Tony Franklin • Fretless Bass 101 • Side Dots

[@andrewstrohman2122]

I finally got my hands on a Tony Franklin Signature bass and its the first time I've played without lines and I have to say...absolutely amazing! After only a couple of days of playing it, its completely transformed how I think and play the instrument. Its liberating in a way that was so unexpected! I can't adequately describe how inspirational this bass is to me. Playing with my ears instead of my eyes has opened a door that allows my feel to take over. I don't know that I'll play any of my other basses again. Thank you Tony, for all you've done and continue to do.

[@FretlessMonster]

Wow. That’s amazing to hear. I love that! Congrats on your TF Fretless!

[@thomasfioriglio]

I agree. I find a lined fretless to feel constraining, if that makes sense. I get so caught up on the lines and my fingering. When I switched to an unlined bass, it was liberating. And I felt freer playing it.

[@celloafterdark4173]

Im adding pearl dots to a customers bass and this was super helpful! Thanks!

[@FretlessMonster]

That’s great. They definitely need to be in the right spot. Different from the fretted. 👏🏻🤩

[@markdavis4754]

I learn that lesson on stage at a jam night. I did not have my bass with me and was handed an unline Yamaha fretless. and told to play just behind the dotes. It really is a lesson of the ears more then the eyes. I fell in love with the fretless from that point on.

[@FretlessMonster]

What an amazing story. It was meant to be. 👏🏻👏🏻

[@treadhead1945]

Just watched a clip from the Secret Policeman's Third Ball, and imagine my surprise seeing you playing with Kate Bush and David Gilmore. Loved it!

[@FretlessMonster]

Ha. Yes indeed. That’s me. Big hair, blue suit and fretless bass! 🤩😂

[@bpix7804]

Man Tony thanks so much for taking time out of your life to spend with us, playing,teaching, helping us , you are THE fretless Monster!

[@FretlessMonster]

Aww thank you. I enjoy doing it. 😊

[@mola55e5]

Oh cool! I got my first fretless about a year ago, and it’s lined because I was nervous and figured it’s like training wheels on a bike. But I always assumed the dots on an unlined bass were where they are on all basses. This is making me really want to take that leap into unlined territory! Thanks Tony. I love your videos.

[@FretlessMonster]

Great that you picked up Fretless. That’s a good analogy. They are like training wheels. Without them there’s a lot more freedom, flexibility and fun! All the best… and thanks so much

[@DrnkTheWildAir]

I just love to listen to you speak! Could listen all day!💁🏻‍♀️

[@FretlessMonster]

You’re very sweet and kind. Thank you. 😊🙏🏻

[@arieswaters]

I'm so glad that I discovered this badass Little Gnome fretless monster Mr Franklin crazy tripping dude cool grooves cool grooves

[@FretlessMonster]

Haha. Thanks for that. Made this gnome chuckle. 🤣🤣

[@paulsimmons5726]

Great quick explanations! The hardest thing I’ve ever encountered on a fretless bass was playing an older Rickenbacker that had dots where every fret would’ve been! The Rickenbacker’s neck played well and it sounded good but the overload of dots was, well, sensory overload! Less is more! Tony, take care and be well! Another great video!

[@FretlessMonster]

Ahh yes. It’s very confusing. 🤷‍♂️😫

[@spookybaba]

We need dots in our life. I mean, what would we do without full stops? Keep on slidin', Mr. Franklin! 👍

[@FretlessMonster]

Haha. Good ‘point’… 😂👍🏻

[@LyndaKraar]

So therapeutic and affirming!! Thanks for this. Dots are crucial!!

[@FretlessMonster]

Absolutely!!

[@АлександрСтафиевских-с5д]

Tony Franklin super good luck. благодарю Вас за трансляцию. всех благ.

[@independentjames1]

Always very helpful,,, Thank you Tony

[@FretlessMonster]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@witzendoz]

I like the dot on the F, 1st dot, none of my fretless basses have that, I always tell other fretted players that the 1st position can be awkward to hit. Especially the Bb on the A string or Eb on the D string. Of course this could just be a me thing 😂

[@FretlessMonster]

I love having that first dot too. My 77 Fretless doesn’t have that. It’s a big area between the nut and 3rd fret without a marker. I had Fender add it for the signature model. 👏🏻🙏🏻

[@gregjones861]

Sounds like a theme for a TV show or a rock anthem. Very cool.

