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What complications did you not expect when going fretless?
- Thread starter Sophi1023
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- bass fretless fretless bass
I've only played fretless for a short while some years ago, but I found that some singers can't handle it if you slide into a target note. Seemed to throw off their own intonation. But nice to be noticed finally!
At first, you may be tempted to learn fretless watching the fingerboard and relying on finger positions. You must eventually begin using your ears to make sure your notes are properly intonated. Audience doesn't want to see a bassist staring at their fingerboard during a show. You really have no choice as the lighting of venues are usually low.
Isn't it already too late if you have to use your ears?
I was referring to a player's tendency to watch the fingerboard. If someone is already using their ears, that is perfect.
- Dec 21, 2007
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Unexpected consequences? I virtually stopped playing fretted basses.
The sound was much softer. Aside from that, no problems with intonation or anything for me. One could say I slid right into the part 
That's their problem, not yours.
Ditto this. I caught the virus, too. The thing that sticks with me is how precisely dressed the fingerboard has to be to get even note response all along the string length.
The only real complication is that it's much more important to be able to hear yourself clearly at a gig than with a fretted bass. It can be disastrous if you can't.
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- Dec 3, 2003
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Yep, same experience here, and it only gets worse with some of my other common phrasing choices. So in typical fashion I just started doing my own singing too.
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Maybe I'm not getting it. If you are using your ears, isn't it too late if you hear the wrong thing? As everyone else is already hearing it at that point anyway. (Sorry if this sounds argumentative, I don't mean it that way)
I mean pay attention to the rest of the band in relation to the notes you're playing. If your note is slightly off, you can always remedy the situation quickly by slightly rolling your finger forward or back.
I play fretless almost exclusively. One unexpected thing I realized is that a fretted bass usually has a more immediate attack than a fretless. When I play fretted, I have to reacquaint myself with how the pocket feels. Initially, I usually find myself on the front edge of the beat, whereas I would be on the beat or on the back edge if I were playing fretless. It's pretty subtle, but it's something that at least I personally have to consider.
Regarding sliding, imo it shouldn't be the default way of playing a note on fretless. It should be chosen for expressive purposes where it fits and doesn't interfere with the music. A good fretless player should be able to make the bass sing like we all love with fretless, but should also be able to play such that no one knows they're playing a fretless.
Regarding sliding, imo it shouldn't be the default way of playing a note on fretless. It should be chosen for expressive purposes where it fits and doesn't interfere with the music. A good fretless player should be able to make the bass sing like we all love with fretless, but should also be able to play such that no one knows they're playing a fretless.
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Ok thanks, I'm nowhere near that stage yet, so it's just me completely misunderstanding at this point, sorry.
- Apr 18, 2008
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With a bit of practice you become adept at turning “wrong thing” into “expressive vibrato”, at which point your artistic credentials rocket to the next level!
In my case, the biggest surprise was how reliant getting good intonation was on me standing straight and maintaining good posture while playing.
But that may just be me.
But that may just be me.
I didn't have any complications at all. A benefit I hadn't expected was that it was easier to play along with some old blues albums that were off-pitch.
The only reason I even play fretted is because it's harder to sing and play on a fretless. Fretted gives you a little bit of wiggle room where you place your fretting fingers.
It's not just you. That's why I can't play fretless in a high energy gig. I really need to hold back to keep my left hand position good.In my case, the biggest surprise was how reliant getting good intonation was on me standing straight and maintaining good posture while playing.
But that may just be me.
