Tony Franklin demonstrates Sliding Harmonics on the Fretless Bass

[@jazzprecisionbassist4847]

Anyone else love how Tony usually sees and responses to your comments?

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks! I appreciate people taking the time to comment. I like to interact when I can 😊

[@jazzprecisionbassist4847]

@@FretlessMonster Also love how you call the bass on the bridge pickup "The Jaco Position!" Lol 😆

[@OneTableStudios]

Tony is like this in real life. A True gentleman with no air of superiority! One of the nicest musicians I’ve met in my life🙏🏻

[@skeeter197140]

Yeah! I just got a reply myself and commented how awesome that is!

[@FretlessMonster]

@@OneTableStudios Thanks Jesse! 🙏🏻😁

[@jacobkleiman7466]

The moment I figured it out, my face lit up with joy, I feel like a child again. Thank you!

[@FretlessMonster]

It’s fun right? You’re welcome. Enjoy!

[@darrenengstrom3323]

Great bassist. Wish I'd listened to him more in the '80s. Very influential as a fretless bassist. My new inspiration.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks so much. Thankfully that music is still around and available 🙏🏻😊

[@darrenengstrom3323]

@@FretlessMonster I wanna listen more to your music. You are definitely impacting my life in a positive way. Definitely want a fretless bass now. I mlm learned bass by playing cello through my school years. Wish I had a cello now too. God bless you, sir, and best wishes to you.

[@peterbarratt2415]

Always refreshing to hear your take Tony.

[@BigBoolinScienceMan]

This was very informative and you have taught me a new tool to use for sure! I got your signature bass because of the looks even though I didnt know much about you at the time, but I have been very pleased to find such a pleasant and talented musician behind the signature. Thank you for the tips and for allowing us to enjoy your awesome setup ourselves.

[@FretlessMonster]

That means the world to me. Thanks so much.

[@deannacortez6646]

Good evening!!! Thank you for bringing knowledge and joy to others.

[@megiribagiri]

Ahh yes, I still remember hearing this being used at the end of Death's The Philosopher by Steve DiGiorgo. Back in 91 it blew my mind. Hearing fretless bass on a Death metal record at that time was unique on its own, but that one sliding harmonics at the end bass solo was a defining moment for me. Mind you that one second slide on the outro and most possibly improvised solo, that was already mixed fading out on half the volume of the song got me into having a fretless in itself. A powerful move in the hands of an expert musician.

[@FretlessMonster]

Great stuff. Steve is amazing. Fretless is so versatile

[@jwstout007]

Yer a wizard, Tony! Thank you for the lesson!

[@FretlessMonster]

Haha. Thanks Jason. You’re welcome.

[@hacerclic1020]

So that's how it's done! It was nice to hear you mention Percy Jones. Long before I knew anything about playing bass, I loved his work on Brian Eno's Another Green World (1975) and Before and After Science (1977).

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks. Yeah it’s pretty “easy” when you know how. Percy and Pino were the architects as far as I know. I believe Bunny Brunel was doing it early on as well. 👍🏻🤩

Thanks, Tony. You and Jeff Berlin are the best online teachers actually.

[@FretlessMonster]

Wow. Thank you. Jeff’s amazing 🙏🏻

@@FretlessMonster Yes. I'm learning a lot from you these days (more from you, because the concepts Jeff has been covering are things I've known for decades and I'm just remembering). Your fretless tips are precious. You are wonderful!

[@bveracka]

Tony, I've been a huge Fender fan all my life and have seen so many artist models, and I've got to compliment you on your design (and your playing of course). It's an excellent bass! Years ago, I had a Fender Japan fretless J with an unmarked fingerboard like this one, and it reminds me of it-and makes me wish I hadn't sold it!. Recently I've been thinking of replacing it, and your signature P-Bass would be the perfect fit. Love those sliding harmonics by the way. My best buddy (RIP) loved Pino Palladino and I remember being mystified by that intro you're talking about. There are indeed many things you simply cannot do on a fretted bass, and that _beautifully_ unmarked ebony fingerboard is like a giant dance floor for the fingers. Cheers!

