Improve Your Tuning & Intonation On Fretless Bass

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  • Опубліковано 3 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 119

  • @pizzicatoprod
    @pizzicatoprod 3 роки тому +52

    Once comfortable with exercise, try it with the lights out! Seriously. I started playing the bass in school, as a kid. Upright bass. I stood on a stool so I could reach the fretboard. For intonation practice my teacher told me to turn off the lights in the room and force myself to ~listen~ to what I was playing, not ~watch~ what I was playing. I thought he was crazy, but it worked for me. My key for playing fretless is listening/ear and muscle memory.

    • @richbrownbass
      @richbrownbass  2 роки тому +6

      That's a great idea!

    • @svenjansen2134
      @svenjansen2134 Рік тому +5

      Or just close your eyes.

    • @danm8004
      @danm8004 Рік тому

      ​@@svenjansen2134or gouge them out.

    • @AA-my1dw
      @AA-my1dw 4 місяці тому

      @@svenjansen2134 No peeking!

  • @Tonka-s4b
    @Tonka-s4b 3 місяці тому +2

    I just got my 4 string fretless yesterday and I can't wait to start my journey. Thank You so much Mr. Brown. I'm happy to be here. You are blessing. 🙏

  • @petershaughnessy9699
    @petershaughnessy9699 3 роки тому +14

    Thank you for the inviting and erudite lessons. I’m always inspired to pick up my bass.

    • @richbrownbass
      @richbrownbass  3 роки тому +1

      Thank you so much for the very high praise, Peter. That means a lot.

  • @GERALDOuncleG
    @GERALDOuncleG Рік тому +3

    My fretless bass is coming after tomorrow, i play fretted bass for 2 years just for fun, I loved your simple tips, and others as well from experiencies shared by other fellow bassists on this video's comments.

  • @mipabass
    @mipabass 2 роки тому +5

    👍 Even you could not resist to add a sprinkle of vibrato on the last note of the sequence 😀

    • @richbrownbass
      @richbrownbass  2 роки тому +7

      I know, right? But it sounds so goooood! lol!

    • @EvertAlbers
      @EvertAlbers Рік тому +2

      Vibratos in G's do not count, according to the small print.

  • @cruzois52
    @cruzois52 2 роки тому +2

    Thanks!

  • @dondouglas
    @dondouglas 2 місяці тому +1

    Hi, I love your videos. I think when you say "playing the bass in tune" it sums everything up. I played a Gibson Wes (with fingers) until I switched to bass. I don't even know the names of the open strings but I trust my ear, so I thought I'd go straight to a Fretless Jazz Bass Relic. It seems risky but I've been playing for a year now and the experience couldn't have been better, I could improvise with the Wes, I can find the right note and it wasn't too difficult for me. I think you have to get rid of prejudices and a priori and just go with the flow. Your videos are calm and educational, that's it!!!

  • @clotwich
    @clotwich 13 днів тому

    thank you simple and helpful advice

  • @garethonbass
    @garethonbass 2 роки тому +5

    Such a good lesson - thank you so much Rich. I've found this exercise to be so helpful with intonation - it's like a laser focus for the ears. I kept working it with arpeggios in the same fashion, and then also in reverse, starting at B past the G harmonic on the G string and then going low. And it also works great on upright. A righteous exercise.

  • @charleskleesattel6477
    @charleskleesattel6477 2 місяці тому

    After years of dealing with fretless bass I've discovered that while exercises like this are valuable, in reality, the biggest skill we need is to learn what 'in tune' sounds like, and to be able to match our pitch to some other musical sound. Rarely outside of personal practice will we need to play with no other pitches around us. So.... it is in our best interest to have backing tracks for some other kind of music to match our pitch to. Something as simple as a piano playing a major scale or a chord progress in iReal Pro, or a looper pedal. IMHO progress is faster when you learn to play with other sounds and match pitch.

  • @WCruttenden
    @WCruttenden 3 роки тому +1

    I love playing fretless and this exercise is really helpful. I'm off to check out Cenk Erdogan too.

  • @trav1th3rabb1
    @trav1th3rabb1 9 місяців тому

    Just purchased a fretless 6 string and there’s not many videos on those, but this is a great exercise I can still do. Very nice.

  • @OffiongEniang
    @OffiongEniang 11 місяців тому +1

    That bass sounds so good❤

  • @jeffayoe7468
    @jeffayoe7468 3 місяці тому

    Thank you!

