Rubbersoul Posted October 31, 2017 Share Posted October 31, 2017 Hi folks. I recently was given an old beat up, bitsa no-name, filthy fretless. I've cleaned it up now, put new flats on it and it actually feels and sounds quite good. Problem: I've never really played fretless before and am struggling a bit (a lot if I'm honest). The board has lines however they're pretty hard to see and the side markings are more or less invisible. So, good people of basschat, some tips for learning to play this thing would be brilliant. Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGreek Posted October 31, 2017 Share Posted October 31, 2017 I took up fretless earlier this year - I found that I have to use my ears more and not take for granted that you're in tune...helped me a lot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roman_sub Posted November 1, 2017 Share Posted November 1, 2017 (edited) Check youtube for advice. I'd start with playing against a sustained low notes, and getting basic intervals in tune - e.g. play low E and then find and play all other E's on the fretboard. Get used to hearing the 'beats' (uneven oscillations/interactions of close pitches, but not quite in tune) and adjust fingers until these slow down / go away.... Eventually you will need to 'visualise' the notes - hear them clearly in your head - before you play them. Will do wonders for your ears! Tip for later - I actually had to set up the intonation specifically for fretless playing (not just relying on visual cues of the lines) - so you may want to through the fret positions with an accurate tuner to check if you are consistently sharp or flat at any places over the neck. But really it's a huge journey... enjoy the ride! Edited November 1, 2017 by roman_sub Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rubbersoul Posted November 1, 2017 Author Share Posted November 1, 2017 Thanks chaps, appreciate the advice. Does anyone mark the edge of the board for guidance? If so, what do you use? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roman_sub Posted November 1, 2017 Share Posted November 1, 2017 I wouldn't go with anything more permanent than chalk or thin strips of masking tape. Unless you properly measure out the distances these will not be TOO exact, but I suppose can be a kind of comfort at the start :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rubbersoul Posted November 1, 2017 Author Share Posted November 1, 2017 Ok thanks for that. The fret lines will help me get the positioning right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EliasMooseblaster Posted November 1, 2017 Share Posted November 1, 2017 A good ear training exercise I found early on was to try and play a familiar scale that "pedals" the open string as a pitch reference between each note, e.g., --0-2-0-4-0-5-0-7-0-9-11-0-12-- ...on a single string of your choice for a basic major scale. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rubbersoul Posted November 1, 2017 Author Share Posted November 1, 2017 That's a very good idea. Cheers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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