The last time I had a hard time learning something was when I was trying to learn how to play the bass guitar. It took me a long time to be able to learn cards and frets. Even after I learned all of them I got confused with the cards when I was playing extremely fast. So my brother R.J. found a way to fix that problem. He fixed it by buying me a fretless bass. The only problem with a fretless bass guitar is when you play a song once, the second time rarely sounds like the first, but close. The reason for that is because frets show were your finger go. Without them your fingers are free to move along the cards. So your fingers hit the same place with frets, and without them you get within a close area of where your first rift began.
Hi Tim,
I really enjoyed reading about your learning to play a fretless bass guitar. Your writing was clear so that even though I know absolutely nothing about guitars (I used to play clarinet), I understood what you were saying. That’s a sign of good writing! I think your posting told me a lot about you that you should be proud of!!! When you are frustrated, you don’t quit!
Your brother helping you find a way around your problem is really impressive. I happen to think that that is an important skill in life—to be able to figure a different way to accomplish a goal or skill. You didn’t say “I can’t do this so I won’t” and quit!! Your brother helped you say “I’ll try this in another way” and it worked! You mentioned you weren’t really satisfied with your performances because what you play is not exactly the same every time. Is that really important? Do you think with more practice, it might become more natural or with more practice, you’ll then be able to switch back to a guitar with “frets”?
I am really looking forward to reading your next posting!
Best,
Lani
Posted by: Lani | October 22, 2005 at 12:02 PM
Howdy Tim,
Learning the bass is an interesting suject. I'm glad you have brought it up, and that you have explored the fretless, too. A very long time ago, I bought my first bass guitar from a friend. It was a very cool fretless Rickenbacker 4001. That's what I learned to play bass on. Prior to that, I had been playing acoustic and electric guitar for about 10 years.
I sang and played bass in a group, so I picked up a second bass with frets, so I could keep my place better while howling out the tunes!
Fretless requires a different amount of concentration, especially until youu know the 'feel' of the tones you are attempting to create!
Now, I defret bass guitars for fun, and have written out the best procedure in a book format! It's at: http://www.bassdefret.com
Good fortune in your bass playing endeavors - I love the low tone!
Peace,
Scotty
Posted by: Scotty | December 13, 2007 at 02:49 PM