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks so much. Nothing beats the sound of a fretless bass. I got lucky many years ago when I modified my 77 P Bass. Fender replicated the exact specs though we added an ebony board instead of the original rosewood. More durable. I use the stock production signature model. No modifications. I hope you’ll get the opportunity to try one.

[@1axe1amp17]

How can you not like this guy?

[@FretlessMonster]

🤷‍♂️🤩😂

[@aidanmcguire8856]

Wonderful lesson...I remember hearing you play on radioactive with the firm in 1985...I was a young lad who had just bought his first bass and I remember being in awe of you because of your talent and for getting to play with jimmy page..I also remember thinking you were a jammy lucky sod...Years later after following your career I now know that it wasn't luck but sheer talent,,hard work and musicianship and being a totally nice guy that got you were you are..I salute you sir and thank you for the music over the years..

[@FretlessMonster]

You’re too kind. I really appreciate that.

[@scottbubb2946]

Thank you so much. I recently got a fretless bass and I had heard people do this before, but never knew how it was done.

[@FretlessMonster]

Fantastic. Have fun with it. It’s fun… and musical 😊

[@brendonelton]

For such a small proportion of the UK, Wales has produced a lot of great talent over the years!

[@FretlessMonster]

No kidding!

[@brendonelton]

@@FretlessMonster Bonnie Tyler, Terry Williams (Drummer Dire Straights), Bad Finger (Wrote "without you") Charlotte Church, just a few honourable mentions :)

[@cymro6537]

@@brendonelton There's more : The Stereophonics ,Tom Jones,Pino Palladino,Dave Edmunds ,The Manic Street Preachers, Shirley Bassey,The Amen corner ,The alarm,Andy Fairweather Low,John Cale , Catatonia ,Super furry animals ,Shakin' Stevens ,Spencer Davis ,Duffy,Bryn Terfel, Katherine Jenkins 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Edit : There was also a singer called Donna Lewis ,from Cardiff.She had a big hit "I love you always forever" in the States from her album 'Now in a minute' she toured with her band - who's bassist was a certain Mr Tony Franklin....

[@paultraynorbsc627]

Excellent

[@frankrodriguez8971]

Well, time to practice!!!! Thanks for the insight! It is greatly appreciated!

[@FretlessMonster]

👍🏻

[@JustK009]

Been a fan of the sliding harmonic since you laid it down on radioactive Thank you for influencing me when I just started to play..🍻

[@FretlessMonster]

wow. Thanks for saying. Truly appreciate that.

[@erbietalentscout9435]

The demonstration really helped a lot of people. I love how thoughtful and talented at the same time. The music you create is also very good.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you very much.

[@DEATHVIPER1777]

The Iconic and legendary Tony Franklin!!!! King Tony🙏🙏💯

[@FretlessMonster]

Ah thank you.

[@DEATHVIPER1777]

Yes Sir!!

[@scottwhite2757]

Thx Tony Great to See and Hear your Bass Playing :)

[@chasmenear7130]

Percy Jones is a definite king within this technique. I would recommend listening to 'Another Green World' by Eno, and anything by Brand X for an audio primer....!

[@ToneTraveler]

Kev Hopper from STUMP was the first time I heard the harmonic slide clearly. This is very helpful! It took me years to figure it out. I was not pushing down after the harmonic. Tony is an often overlooked excellent player. Thank you for the video!

[@FretlessMonster]

That’s great. The sliding harmonics are fun - very musical. Useful when used in the appropriate place. A fretless exclusive. And thanks so much!!

[@klimetvoroshilov570]

Out of no where on my commute -Midnight Moonlight plays in my head...Great Stuff Tony!

[@FretlessMonster]

Nice!! Love that. 😊👍🏻

[@MegaCoKO]

Pearl jams even flow was the first song I heard that done. Love it!

[@FretlessMonster]

Yes indeed. Jeff A played fretless. I read somewhere that apparently, early on, the band was influenced by the sound of The Firm. 🤷‍♂️ Jeff’s a tasteful player.

[@MegaCoKO]

@@FretlessMonster haha no way!! He's got good taste 😁 its a very distinct sound. Think I was only playing 2 years when i did the jaco thing on an ibanez gsr, but can't play anywhere near his or your level. That tone man, its all in the hands!

[@eugenechek7288]

Very cool, as always. Greetings from Moscow.