  • @PastorFunK
    @PastorFunK 2 роки тому

    Bout to get a fretless soon! I started on a Yamaha fretless P-Bass when I was 15! This is making me wanna go back to my roots!! Great lesson!!

  • @firefighterps2
    @firefighterps2 2 роки тому

    What a gift to find this lesson, and Mr Rich Brown. I'm fretless only, and a working trombonist. Thought it would be easy to switch from the horn to the bass. Yeah right!
    Thank you sir.

  • @philippedudule6727
    @philippedudule6727 Рік тому

    Thank you, you're so right !...

  • @nickpicc
    @nickpicc 3 роки тому +1

    Cenk is awesome, been following him for awhile.
    Thanks for the lesson

  • @kevmac1230
    @kevmac1230 3 роки тому

    Thanks, you're right about there not being a lot of fretless bass lessons.

  • @alfredsmith6381
    @alfredsmith6381 3 роки тому

    Just starting on fretless and eub after some 30 years, but not playing as much as I should because I didn't know what to use as a point of reference. This answers that. Thank you!

  • @thomasfioriglio
    @thomasfioriglio 3 місяці тому

    Oh I like this!! I’m always looking for new exercises to help with my fretless playing. This is simple and very helpful. I love the idea of playing along with a piano. Maybe there is a backing track like that here on UA-cam. Thanks for sharing.

  • @kamerkayali
    @kamerkayali 2 роки тому

    love fretless from Turkey.

  • @russellf4114
    @russellf4114 2 роки тому +2

    I am trying to be fluent on the fretless. I have a 6-string fretless and fretted (it's easier for me because my pinky finger is short) I needed this sooooooo much!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ This is badass!!! Thank you and Cenk Erdogan!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

    • @richbrownbass
      @richbrownbass  2 роки тому +2

      Thank you so much, brother Russell. I always appreciate you tuning in and sharing your thoughts. 🙏🏾❤️

    • @svenjansen2134
      @svenjansen2134 Рік тому

      Cenk is an amazing player and teacher.

  • @mjusick42
    @mjusick42 Рік тому

    Thanks for the video! A good exercise for me as a fretless beginner.
    And also thank you very much for recommending Cenk Erdogan, he is really a great musician!

  • @witherwillowsounds3935
    @witherwillowsounds3935 3 роки тому +1

    AWWWWWYEAH!!! More fretless stuff, please!
    There's a lot of fretless vids, but not a lot of great ones.

  • @mingram008
    @mingram008 2 роки тому +1

    Just found you on the tubes. Enjoying your lessons, your making the connection to the brain. There is a LOT of excellent instruction out there but you have to find that way to connect to get the most of it. Will be following. Thank you!

  • @studioundo
    @studioundo 2 роки тому +5

    Hi Rich ; Thank you for your kind words buddy you made my day . When I heard the ideas about my music and when it comes from a qualified pro musician like you It is super motivating. Hope to meet in person and play as soon as possible

    • @richbrownbass
      @richbrownbass  2 роки тому

      Thank you for being such an inspiration, my brother. I hope we do get the chance to play soon. All the best to you and yours, Cenk. In the meantime, I'm still learning how to properly play the carpma. 😊

  • @edwinjacobellis4852
    @edwinjacobellis4852 Рік тому

    This really is a great exercise

  • @McThumpenstein
    @McThumpenstein Рік тому

    Great info, great video! I love your content as you're one of the few six-string players making instructional videos, and I'm going to implement this on my six-string fretless immediately. Please keep up the great work!

  • @NicleT
    @NicleT 8 місяців тому

    What a great exercise! Thank you Sir.

  • @johnharreld4875
    @johnharreld4875 3 роки тому +1

    Thanks so much for this, Rich! I'm an intermediate guitarist and a beginner on several other fretted instruments (including electric bass), but my first violin arrives today. It'll be another adventure and so much for relying on frets. As you adapted this exercise from guitar to bass, I'm going to adapt it from bass to violin! We'll see how that goes.

  • @honkytonkdragon
    @honkytonkdragon 8 місяців тому

    I've got a fretless violin bass coming in a few weeks, I'm sure this exercise will get a lot of use, thanks!

