mtmattan
Hey guys,
I've been a guitar player for many years and have been playing bass for 6 months now.
I'm considering buying a Fretless bass to have some fun with. (one with lines).
I'd appreciate some input on whether I should wait until I'm more proficient on a fretted bass or whether the learning curve of a Fretless bass is manageable.
Kind regards,
Matt. ?
Jack-Flash-Jr
The learning curve on fretless is more than manageable imho. The only thing that concerns me is 50 minutes into a set when the concentration starts slipping a bit it's very easy to edge those quarter tones 'til you sound a bit off. There's no reason to "wait"...
Edit: There's really no difference except for no frets, I wouldn't even bother with lines, as long as there's fret markers on the side of the board...
Keira-WitherKay
Yeah fret less bass is not too hard and yes it takes a while to develop your ear but it comes easy unless you tone deaf then i'd say forget it , many instruments are fretless violin cello double bass and kids learn to play em so if you like that sound go for it . And try to not use fret markers on side of neck it just makes one lazy , rather learn good hand position and you'll be fine ? good luck
ActionArnie
The bass player in my band has recently bought a fretless and I've gotta say I don't like it. He's practiced quite a lot with it and uses it exclusively now, but he often gets the notes slightly off and it irritates me immensely. He's a pretty skilled bassist, but its ruining his playing IMO. Maybe he just doesn't have a great ear, I dunno.
mtmattan
Hmmm, thanks for giving me a couple of things to consider ?
I must say, although I love and play music, I don't have a strong ear for it. Is having a strong ear important? Or is Fretless bass equally as much about pure muscle memory and practice?
AlanRatcliffe
You have to develop your ear.
I love fretless bass (Pino Palladino, Jaco Pastorius and Percy Jones are among my favourite players). If you're going to dedicate yourself to fretless, go unlined (it'll help develop your ear). If it's going to be a sometime thing then go lined or with side markers - at least until you develop your ear (it's a security blanket thing ?).
One thing I used to do for practising fretless (guitar - but it still applies) was to record the part with a fretted, then play along with it on the fretless until I had the intonation down pat.
I'll leave you with Percy Jones:
Pierre-Cronje
It is not difficult to play fretless bass perfectly in tune. Firstly don't use a lined fingerboard as the lines tend to overcome your pitching ability. Use only your ears. To really practice your intonation use any programme that can generate long slow notes and pitch against these. This is the best way to get your ear in tune. I use a bow on my upright bass and long slow bass notes to practice my pitching. Secondly be humble as this bass destroys the egotists. I have seen many "big names" in this country make absolute asses of themselves.
Pierre-Cronje
Thirdly, make sure that you are playing with good musicians. I prefer to use fretless when playing with competent jazz musicians. The worst are rock guitarists as there is always a tendency to let unwanted strings ring and this detracts from perfect pitching. You, of course will be the first to be blamed for incorrect pitching.
And lastly, the test to show that you have mastered the art of intonation is that S.A. Idols will cause immense irritation to your hearing.
Jack-Flash-Jr
Welcome Pierre - great bass input... post an intro in the intro section of the site ?