[@SBW98]

Beautiful bass and magical hands

[@vincebowling1778]

Great stuff!! Thanks for sharing Tony!

[@wrenguitar2813]

Absolutely nuts, incredible....bass god tony 🙏🏻

[@FretlessMonster]

Ah. Thank you. You’re very kind!!

[@jacquesstrapp3219]

Thanks for sharing that technique. I've been playing 40 years and never thought of that one.

[@FretlessMonster]

It’s fun to use.

[@grizelda4526]

You rule Tony. Thanks for the lesson!

[@stevepethel6843]

Fascinating sir...God bless you for revealing your technique...it sounds GREAT the way you play and way to give credit to originators.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you. 🙏🏻

[@jeffwolinski2659]

Excellent intro, and I still remember the first time I heard Percy Jones doing this on a Brand X album, totally blew my mind! Getting a fretless wasn't far behind that.

[@FretlessMonster]

Great. Thanks. Percy’s the man!

[@jeffwolinski2659]

Tony Fucking Franklin told me thanks, ha, thanks for making my day!!! And as great as Percy is, you brought that shit to the masses, thanks!

[@DrnkTheWildAir]

Love watching you showing us how you do it!! Cheers xx

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you 😊

[@chickenzwings]

Hah! Funny you mention Percy Jones and Brand X! I'm sitting here trying to learn their song "Black Moon" and just now came to youtube to figure out how he was getting those sliding harmonics! Thanks for this! :)

[@FretlessMonster]

Haha. Perfect!! And now you know 👍🏻🤩

[@Al_Mac125]

Tony, I just watched you 3 hour vid on your studio bass tracking process on Warran's channel for the second time. Absolutely first class. Many thanks for sharing your insights.

[@FretlessMonster]

Wow. That’s cool. There’s a lot of insights and information in there. Thanks for watching. 👍🏻

[@Al_Mac125]

I think I'll be adopting your chart system unless it's so straight forward that it would be a distraction. I've been tracking section by section with little regard to flow but that will stop now, cheers Tony. Top playing by the way 😀

[@michaelkav6345]

I actually didn’t know that. I have one of your basses in black, and absolutely adore it! Thanks for the informative vid!

[@zwiastunburzy7188]

Man! You make me so regret selling my fretless! I'm gunna have to save up to get another one now. That's some cool skills, Tony, I'm serious, I AM going to buy one again. I think I was too young and intimidated by the fretless at the time,(waaaay back in the 70's) but now I'm an old fart, interest is taking precedence over intimidation. Thank you!! One more thing, it's like a breath of fresh air to see an accomplished and obviously famous musician remain unaffected and down to earth. You let your musicianship do the bragging, not your mouth. Champion!

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks so much. Yeah fretless takes time. It took me a few years before I was nailing it. I love fretless! Thanks for your kind words. I try to keep things real. 🤷‍♂️🤩

[@zwiastunburzy7188]

@@FretlessMonster Thanks so much for your reply, Tony. What I forgot to mention in my comment was that back in the Dark Ages in Australia (the 70's), a fretless bass was a rare commodity. I can't even remember why(it WAS the 70's), but I had this el cheapo Ibanez jazz bass copy that I rarely used, so I attacked it with a pair of pliers and some wood filler, and made my own fretless. It actually worked quite well, but being young and stupid (or chemically affected, or both) I lost interest in it much too soon. Watching and listening to you makes me wish I stuck at it. Never too old to learn though, so I'm on the lookout for another fretless now. Again, thank you for rekindling the drive to be a better musician.

[@yourdrummer2034]

Oh man! Im stoked I found you!

[@FretlessMonster]

Wow. Thanks so much! Welcome aboard

[@iantrott9152]

Thanks Tony, yet another excellent video. I’ll have to practice this. It’s wonderful that you share this :)

[@FretlessMonster]

Great! Thanks Ian. Have fun 🤩👍🏻

[@EVEROSFP1]

I first noticed about this technique from a Fender magazine's little article from you. Very cool technique. I think Percy Jones is a phenomenal unsung bassist/musician... Thanks for the cool context. Keep up the great work.

