Learning Bass on a fretless? Good or bad idea?

[dorfmeister]

I am wondering if it would make sense to start learning bass with a fretless rather than a fretted bass.

I have played guitar for many years and I like the sound of fretless.

[neuromancer]

I'm sure everyone's met at least 1 or 2 bassists that started on upright before moving to electric, so why not start on fretless if you have that option available?

[4FretlessMetal]

Case in point, I started on upright, and learned bass guitar on a fretless, I don't plan to ever pick up a fretted bass.

[BassieMike]

My first bass was a fretless. I think it was a good thing as it stopped me from trying to play guitar on the bass. I had to change my way of thinking to play it. Trying to play guitar licks on a fretless just doesn't work. The fretless will help you think like a bassist if you play guitar already.

-mike

[giovabass]

If you want to start bass from fretless I suggest you a lined fretless, expecially if it is your first bass so that you will have less problems with intonation. These days not only beginners but many experienced fretless players go lined fretless too (like Jaco and Gary Willis just to name two ). I think that intonating an unlined when playing in the higher register is an almost impossible mission, expecially when playing fast.

[jmcgliss]

For you it's a good idea since your post indicates you already "hear" a fretless in your head. You'll love the feel of the strings against fretboard...seems more organic to me. Fretless isn't all about the "mwah"...they can rock, too.

[Mojo-Man]

I started on fretless.

I think it helped with my intonation.

I don't feel fretless is any harder to play than fretted.
In some ways eazier.

5 year olds start on a fretless violin.

[uethanian]

i started on fretless (after a short stint on upright). i'm happy i did, because i think i'm a better player because of it...but now i suck at it from playing too much fretted. its definitely something u have to keep at, even if u learn on it.

[Sammy_L_D]

Neither good nor bad...I consider it a different playing style.

Go with whatever you'd think you'd get the most enjoyment out of I suppose.

Fretless will force you to train your ear better, which is a plus.

[Lesfunk]

Why not? Play what you like!

[Bassguy87564]

Starting on fretless will help you with intonation and positions but i find starting on a more guitar base you learn more about theory, improve and jazz. Other wise you just learn classical instead of the whole picture. This also depends on your teacher as well.

[D.Don]

Originally Posted by dorfmeister

I am wondering if it would make sense to start learning bass with a fretless rather than a fretted bass.

I have played guitar for many years and I like the sound of fretless.

Fretless rules, welcome!

D.Don