Fear of the Fretless-Fretless Banjo Overview

It seems many banjo players are afraid to go fretless, but there is no need for fear or confusion. Its not a big deal! Hope this helps!
Also, here is a direct link to Barry Sholder's Banjos which I highly recommend: gourdbanjosbyb...
For those wishing to support Brett's FREE online lessons please visit: www.patreon.co...

[@pamt6829]

I love the sound of the fretless banjos. Nice playing 👍

[@johnschneider4160]

Thanks for the encouragement, Brett. I'm about to make the transition to fretless. I just tried one out at our local Acoustic music store. I love having the ability to slide a long ways for that great effect.

[@raybaker-addy7600]

Just set away for my 1st fretless banjo by Barry. Thank you for the recommendation.

[@Anthony-cw8bt]

Once you go fretless, there's no going back

[@aaronflinner6431]

I am going to save up for one of his banjos. Thanks for the video.

[@wiscgaloot]

Fear? I don't play banjo at all. If I start out on fretless, I won't do any worse than if I started with frets, I'm sure. A fun adventure!

[@machin8163]

That Appalachian Dulcimer looks very beautiful

[@fredmarshe7470]

Got my first fretless (Nate Calkins) coming Thursday.

[@BrettRidgewaysLearningForLife]

You'll love it! They are a lot of fun to play!

[@paulbenson7284]

Great advice. Play by ear.

[@BrettRidgewaysLearningForLife]

I agree! Very few do but everyone can! Thanks for posting!

[@maxwellfan55]

I notice most fretless players don't play actual chord shapes at all. On that basis what is the approach to playing, say, three chord songs for vocal accompaniment, other than simply barring the fretboard? Thank you.

[@BrettRidgewaysLearningForLife]

Actually, I usually play melody when I sing BUT there is no reason not to make basic chord shapes when playing back-up. It IS possible many avoid that because of accuracy but again, I have found if you don't look the accuracy is usually better!

[@briarroot]

So how do you know where to put the bridge? I'm used to measuring from the 12th fret.

[@AWESOME295]

You know about Alip ba ta?,a very talented finger style guitarist on KZbin ||

[@iheartmusic7579]

Brett, I've decided to take up the Banjo. I know that I eventually want to play with a fretless banjo. Question: is it a good idea to go fretless with my first banjo? I know it is not normally recomennded for beginners, but why not begin where I eventually want to end up?

[@BrettRidgewaysLearningForLife]

I personally would not recommend it if you have never played as it is hard to have a reference as far as frets. Not saying it can't be done, but it would be more difficult for sure...in my opinion. And if you play by ear, that might not be as difficult. I do have a friend selling one if you want to go that route and it is a nice one at a very fair price.

[@MrHacienda1]

Hello Brett: I just got a fretless mountain banjo (Frank Proffett style). Regrading where second fret should be; I have noticed that when I place my finger in a position on the first string to get an E note (using an electronic tuner the see the E note) that I have to move my finger slightly back from where the first string position was to get a true E note on the 4th string. It that just the way it is or is the bridge no placed correctly? Help.

[@BrettRidgewaysLearningForLife]

Richard Bernier One of the thing to try is make your chords and play it without looking at your left hand and see if there is any difference at all. Let me know and we can take it from there.

[@MrHacienda1]

@@BrettRidgewaysLearningForLife:Thanks Brett I am taking your suggestion. I think I just have to find my way on where to finger the fretless fretboard.

[@BrettRidgewaysLearningForLife]

Richard Bernier When I first got a fretless I was trying to place my fingers where I thought they went and it was very discouraging. So then I started playing it without looking at my left hand at all and there may have to be a very little adjustment but that way you areRelying on the field rather than the sight

[@MrHacienda1]

@@BrettRidgewaysLearningForLife Thanks Bret; I just need practice