[@FretlessMonster]

Oh wow. That article goes back a way. Nice. Yes Mr Jones is / was a pioneer 👍🏻

[@UlIxes1]

Very nice and clear video. I only have fun in setting up or building instruments and recently I discovered how fun it is doing like that after making a fretless fingerboard for an ukulele. After playing around with that I picked up the never used bass and wondered "Why do they put frets? It's much more fun without frets".

[@FretlessMonster]

Agreed! It’s a LOT more fun.

[@argsigil7208]

Tony Franklin the Bass Player who played with Paul Rodgers - Free and Jimmy Page with the little known band Led Zeppelin his playing was perfect for them both ,not a note out of place ! .It's good to see you back.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks so much!! Though I never left! Haha. Been on a few detours though. 😊 Much appreciated

[@willieb6993]

Still learning the bass and ordered a fretless Ibanez . Cant wait to try this. Thanks for the tutorial.

[@FretlessMonster]

Congrats on your upcoming fretless. Do be patient. It takes time to get the fundamentals as well as the tuning. It took me a while, but it’s worth it. I love fretless.

[@willieb6993]

@@FretlessMonster thank you very much. That means a lot coming from a true musical Guinness. Really enjoying ypur channel, please keep them coming.

[@brianengquist2110]

Love it! None of us will ever forget when we first heard your radioactive fretless ringing out in the Firm. Definitely a before and after moment in the world of Rock. Also great your shouting out to Pino for his work with Paul Young. My, he came up with some beautifully melodic lines, didn't he? Did some nice stuff with Pete Townsend too (Give Blood is a nice one for example).

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you. Yes, Pino is amazing. So melodic.

[@spookybaba]

I been playing fretless for 22 years, now. Fretted basses are too restrictive for me. Anyway, last night, I had a fine little punk jazz freak out on my one and only. The neighbours down the road must have been thinking all sorts. I was playing Spread a Little Happiness inspired by you, and that one from Wizard of Oz Jaco played. Loved Percy Jones, too. Though my influence to play fretless was Mick Karn. You wouldn't tell, I swear!!! Cheers, Tony. Always a pleasure. Thanks a lot 👍

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks so much. I truly appreciate that. Spread A Little Happiness is fun. And I used to incorporate “If I Only Had A Brain” into my Blue Murder bass solo inspired by Jaco!

[@spookybaba]

@@FretlessMonster You're most welcome x

[@bustermot]

No glasses, I thought it was a Spinal Tap spoof and clicked. I watched the whole thing. Cool lesson on bass. Thanks.

[@FretlessMonster]

Haha. Great. Thanks for watching.

[@Tarbashh]

Oh, neat! I was so gleeful when I got it down. Thank you friend!

[@FretlessMonster]

Haha great. Yeah it’s fun to do!

[@TachyBunker]

Finally! Now I know how to play Remco Hendrix's fretless songs. You're a monster!

[@FretlessMonster]

Haha great. You’re very welcome

[@TachyBunker]

@@FretlessMonster Hey I have a question. It's about processing the bass to play these kinds of harmonics. They are super quiet compared to plucking the string normally, and when I compress a lot, the static noise comes in too. Is there a way to fix this? Maybe I don't play them loud enough.

[@adgo22]

Great description Tony!! Such a cool sound for sure!! My 1st time hearing the sliding harmonic was Bunny Brunel with Chick Corea..he used it a ton during his solos especially..think he also used a Precision during his time with Chick..

[@FretlessMonster]

That’s cool. And right to acknowledge Bunny. I didn’t hear it at the time. Was much later.

[@bigbroiswatchingyou2137]

That's awesome, I tried sliding harmonics on a fretless bass in a store but it didn't work, now that helps a lot

[@FretlessMonster]

Great!! Have fun!

[@MattLaugdrums]

Love this Tony!!!! Thanks for posting!!! 🔥👍🏼🔥

[@FretlessMonster]

Cheers. Thanks Matt. 👍🏻🤩

[@m.leipold9262]

Thank you so much! I've been trying to figure that one out for years!

[@FretlessMonster]

Cool. It’s a fun technique 👍🏻🤩

[@rjc7289]

Here's how I discovered your playing. Many years ago, I was only peripherally aware of The Firm and Blue Murder, but the first time I really heard your playing was on Gary Hoey's "Animal Instinct" album. I heard the intro on the title track and the groove you laid down with Frankie Banali on drums (R.I.P.), and I was hooked! I've been a fan ever since!

