How hard is fretless?

[Moe Monsarrat]

I have little problem playing in tune because I also sing lead most of the time. I only play unlined basses because the lines and the off position markers confuse me. I ain't got time to find a dot and then the line below it.

[Liam76]

I play unlined but have played a lined fretless. With the unlined fingerboard I tend to play without looking. Piece of cake playing in position in the lower registry, but it does take some concentration up higher on the fingerboard. With the lined fingerboard, I tended to go back to old habits with fretted basses and fret between the lines during busy runs. Fortunately, correcting the wrong note is a lot more subtle on a fretless.

Fretless bass isn't hard at all. I remember the first one I played, a Warwick Corvette, and my first thought was that of disappointment, that it didn't have the "fretless" sound as muscle memory kicked in for me.

[Matthijs]

And you're right about learning fretless not being an impossible task. It didn't want to suggest it is that hard, contrary it is perfectly possible to learn fretless and make it sound like you're playing fretted.

[IronLung1986]

my first "real" bass was a MIM fretless jazz. as i recall i bought it and about a half hour later i played it with the music ministry at church. thanks to the fret markers i managed to play decently enough. it felt a little weird at first, but i was new to bass anyway so it was easy to get used to. for a long time i didn't like fretted basses because they sounded harsh and felt limited by comparison. i never became a master or anything, but i'd say developing proficiency on fretless bass is pretty doable. it's really fun and sorta more intimate in a way.

[Pimmsley]

I've had quite a few fretless basses over the years since I started playing, and hung onto only two that felt really good to play, and had the sound I wanted... but it took ages for me to really know what i wanted and how to find them... but
It's so much fun and as you get better and better, you can use it in more and more situations and gigs... I've used fretless in Jazz, fusion, pop, funk, elctro and drum n' bass type gigs and using stacatto, muted thumps, slow slides, fuzzed, phased and octaved... it's all good stuff they really offer a great deal in terms of expression, the sound really changes as you change the way you play it, from soft bass-y pillows to hard wooden steaks ! look out!

Also agree with all comments regarding it being an ear instrument (spend time with it and be patient) but it's really not that hard... and that lined boards, non lined boards it's all personal pref or what you are used to... I have both kinds, also undotted but fretted basses...


I recently got a Squier VM fretless Jazz for kicks, something cheap and new to play, and I can't recommend this bass highly enough ! I'm stunned, It's absolutely amazing in terms of playability and sound (if you like the epoxy coated fingerboard sound - Jaco) and back pickup stuff.

if you are after a more 'traditional' woody kinda tone, look for something with a rosewood untreated fingerboard either new or secondhand.

What I find amazing after a few years (well let's say 10+) is how my hands adapt to the type of bass I play without it being a concious thing... I've never been a just behind the fret player, in other words when I play fretted basses, I tended to play in the middle between frets or a little towards the fret I'm fretting, but when I play fretless my left hand just seems to know it has to be right on the spot... my two main Fretlesses are unlined so that's how i know it's really my ears/brain doing all the work... The VM being lined was a little weird at first, and i found I was trying to see the note in the line rather than hear for it (if that makes sense ?) but I have adapted to it and can't put the damn thing down... like others said, Just go for it...

[Brad Johnson]

Originally Posted by ba$$player

I have been thinking of having my bass de-fretted, but having trouble deciding. I think it sounds cool, but wonder how useful it would be. I also wonder how difficult it will be to adapt to a fretless bass. Any help or suggestions?

It all depends on how much time you put in. If you only dabble with it it could take a long time.

One thing this thread highlights is that there's no prerequisite for offering advice. I see many of the same old wives tales repeated here as is usual for fretless threads.

I play fretless and fretted interchangeably and have for a long time with good results. My advice is based on that.

Fretless does not limit the music you can play. You do that, not the bass.

Starting off, don't concentrate on "fretless" music, play the same songs you'd play on fretted.

Immerse yourself in the bass, don't switch back when it seems to become difficult.

If you have a bass you like that you don't play and don't care about resale value, a defret is an option. I've never done it but this isn't about me.