  • @-Bean
    @-Bean 4 місяці тому

    Awesome video; I totally kove fretless bass. I have an acoustic and electric 4-string useing B-E-A-D arrangement... this is a brilliant excersice 😎

  • @justinfedenyszen7049
    @justinfedenyszen7049 Рік тому

    As always, excellent content Rich. Thank you so much! Justin

  • @ashenpall
    @ashenpall Рік тому

    Just ordered my first fretless and I have a feeling this exercise is going to be very helpful.

  • @normanw.5725
    @normanw.5725 3 роки тому

    I love your sense of humor. You really made me laugh and i thank you for that! Much needed...

    • @richbrownbass
      @richbrownbass  2 роки тому

      My pleasure, Norman. Thank you very much for watching.

  • @billyjeffersoniv4344
    @billyjeffersoniv4344 Рік тому

    Brother, that is such great advice

  • @charleskleesattel6477
    @charleskleesattel6477 2 роки тому

    Thanks for a fine video. I would mention that the last exercise, playing to the recorded piano scale, is by far the more valuable lesson. While playing scales and melodic fragments in tune is a good practice, the reality of fretless playing is matching pitches. Rarely will we be playing in a fretless bass guitar in an ensemble of other pitch adjustable instruments. Keyboards and guitars will make up the most of it, and while horns, vocalists and strings are adjustable, they too are listening to the non-adjustable instruments.
    You might consider a video on using the drones in tuners, or looping pedals, or how to make your own backing tracks with apps like iReal Pro or Band-in-a-Box. Many people might have access to a DAW or even a music writing program that has playback. If so they could create their own scale and chord sequences as play alongs. Matching pitches is where its at.
    Thanks again, I enjoy your videos and your approach to teaching.

  • @RomainMadar
    @RomainMadar 3 роки тому +1

    Hey! I have started to play fretless 5 month ago, and your video is super useful! Just subscribed😎! Cheers from France 🍻

  • @DavideAfzal
    @DavideAfzal 3 роки тому +4

    Love this exercise Rich(as well all the other lessons you share with us), thank you so much!!
    Can you give us more advices about fretless bass? 🙏🏼🙌🏼🔥

  • @abrajmek_zalilov
    @abrajmek_zalilov 3 роки тому

    Oh, I see, Cenk Erdogan. Yes, man! It is he, who inspired me to buy instrument for make fretless guitar from it and begin learning how to play fretless guitar couple of months ago. But I've not heard exercise from Cenk...

    • @richbrownbass
      @richbrownbass  2 роки тому

      He is such a master. I love his playing.

  • @philipmcadam5339
    @philipmcadam5339 3 роки тому

    Oh great! Thanks Rich, now I need to go out and get a fretless bass. Peace and love.

  • @M2Mil7er
    @M2Mil7er 3 роки тому +1

    There's loads of drones available on UA-cam. Sitar drones are fun for Fretless. I use an EHX Freeze pedal to sample any note / chord on my fretless that I want to drone, which helps too. Thanks Mr Brown!

    • @richbrownbass
      @richbrownbass  3 роки тому

      Thank you, MrMiller! That's a pro tip.

    • @geofflb6537
      @geofflb6537 Рік тому

      Another vote for the Freeze pedal, making sure with a tuner that the drone note is in tune. I also picked up a tip, to use the 5th of the scale as the drone, ie G in the key of C. Seems to work for me.

  • @Synequanon
    @Synequanon 2 роки тому

    Amazing Rich ! Thank you a ton, this is so useful and fun. And never lose your sense of humour. :)

  • @IvanovBR
    @IvanovBR Рік тому

    great lesson!

  • @jazzbrew68
    @jazzbrew68 2 роки тому

    Wonderful stuff Rich. I love this.

    • @richbrownbass
      @richbrownbass  2 роки тому +1

      Thank you, my brother. Nice to hear from you!

  • @martinheath5947
    @martinheath5947 3 роки тому

    Nice lesson and really good tips. A drone works well for me a couple of octaves higher than the root :)

  • @bassomatic6055
    @bassomatic6055 3 роки тому

    As someone who tends to flail a bit on the double bass, I can stress the idea of using open strings to check your tuning as you do this exercise. Obviously octaves, but 5ths and even 3rds can work. It's good ear training too.

  • @doyi984
    @doyi984 2 роки тому

    Similar to exercises on Chinese violin where we don't have that extra violin's E string and have to glide all the way up for the highs. I play until I'm a sixth/7th away from the open string and come back down.