[@FretlessMonster]

Oh that’s cool. I love that album. It still sounds good. RIP Frankie!!

[@patrickjarvis6160]

Seeing you with the FIRM! As a young bass player I got my first fretless bass from my neighbor for my 18th birthday! A Jackson/Cravel with a whammy bar! My neighbor Uncle Ted Nugent. My secondary fretless bass is a Carver

[@FretlessMonster]

Ha! That’s great! You’re still playing?

[@Iexecutioner]

You’re an absolute star Tony

[@FretlessMonster]

You’re too kind. Thank you

[@davidbahr9612]

You have the best bass Fender ever made in your signature model. About to buy one

[@FretlessMonster]

Wow. Amazing. Thanks for that. Which color are you getting? Enjoy it!

[@gyrenejoe]

I'm pretty sure that the 4 people who disliked this video are simply jealous they don't have their own Fender Signature bass model.

[@FretlessMonster]

🤷‍♂️😂

[@kennygardner5041]

Great stuff!

[@familyengineering5591]

My brother gave me a birthday cameo fron you a year ago. Thanks man

[@FretlessMonster]

Oh that’s great. I’m happy you enjoyed it.

[@alterbridge7091]

That’s cool. I’m going to use that somewhere on my Sunday and Wednesday gigs next week.

[@FretlessMonster]

Nice! Have fun!

[@jaywilson3081]

Ah so you were the gent that I first heard do this with the Firm? I loved that tune Radioactive. That ballsy sound and the sliding harmonics hooked me right off. I think my band mates at the time got sick of me constantly playing that intro lol.

[@FretlessMonster]

Haha too funny. Yep that’s me. Sliding harmonics are fun.

[@paulhynes6566]

God thank you thankyou thankyou! I've been trying to figure out John Giblin's Babooshka bassline and you just answered how to do the harmonics!!! I didn't know you could press down after the harmonic, thought it would kill it. Once again thank you soooooo much

[@FretlessMonster]

Cool! On a fretted bass the harmonic would die. It’s a Fretless perk. 🤩👏🏻

[@paulhynes6566]

So kind, thank you so much Tony, very happy to have found your video@@FretlessMonster

[@FretlessMonster]

Great. Thanks so much

[@samsalerno3384]

Thank you for the great videos and good cheer. Guess Jaco wasn't wrong about the frets being roadblocks. Gave a listen to Radioactive again and the Paul Young song. Such beautiful playing.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks so much. Yeah the frets just get in the way. 🤩🤩🤷‍♂️

[@65micheal]

Tony, you and Mark Egan are why I wanted to play fretless. And this harmonic slide, along with some Kate Bush stuff kept me inspired to keep trying. I love harmonics but this has eluded me somehow for years. It reminds me of how conga players wet their finger and do a similar slide harmonic.

[@FretlessMonster]

That’s cool. Have fun with it. 👍🏻

[@old_Taki]

Thanks for showing us this! 🤘

[@TM-jo4wz]

Percy Jones. Brand X

[@FretlessMonster]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@MusicandMonsters]

This is cool and makes me want a fretless bass.

[@FretlessMonster]

You should give it a shot. It’s fun. And very musical.

[@asingardenof]

Sounds like if you put a theramin through an octave pedal and some overdrive. Damn I want a fretless bass now!

[@BassistPaul]

Get one! You won't regret it - but it takes practice..,.

[@obmal_pytan]

Man take the one with single pickups

[@FretlessMonster]

Fretless is fun. And so musical and expressive. Give it a go.

[@asingardenof]

@@FretlessMonster I will, just have to persuade the bank of the idea's merits first unfortunately

[@terry4265]

Hello : That is great. I play Harmonics on my bass but didn't know how you did that. Great stuff. Thanks :)

[@FretlessMonster]

Oh yeah. It’s fun to do. And very musical

[@buddywilliams5650]

Hey Tony, great playing. I love the sound of the fretless bass you pretty much mastered the fretless. I'll check out that song. You talked about. Thanks Tony Everytime I see clips of Chernobyl April 26, 1986 35 years ago today. I think of the song Radioactive ☢️ by The Firm.

