As you continue on your journey of becoming a better bass player, there may come a time when you would want to reevaluate the bass guitar you are using.
Instead of a 4 string bass, you may begin looking at getting a 5 string bass, as a means of becoming more experimental.
But all that really does is, obviously enough, add a new string for lower notes.
What about changing your overall sound? Most people would not know it, but some bass sounds are really best done via a fretless bass guitar.
In the 1930s, upright basses were the fashion.
And what's more, these were just like the violins, violas and cellos - fretless.
The use of frets, as with modern guitars, is really a recent occurrence.
So do not think that doing fretless is anything 'revolutionary.
' Nonetheless, you are looking to sound different from what you normally do.
The most obvious difference is the enlarged palette of tones.
Whereas with a regular fretted bass guitar, you would have to bend a string oh so slightly to make a sound in between F and F#, you can accomplish this by simply moving your finger a little higher on the neck.
Indeed, you can achieve a great effect by injecting your lines with notes one-fourth step up or down.
The more natural and even glissando by a fretless is also something to consider.
If you are going to buy a fretless, maybe you would like an upright bass.
You could find a used upright bass at specialty shops.
They are rather uncommon, but also look extremely cool.
Imagine walking on stage with the huge thing.
Of course, becoming good with a fretless requires an increased sensitivity to the differences of notes.
A regular bass player who is used to playing with frets would sound terrible if he tries a fretless bass for the first time.
You have to be good enough so that you can play just as well in the dark.
It is a matter of developing your feel of the instrument.
It is an advantage to have played a violin or similar fretless instrument before.
That way, your method of playing will not be affected by the presence or absence of frets.
Just remember that a fretless bass guitar is not for everybody.
If you do decide to get one, you have to commit to the time needed to re-adjust your playing style.
Instead of a 4 string bass, you may begin looking at getting a 5 string bass, as a means of becoming more experimental.
But all that really does is, obviously enough, add a new string for lower notes.
What about changing your overall sound? Most people would not know it, but some bass sounds are really best done via a fretless bass guitar.
In the 1930s, upright basses were the fashion.
And what's more, these were just like the violins, violas and cellos - fretless.
The use of frets, as with modern guitars, is really a recent occurrence.
So do not think that doing fretless is anything 'revolutionary.
' Nonetheless, you are looking to sound different from what you normally do.
The most obvious difference is the enlarged palette of tones.
Whereas with a regular fretted bass guitar, you would have to bend a string oh so slightly to make a sound in between F and F#, you can accomplish this by simply moving your finger a little higher on the neck.
Indeed, you can achieve a great effect by injecting your lines with notes one-fourth step up or down.
The more natural and even glissando by a fretless is also something to consider.
If you are going to buy a fretless, maybe you would like an upright bass.
You could find a used upright bass at specialty shops.
They are rather uncommon, but also look extremely cool.
Imagine walking on stage with the huge thing.
Of course, becoming good with a fretless requires an increased sensitivity to the differences of notes.
A regular bass player who is used to playing with frets would sound terrible if he tries a fretless bass for the first time.
You have to be good enough so that you can play just as well in the dark.
It is a matter of developing your feel of the instrument.
It is an advantage to have played a violin or similar fretless instrument before.
That way, your method of playing will not be affected by the presence or absence of frets.
Just remember that a fretless bass guitar is not for everybody.
If you do decide to get one, you have to commit to the time needed to re-adjust your playing style.
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