  • @scienceofobliteration2671
    @scienceofobliteration2671 3 роки тому +1

    you know, rich, there's a ****-ton of blokes out there pouring some wisdom to suck up, but out of all of them, I'd rather prefer to watch you. just because your videos focus on content, not flashy editing, video settings and the likes. pls, even if you plan on "improving that", don't do it, keep your videos exactly like this! much love man! :)

    • @richbrownbass
      @richbrownbass  2 роки тому

      Much love, and thank you so much for your very kind words. 🙏🏾❤️

  • @markfoster_mkfbass
    @markfoster_mkfbass 3 роки тому

    Thanks Cenk and Rich! I lubs dis shit😂 For real. More fretless stuff, please!😉👊🏽
    ETA Other intonation stuff: a variety of exercises using open strings as a reference tone; octaves across 2 strings or 3 strings;
    chromatic scales ascending and descending one string from open string (lowest) to highest available note...and so on...
    And, yes, drones are awesome to play with, too😉👍🏾🤗
    ETA # 2 Brownstone t-shirts?

  • @jamalan7417
    @jamalan7417 Рік тому

    what bass is that, sounds amaze !

  • @kenshorley
    @kenshorley 3 роки тому +1

    "All you have to do is play the bass in tune. End of lesson!" 🤣 2:36

  • @BrianLatimersPage
    @BrianLatimersPage 2 роки тому

    2:55 "For many of you this is going to be the open E. As it is for me...for once." Don't give up that 6-string, Rich. Ever. 😀
    I just started learning "Give Blood" by Pete Townsend. Pino Palladino on fretless bass. Such a great sounding instrument.

    • @richbrownbass
      @richbrownbass  2 роки тому

      I miss you, man! Lots of love to you and the family.

    • @BrianLatimersPage
      @BrianLatimersPage 2 роки тому

      @@richbrownbass Thanks! And to you as well.

  • @Megatronpt
    @Megatronpt 2 місяці тому

    I've been thinking on moving to fretless.. mostly because of the sounding... main problem is the right bass.
    I play a 6 string Multiscale.. so ideally I should jump into a 6 string fretless... but the options are limited... and I don't play well enough to buy premium / custom basses.
    I've been trying to play some fretless songs on my MS.. but with roundwound strings.. my fingers are dying. :)
    Thought of defretting the 6.. or buying a cheaper 6 and defret it. :)
    Any hints on what you would do ?

  • @geraldmarcolongo5474
    @geraldmarcolongo5474 2 роки тому

    Thank you for the lesson I don’t have a fretless bass anymore but I will try it on all my bases I have noticed in the background on occasions that you have a six string bass I recently decided to go on a six string do you have any advice or any lessons planned for six string players

    • @richbrownbass
      @richbrownbass  2 роки тому

      If there's enough call for it, I'll do more lessons on my 6. Usually, when I play it in videos I get a lot of complaints. 😒

  • @yankalesegal5800
    @yankalesegal5800 2 роки тому

    Amazing!! What bass is it youre playing? Is it Saffran?

  • @armchairzen
    @armchairzen 9 місяців тому

    I caught the vibrato, BTW. p.s.: great drill

  • @rickdauer5179
    @rickdauer5179 2 роки тому

    Hi Rich, on the 12th do u play between the double dots or the one closest to the bridge or closest to the nut?

    • @richbrownbass
      @richbrownbass  2 роки тому

      Hi Rick. You should be playing between the double dots. You can check that against the 12th harmonic or the open string, or a keyboard to be doubly sure.

  • @bassadelica
    @bassadelica 2 роки тому +1

    Gold. 🤛 we see you vibrato though!😂

  • @kneejo-tube
    @kneejo-tube 3 роки тому

    I have a tendency to play the major third a little flat to get rid of that beating.

  • @ermoikavalko8705
    @ermoikavalko8705 3 роки тому

    Thanks! Could swear I spotted a vibrato or two 😬😁😂

  • @mattatsu
    @mattatsu 2 роки тому

    Great video and lesson! I just subscribed to your channel and looking forward to learning more.
    Quick question: I’m assuming that fretless is a custom? It’s really beautiful. I’d love something like that.

  • @JJ-222-0
    @JJ-222-0 3 роки тому +5

    You played some vibrato.😀

    • @richbrownbass
      @richbrownbass  3 роки тому +7

      Lol! Sometimes that little finger can't help its darn self.

    • @JJ-222-0
      @JJ-222-0 3 роки тому

      I hear you. Loving your videos. You’re a great teacher.