[@FretlessMonster]

Oh wow. Ha. That’s quite something. I’m still practicing. Not mastered it yet 🤷‍♂️🤩👍🏻

[@handgunner1911]

ive said it before tony you are one of my favs bro thanks for the vid!!!!!!!

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you so much 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@althorgor]

Clicked on the link to hear about how to do sliding harmonics on fretless bass…and the first thing I thought was “I’d love to know how to do it like that guy in The Firm playing Radioactive”….only to finally find out they are one in the same person…a bass hero to me in the 80s. Of course it wasn’t just the sliding harmonics that were amazing in that song…everything about his playing was incredible.

[@FretlessMonster]

I love it. Did you see the video I made about sliding harmonics? kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIvIanuFnrGFitksi=8ABOQWl31QkUu8mx

[@althorgor]

Wow…a personal response! Yes, I DID watch the video, and was shocked at the apparent simplicity…emphasis on “apparent”. Of course, I have now watched a number of your videos. Your video about the Takamine TD10 was surprising in how similar it was to an upright (where I started in middle school in the orchestra - because I was tired of the violin). I had an Ashbory bass for a bit (it “grew legs”, and now I don’t have it anymore). The silicone strings made it sound similar to an upright (but my fat fingers couldn’t fit the scale). I guess I need to get me a Tony Franklin Fender :). I love the look of your JayDee in (but I don’t see one like it on the site, so he must have made a Tony Franklin “Signature” model for you in the day. It was the bass that got me to you, in an indirect way…I loved Level 42, and that’s when I found the JayDee (not fretless)….but the rabbit hole led me to you, and that is awesome.

[@FretlessMonster]

How cool. Thanks for sharing that. I remember trying the Ashbory Bass. Same here, my fingers were too big. And I didn’t dig the silicon strings. The Takamine is a beautiful instrument. A workout to play. I’d like to use it more. I found the JayDee in a store back in 1985. It wasn’t custom made for me. They’d make one I’m sure if you requested it. Amazing bass.

[@althorgor]

@@FretlessMonster Don’t intend to drag you into an endless thread, but your recollections resonate a lot with me, so I’ll share one more. Last night I watched a KZbin about you done by someone in Japan (it’s only in Japanese (kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGnNh3iJebqKhrssi=bvCiOh0tfO-l0T2b), but I lived there from ‘83 to ‘85, so it works for me). It said you also play the clarinet and the theremin…so, I have a new rabbit hole. The recollection that hit me was due to a combination of bass, Japan, and your comment on the TB10 being a workout to play. In ‘84 I bought an Aria Pro II bass (beautiful - neck-thru (maple/walnut), red stain, ash body, active electronics) for $200. The store owner said it was “last year’s model”, which is why it was so cheap. I had no money, but saved up for months, sure that it would disappear every week when I went back and checked. But the Japanese only wanted the latest, and I finally had the money…and then the bass. The store owner even came to the only “gig” I ever did while in Japan. It’s got the best action of any bass I’ve played…very low, yet no buzz…very easy to play. After moving back to the US in ‘85, I found out that the bass player from my sister’s favorite band (‘Duran Duran’), essentially played almost the same bass (but his had 2 pickups, and mine only has one). I call her “Stella”. I haven’t really played since finishing uni, but I’m starting to feel an itch. The first time I picked up a Fender Jazz (my high school’s bass for the stage (jazz) band), it had a horrible action, and was a workout. I thought that was what a Fender was like (didn’t know that it was not set up correctly, and could have been adjusted, but it put me off Fender). You are quite an inspiration, and very kind to let me share a couple of stories.

[@witzendoz]

I love listening to Tony, what a no bullshit dude, a Tony Franklin bass is the next purchase on my N+1 bass collection, N being the number of basses I already have 😂

[@FretlessMonster]

Haha. Great. Thanks so much. What color TF are you looking to get?

[@witzendoz]

@@FretlessMonster has to be the Blue

[@pensnut08]

I remember hearing "Radioactive" and saying "What the..???". Then trying to do it lol Great song. Love these videos, thank you sir!

