Recent content by FretlessDave

Cubop..Glad to hear that you're determined to keep at it.One of the poopiest feelings I ever had as a musician was sitting in over my head at a jazz jam session when I was in my early 20's.It caused a lot of self doubt,but I kept playing and practicing. To this day I'm still trying to figure...

Where does the original poster say he wants to play like Jaco,or be a Jaco clone?All he asks is if the the book is a good source of study.I haven't seen the book,but I'm thinking maybe parts of the book shows what Jaco practiced,as opposed to how to play like him.

One more quick point..put some time in practicing without an amp.I think it's an effective way to develop your own personal sound.It's also my personal belief that fretless basses sound better when you pick closer to the bridge side as opposed to the neck.It can depend on whether you're going...

One point that Gary Willis made in a video was to be able to make quick left hand adjustments.For example,lots of times you'll hit notes that are just a hair off pitch...your ears immediately pick it up,and you roll or pivot your finger a hair to the left or right to get that perfect intonation...

After a little thought I realized that I don't tuck the other two fingers in my palm,but they are curled.If I try playing with all my fingers straight,my picking fingers don't feel as flexible.I would suggest to keep at it and try to find the method where your picking hand feels comfortable.If...

I agree with fearceol and Fergie Fulton.Obviously,if you were using a 3 finger plucking technique it might create problems.

I see some good responses here.To be able to play by ear well,you have to get to know intervals,which is the distance between any two given notes.If you're into music theory,you should learn how to spell chords.Spelling chords is not hard at all once you learn how to do it.But you have to know...

There are other fretting techniques,but it depends on what you're trying to play.It's easier(for me) to play chromatic lines using all 4 fingers,but a lot of the time,I'm doing things with my left hand that would be considered "incorrect or inappropiate" by a lot of bass teachers.So my own rule...

For notes in the upper register,I find I get my best vibrato sounds playing the notes with my ring finger.Maybe other players get good vibrato with other fingers,but for me the ring finger gives me the best control. Place your finger on the note you want to play..now,as if your finger was...

If you really want a fretless,you probably should go out and find one you like.That way you'll know what you're getting into.Like another poster said,you may regret taking the frets out of the Tobias.

I bought my fretless Pbass brand new in 1978,and except for 1 time when I had it being worked on,it is the only bass I have ever played.