Lines/unlined... either way you still have to determine where the note is. The idea that lines will help on a genuinely dark stage is an interesting one. How do you see them in the dark?

Don't over think it. Relax... it's still a bass.
Many players have been able to avoid fingerboard wear. That means it's possible for you to do the same. Even with rounds.

Fretless does not equal Jaco... it can but it's not like it's preordained.

Have fun. If you embarrass easily, get over it. And make sure you can hear yourself in the mix.

Good luck.

[Johnny StingRay]

When I bought my first fretless, the salesman said "The best way to learn is to play in the dark. That way you will learn to play without looking at the fretboard." The best advice I ever got.

[SteveC]

Originally Posted by Brad Johnson

It all depends on how much time you put in. If you only dabble with it it could take a long time.

One thing this thread highlights is that there's no prerequisite for offering advice. I see many of the same old wives tales repeated here as is usual for fretless threads.

I play fretless and fretted interchangeably and have for a long time with good results. My advice is based on that.

Fretless does not limit the music you can play. You do that, not the bass.

Starting off, don't concentrate on "fretless" music, play the same songs you'd play on fretted.

Immerse yourself in the bass, don't switch back when it seems to become difficult.

If you have a bass you like that you don't play and don't care about resale value, a defret is an option. I've never done it but this isn't about me.

Lines/unlined... either way you still have to determine where the note is. The idea that lines will help on a genuinely dark stage is an interesting one. How do you see them in the dark?

Don't over think it. Relax... it's still a bass.
Many players have been able to avoid fingerboard wear. That means it's possible for you to do the same. Even with rounds.

Fretless does not equal Jaco... it can but it's not like it's preordained.

Have fun. If you embarrass easily, get over it. And make sure you can hear yourself in the mix.

Good luck.

This seems like pretty sound advice.

[Engine207]

This is how easy it is to play a fretless bass... http://youtu.be/jxZukx-Drw0

[Frenchy-Lefty]

It's hard, very very hard...don't even think about it...just kidding

[ba$$player]

Well I ended up getting a six string fretless Peavey cirrus. I'm loving it so far, not really using the c string yet. It wasn't as hard as I expected to transition to a fretless, I can already play most of the lines I do in the band. Loving fretless, the possibilities are endless! Will post pics when I can!

[ba$$player]

Here are the pics, amazing bass!

[spade2you]

Originally Posted by ba$$player

Well I ended up getting a six string fretless Peavey cirrus. I'm loving it so far, not really using the c string yet. It wasn't as hard as I expected to transition to a fretless, I can already play most of the lines I do in the band. Loving fretless, the possibilities are endless! Will post pics when I can!

Very nice fretless. I had a 5 string and sold it because it was missing a string. I've been half tempted to get see if someone would install a new unlined board on a Cirrus 6 sometime.

[buffalobillh]

I'm VERY glad to have another fretless again.

[TechDeath]

What's your fretboard because it may not sound as good as a developed fretless bass, I would recommend just buying a lower end fretless

[armybass]

How hard is fretless?

How good is your ear?

[Guimdonatron]

I switched to fretless a few months ago and started rehearsing with it in the college jazz ensemble immediately. I absolutely love it and it has become my primary electric bass. It opened up a whole new world for me and I do not think it is limiting in styles. If you're a damn good player, then you'll be able to blend in no matter what... jazz, latin, blues, rock, metal, hip hop, soul, R&B, whatever.

I personally use fret markers, so to some I'm not a "real" fretless player, but hey, it's all about the music. The lack of lines won't make my bass sound any better. The only "downfall" is my fretted playing is a bit worse. I have to warm up before I can use a fretted well. I tend to want to use vibrato and I also tend to land on top of frets.

It's killer! I would say do it to just open up your playing field. You never know!

[Brad Johnson]

If you're playing fretless and doing it in this dimension you're real. Anything else doesn't matter.

[tbplayer59]

Originally Posted by ba$$player

Here are the pics, amazing bass!

How sweet the sound.

[GM60466]

all in the ears