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you so much

[@RichieLee-dn3fd]

Also-- Boz Burell of Bad Co.,on the song 'feel like makin love' on the beat before the solo,a descending run.

[@FretlessMonster]

Yeah. He was great.

[@thewoodmaniac]

haaaaaaa haaaaa that is so cool! I don't think that will work on my fretted strat but I am certainly going to try and see what happens! :) I recognized that from Radioactive very cool - it reminds me of that old '50's song Sleepwalk (I bet you could pull that off!) or a theromin. It also reminds me of spackling - like you have to just watch someone do it then pretend you're them lol (makes sense to me if no oine else). Thanks Tony - love your videos - so glad I stumbled on these. Two string harmonic thing is awesome :)

[@FretlessMonster]

Ha. Thanks so much. I actually recorded a version of Sleepwalk a long time ago doing exactly that. It was never released though. It can work on a fretted instrument but the note dies much more quickly because of those pesky frets!! 🤣🤣 Cheers!

[@skeeter197140]

THANK YOU!!! I've always wondered how this was done. I always tried keeping my finger lightly on the string, and of course, as soon as I moved, the harmonic died.

[@FretlessMonster]

There you go. Have fun with it!

[@skeeter197140]

@@FretlessMonster I can't believe how frickin' amazing it is that Tony Franklin answered my comment! AND I learned how to do a sliding harmonic. I tried it, and it WORKED!! Thanks again, man!

[@FretlessMonster]

Haha. That’s great. You’re very welcome. 👍🏻😁

[@jackbrown3270]

I LOVE HIS SMILE AND REACTION TO THE SLIDE @3:58

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you. It’s fun to do!

[@mikeroadblock]

Your rock kind sir!

[@martinjara7347]

Thank You, You're awesome!!!!

[@BassistPaul]

He's not wrong: Percy Jones and Pino are true masters.

[@chrishale174]

Hi Tony! Great video on harmonics! Thank You for sharing! I’m soon getting one of your signature fretless basses!(yayee!!) I saw you have a signature jazz bass pickup on it,was wondering did you have ideas for a bridge pickup previously to your signature bass and how did it come about that fender designed a signature jazz pickup for your bass? Thanks again😃

[@FretlessMonster]

It’s actually a DiMarzio Model J. I installed it in my original “Firm” Fretless back in 1983.

[@chrishale174]

Wow! Realy? It has so much body in the tone! That’s a great sound!

[@erinelam3003]

So funny you should post this, I was thinking about the harmonics on this song the other day. Is it too hard to strip the frets off the bass I just bought?? 😄 Thanks for posting this! 💜💯

[@FretlessMonster]

It’s not hard but it’s easy to mess up too.

[@erinelam3003]

@@FretlessMonster Ok thanks, sounds like a no go then. 🙏🏻

[@zwiastunburzy7188]

I've done it successfully, just make sure you use a cheapy for your first attempt. I used an old Ibanez jazz copy I didn't use much. Also, use a good quality wood filler, one that remains flexible once it dries. And remember to pull the frets out from the side, not upwards, that'll ruin your fretboard (shouldn't that be fretLESSboard now?) Just be patient, and gentle. Of course you'll have to do some sanding to get the fretboard smooth, but again, patience and care are what's required. You'll also have the benefit of seeing exactly where to place your fingers. Just one more thing, you can purchase ready made fretless necks, depending on the breed of bass you're going to use, this may be a better option for you. Good luck!

[@sca1871]

This is fucking crazy! I'm 54 years old and never saw this trick before. Too bad I don't have a fretless guitar, that would be badass

[@FretlessMonster]

Great. I love that! Maybe it’s time to think about a Fretless? 🤩🤷‍♂️

[@eaa6347]

Mil gracias.

[@bjabbott8717]

Great job.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks 🤩

[@Ed9870]

I heard you use this technique on the beginning of Radioactive.

[@FretlessMonster]

That’s exactly it. Yes!

[@williamdeming853]

Cheers!

[@keyscook]

Sweet! Did Jaco Pastorius use that technique on Birdland? Thanks & Cheers from Seattle 🍻

[@FretlessMonster]

No that was a different technique. Creating harmonics in the corresponding two octave and 3 octave over the body, with the plucking hand. Not sure what the official name for it is.

