4 or 5 fret scale patterns for fretless?

[kesslari]

I play primarily fretless 5 string. I've always played "1 finger per fret", 4 fret scale patterns (3 notes per string on *most* strings, with one string getting 2 notes). I do note that they require a single shift. I have found that I get good intonation with this, because I'm not shifting around a lot.

I had a lesson with a good teacher, primarily fretted player, who plays 5 fret scale patterns (3 notes per string on every string). I do like that it provides a full 2 octaves in a single position. I'm not as happy with the frequent shifts required to span the 5 frets (e.g., to cover the 2 consecutive whole steps on a single string).

I'm giving this a try, to build my ability, but I'm also curious, for other successful fretless players - do you use 4 fret or 5 fret scale patterns? If you use 5 fret, how do you keep the frequent jumps accurate?
I know there's no "right" answer, just individual preferences, and I'm curious as to how others have worked this through for themselves.

Thanks

 

[Wally Malone]

That sounds like the Jaco stretch modes from his instructional video.

Wally