  • @kevmac1230
    @kevmac1230 Рік тому

    There's a lot of fretless exercises but most are for intonation.There has to be more to offer.

  • @abrajmek_zalilov
    @abrajmek_zalilov 3 роки тому

    Hello, Rich! Is this method adoptable for fretless guitar? I have one classical with nylon strings. Thanx for your activity as provider of knowledge. Once again salut from Northern Honduras AKA Russia!

    • @richbrownbass
      @richbrownbass  2 роки тому

      I adapted this lesson from a fretless guitar lesson. In that lesson Cenk plays 2 octaves of each 3-note sequence. You can totally do it!

    • @abrajmek_zalilov
      @abrajmek_zalilov 2 роки тому

      @@richbrownbass I've already figured it out. Once again, thank you!

  • @travisreed5965
    @travisreed5965 3 роки тому +2

    What A Sound - Would Be Interested In Hear You Noodle Around On That Beauty For A Few Minutes - No Lesson, Just A Simply Jam Solo Style - Stay Rowdy
    Go Team Human,
    Cheers

    • @richbrownbass
      @richbrownbass  3 роки тому +1

      I'll post a video soon. All for Team Human!

  • @brianjezuit4085
    @brianjezuit4085 6 місяців тому

    Safran semi acoustic bass

  • @user-vv9pq5oi9l
    @user-vv9pq5oi9l Рік тому

    Just bought my first fretless. Can’t stop sliding and virbrato. Please help.

  • @justinfedenyszen7049
    @justinfedenyszen7049 Рік тому

    The challenge is not playing vibrato. In the past when I played my performances back I was so shocked at how much I do it. Old habits die hard🤷‍♂️It should be used like cilantro and not salt😜

  • @douglasmullen7596
    @douglasmullen7596 8 місяців тому

    Always annoys me when open strings sound different than fretted (fretless) ones - I made an Ebony bridge saddle & Ebony nut - used Tapewound. Solved - even response over all strings.

  • @thomassteckle
    @thomassteckle Рік тому

    Is that a hollow body?

  • @cloudmaan4035
    @cloudmaan4035 6 місяців тому

    Vibrato intensifies.

  • @pierrelataillade7564
    @pierrelataillade7564 2 роки тому

    I'm a little perplexed Rich...... My bass may not be classified as a "fretless" but it is...... this bass is the "fender jazz". the fretboard is marked but smooth. I think this bass came out in the 70s.... please tell me you are not refer to this bass....

    • @zacharymorin5696
      @zacharymorin5696 Рік тому

      Yes he is, that is a fretless bass. They’re just guidelines but they’re certainly not frets

  • @ЮРИЙФИЛИППОВ-й6е
    @ЮРИЙФИЛИППОВ-й6е 3 роки тому

    👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

  • @deafprof
    @deafprof 3 роки тому +1

    Dude station

  • @alphajayy_9832
    @alphajayy_9832 2 роки тому

    Play bass on weekdays and call UFC fights on sundays

  • @minemaj7
    @minemaj7 Рік тому

    🇹🇷🇹🇷

  • @christophegragnic8681
    @christophegragnic8681 Рік тому

    But what is THIS bass?

    • @richbrownbass
      @richbrownbass  Рік тому

      Beautiful, right? www.safranbasses.com/semi-acoustic

  • @mirkosmi1800
    @mirkosmi1800 9 місяців тому

    It would be better if you played more and talked less... A little talk and more playing

  • @bAgRiMoIrEsS.4
    @bAgRiMoIrEsS.4 Рік тому

    I've never had a problem staying in tune. You talk like a lot of people have that problem. Do they? Also, tons of fretless videos.

    • @zacharymorin5696
      @zacharymorin5696 Рік тому

      Yes, that’s the main, primary, issue with learning the fretless bass

    • @bAgRiMoIrEsS.4
      @bAgRiMoIrEsS.4 Рік тому

      @@zacharymorin5696 Thank you! Good video! Very helpful.

  • @yankalesegal5800
    @yankalesegal5800 2 роки тому

    Amazing!! What bass is it youre playing? Is it Saffran?

  • @yankalesegal5800
    @yankalesegal5800 2 роки тому

    Amazing!! What bass is it youre playing? Is it Saffran?

    • @richbrownbass
      @richbrownbass  2 роки тому +1

      Yes! That's a Safran semi-acoustic. I love this bass!