The all-fretless show...

[basso_profundo]

Swallow Hill rocks - I took a few of their workshop classes when I was getting back into playing after a 15 year hiatus. Fun stuff!

 

[Brad Johnson]

Just curious... what are the steps in switching to a fretless bass. assuming you already play bass.

Along with the suggestions already mentioned, bear in mind that the chances of someone stepping up and taking a shot at you over a bad note are practically nil.

Practically.

As far as staring at your left hand, it really becomes unnecessary the more you become acclimated. How do you do that? Play the dang thing at every opportunity. For any music you'd play on a bass. Hearing yourself in the mix is important and then trusting your ears is equally so.

You'll then get to the point where you trust your left hand enough that you don't have to stare at it. The notes don't move and your hand won't run away from the end of your arm. Plus it'll free you up to sneak a peak at your right hand. That's the troublemaker.

There are folks who try to force notes to be where they want them. That's funny, in the same vein as telling God your plans. Fretless is physics and that's exceedingly difficult to fight.

Fretless is fun. If you try to remember that you're on the road to having fun with it. Think of it as a potentially more expressive version of you.

Above all else... relax.

 

[BassUrges]

Swallow Hill rocks - I took a few of their workshop classes when I was getting back into playing after a 15 year hiatus. Fun stuff!

My hiatus was 20 years, and I was terrible as a teen.

Word is there’s cell phone video.

 

[OldManMusic]

My goal with fretless is to make it sound fretted when I need, but mwah it when I don't. I'm a "no look at my left" fretted guy all my life and it's been a 5 year journey since buying my first fretless, but it's been worth every step. About 2 months ago, I did our first set (celtic-rock styled band) on the fretless and it went fine. Most of the fretless basses I have are lined, so I still have training wheels. But I've got a couple without lines, just to drive myself. I dig Swallow Hill too. Great place for us locals.

 

[BassUrges]

Video as promised, but between the electric and the keys, you can’t really hear me on DB.

 

[Wisebass]

Hi dbase

what are the steps in switching to a fretless bass

step one: get a fretless bass
step two: enjoy her

Rock/Bar bands playing Fretless. Wondering if that's something I would like to try sometimes.

step three: play her with your band

greetings

Wise

 

[Old Blastard]

Wise is very wise.

 

[mrcbass]

Thanks for the info.. I'm sure their out there but locally I've never seen any Rock/Bar bands playing Fretless. Wondering if that's something I would like to try sometimes.

Haven't been on stage with it, but I use a FL in my classic rock blues project. Don't think you'd ever notice the missing frets when listening...

 

[dirkdabass]

You'll then get to the point where you trust your left hand enough that you don't have to stare at it. The notes don't move and your hand won't run away from the end of you arm. Plus it'll free you up to sneak a peak at your right hand. That's the troublemaker.


When I began with my fretless, I learned that my ears were nowhere as good as I thought. I found myself staring at my left hand to get the pitch I was supposed to be playing (while the guitar player glared at my mis-pitches). In order to get my ears in shape, I began to practice in the dark: no visual cues. After a while I got used to using my ears and my fingering began to fall into place. Still have to resist the "stare" but I'm getting better.



Above all else... relax.[/QUOTE]

 

[zontar]

Since getting a fretless nearly 4 years ago I have barely played fretted bass.Just too much fun.
The frets feel odd (Although they don't bother me on guitar & mandolin)