbye Pork Pie Hat - Marcus Miller

Some really nice fretless work there

.

Just had a listen to that song - it is absolutely great. He's got a similar sort of tone to Jaco but seems to make more use of slides to really make the song sound of fretless. Judiciously, though. When I try and include a lot of slides in my jams I end up sounding like a child with a slide whistle.