Fretless Bass Lesson Part 1

The first part of a fretless bass lesson covering intonation, finger positioning, sliding and vibrato. I have based this on some relevant things i feel are missing from Steve Bailey's fretless bass video

Category:

Music

Tags:

• fretless
• bass
• lesson
• sliding
• vibrato
• video

[megaSkate5000]

thanks so much for the video.Is there a way to know where the 'frets' would be? I mean, how do you know where you've got to press the strings for the notes/chords? (:

[tonymcg4]

@megaSkate5000 thanks! I have positions markers (dots) on the side of the neck, there isn't an easy way to explain through text but it's about listening to the sound until you hear what is the right pitch you want - you play with your ears not your eyes... - if you are switching from fretted to fretless, learning the fretboard is a must!

[BiggerThinking1]

is it worth starting on fretless - or is it too hard and better to do a few years on fretted bass and then transition over?

And whats the point o fretless anyway considering it just seems to add a layer of difficulty to something that is already quite difficult?

[tonymcg4]

@BiggerThinking1 Any skill becomes easier with practice. But I would suggest a couple of years to aid with the transition (right hand technique remains the same as fretted, although with left hand, learning the fretboard and getting used to the sound of the instrument is essential) I was playing fretted for about 5 years before I even picked up a fretless, however I do also play cello. Fretless gives a very unique sound/tone!

[Custom2212]

Hi. Why does playing with the fingertips rather than the pads make a difference, and what difference(s) does it make? Sustain, accuracy of intonation? Thanks

[tonymcg4]

@Custom2212 intonation and accuracy - you also get a much clearer sound. Remember with playing any fretless instruments you play with your ears, not your eyes. Fretless bass requires a slightly larger stretch than fretted; so playing on the tips makes it more comfortable; it also makes vibrato much easier to do!

[Recluse253]

I disagree on the flat finger technique.I'm not saying your wrong,I'm just saying there are some cool things you can do with flat fingers.I play psychedelic funk so I do it alot.I have a few videos,I would love your opinion.I'm very undisciplined I just jam.I love TMV and Juan Alderete.

[Custom2212]

@tonymcg4 Thanks. I've been playing fretless a while (actually I've never played fretted bass) and didn't know which I used until I thought about it and checked. Turns out it's mostly pads. I don't generally have intonation problems, but thinking about it, a clean release point for the string using the tips would give a cleaner sound and more sustain, probably.

[Whyrendog]

@tonymcg4 I am looking at getting a fretless, a very good bass player said to go with fw also.

[tonymcg4]

@omgitsmeagain13 could be the cam - but each to their own, i've switched to flatwounds too, a much nicer sound :) (the strings in the video are pressurewounds)