[@keyscook]

@@FretlessMonster Thanks Tony for your response! I believe that might be called "Pinch harmonics" (perhaps)... I get it now. BTW - you have a fantastic channel and I am so glad I just discovered it and am passing it along to bass player buddies (I'm primarily Keys/composer) 🍻. You certainly made the baselines for Roundabout seem doable but alas skilled players have a knack of that but I'll give it a go over the time I still have on the this planet (in my current form). Are you available for hire (or temptation) for recording? Me got some killer fusion needing talent! Cheers 🍻 Alex

[@musiceducationvideo4111]

Fantastic

[@cymro6537]

Interesting stuff- the science behind the art, thanks for the explanation 👍 Yeah ,Pino Palladino - one of Wales's greatest musicians! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🤘 Edit : I was wondering ,what would the fretless bass sound like with an *e bow* - have you ever used one ?

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks! 👍🏻 Yes, Pino is amazing.

[@Antokoff]

That's inspiring even though I'm a complete noob. Thank you!

[@FretlessMonster]

I appreciate that. Have fun with it.

[@1848revolt]

This has been the hardest part. The harmonics. Playing fretless wasn't as scary as I thought it would be. But finding the harmonics is a little more advanced I have to work to get better at finding it consistently.

[@FretlessMonster]

I’m happy you’re enjoying it. Fretless is beautiful. Do you have a bridge pick up? That helps to bring out the harmonics

[@1848revolt]

@@FretlessMonster thanks so much for the advice. And yes I do. I will play around some more.

[@kirtah7]

Man what a cool trick, I'm really surprised this works at all. How does the harmonic keep playing when you press the string down? Even more confusing, why does it only work to press down where you played the harmonic? If you start the harmonic at one spot, then move a half step and press your finger down, the string instantly stops vibrating. But if you press down on the same spot where the harmonic started the string's vibration is not interrupted.

[@FretlessMonster]

I can’t explain the science of it. But I know it doesn’t work on a fretted bass. Just a thought though. The string vibrates on both sides of the finger placement - meaning towards the nut and the bridge, on both sides. Maybe placing it elsewhere than the harmonic spot, it only vibrates on one side of that spot. I don’t know - it’s hard to explain. I just know that it works! 🙃🤷‍♂️😂

Thanks for this, Tony. Do you prefer flatwound or black nylon strings?, What's the real difference between both strings?

[@FretlessMonster]

I don’t use either of those. I use DR Sunbeams which are rounds. Cannot get my sound out of anything else.

@@FretlessMonster thank you Tony!.

[@jasonbannan4024]

I wish Tony was my bass teacher!

[@FretlessMonster]

I do limited amounts of teaching. Though I’m not a structured weekly plan sort of teacher. 🤷‍♂️😊

[@araguet]

very nice, do you know Percy Jones?

[@FretlessMonster]

No I’ve never met him. But we’re both participating in a Webinar for Berklee Bass Dept this Thursday!

[@araguet]

@@FretlessMonster he is a very fine player, nice Jobs with Brand X.

[@voulerie]

Hi! Does string type matter for this technique? I’m using round wound strings and I find it difficult to get a clean slide harmonic.

[@FretlessMonster]

Hmm. I use rounds. It’s hard to get it clean from flats for me. Make sure you’re right on the harmonic. / fret position. Experiment with your technique. Little adjustments can make a huge difference.

[@lukehaddix4710]

Do you have any fretless basses that you made from converting a fretted bass? I'm thinking of making one of mine into a fretless. The videos I've seen on KZbin look like something I can do.

[@FretlessMonster]

Mine were always Fretless from the beginning. Even my very first one. If you feel able to do it then do it. The fingerboard is probably the most important element of a Fretless. There are pitfalls and Fretless often reveals other flaws within a bass. I personally would have a pro luthier do it. However if it really goes south, you can always have a pro look at it later. I wouldn’t necessarily trust info on the internet.

[@cluek9780]

If you play a harmonic, take it to the fretboard, does it actually *remain a harmonic?

[@FretlessMonster]

Hmm good question 🤔😂

[@anthonystrother2381]

Makes me want a bass

[@FretlessMonster]

It’s fun. You should get one. 👍🏻