[@FretlessMonster]

I love that. Thanks so much. 🤩👏🏻👍🏻

[@brendonelton]

I see! now I know how to set the intonation.... Thank You Tony!

[@FretlessMonster]

Great! Have fun!

[@jkm1962]

I actually have fretless necks where the dots are the same as on my fretted basses. I recently did 4 custom build over the last 6 months & got 4 necks from China, all the came seller & all the dots like up with fretted basses. Before I did these custom fretless basses, I purchased a Rogue fretless for Musician's Friend (to see if I liked playing fretless, I did) & those dots match up with my fretted basses. I guess it might just depend on who makes the necks, but I use the dots on my fretted basses & fretless both the same way, I don't really pay attend to the frets, but to the dots while I'm playing as well as listening. Thanks for your inspiration Tony...

[@FretlessMonster]

Hey if it doesn’t interfere with your playing then that’s cool. Personally it drives me crazy when the dots are like that. But what do I know? 😂😂🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@Boaboy121]

Thank you for posting this. I wanted this bass. However, I was nervous since there aren’t any lines on the fret board. I think I can work with this. Thanks Tony. Keep up the good work. 👍

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks so much. It’s worth it. I liken the lined fretless basses to having training wheels on a bike. You can get around okay, but without them you have so much more freedom and fun. I go into this quite a bit in the TrueFire course. Check it out. There are some free samples too. truefire.com/bass-guitar-lessons/fretless-foundations/c1289

[@fredoaksmusicheavyonthebas6010]

Cool, I wondered about that. Side note, when I sound check my bass I always jam 'I Wish', awesome riff

[@FretlessMonster]

Nice. It’s a fun grooving jam. Though I was deliberately playing it in E instead of E flat - so I could illustrate the dot marker positions. 👍🏻😊

[@iantrott9152]

Excellent Tony :) I’m reliant on the side dots on my on my unlimited fretless too :)

[@FretlessMonster]

Definitely. Unlimited?? I like that!! 👏🏻🤩

[@tubekook55]

@4:58. It sounds like there's something like some kind of double or treble octave happening. Total newb here, but I sometimes just play around with how many musical noises with different rhtyhms the thing can make. Noticed that you can get those higher (multiple?) ringing harmonics with kinetic string variants. Neat that it becomes part of it. That pause interval and then jumping back 4:40 was nice.Thanks!

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks for that. There are no added effects or anything. There are lots of rich overtones with bass, and for some reason this seems even more pronounced on Fretless. Thanks for watching!

[@tubekook55]

@@FretlessMonster The overtones! That and the depth of tone are what make the bass sound so incredible. Thanks again for the great videos!

[@samwisegamgee4659]

Good question! I got a ruler out and discovered the fret-equivalency to Dots when I bought a used 1989 Warwick Thumb Fretless and compared it to my trusty 1996 Warwick Thumb Fretted that I bought brand new (same Scale; important!).

[@FretlessMonster]

There you go! Exactly 👍🏻👏🏻😊

[@samwisegamgee4659]

@@FretlessMonster Of course when I 'got out the ruler', this was decades ago and there wasn't the wealth of knowledge being presented online by people like yourself. I was completely ignorant of the precise dot-scale meaning on a fretless. Keep up the good work.

[@nate6692]

I was playing guitar while singing, and had a song with a position shift that occurred at the same time as a busy vocal and guitar part. I stuck some gaff tape on the back of the neck (to avoid making gaffes), and it got me thinking how cool it might be to have tactile dots on my unlined fretless. (Cause if you're eating the mic, I swear your voice drops off even if you just look left with your eyes without moving your head).

[@FretlessMonster]

I hear you. It’s a workout singing and playing fretless. It’s almost like singing two parts at the same time. I say whatever helps us get it done!!

[@larrmad7919]

Do U ever play 5-String Tony? & We seriously need a Blue Murder Reunion, new Album, whatever. Prob tired of hearing it, but Man U guys were SMOKIN!!! The World needs. I'd love to have U on one of my upcoming Solo Albums, Brother

[@FretlessMonster]

I never play 5 string. If I need low tunings I restring a 4 with a low B E A D. I just prefer the spacing and sound of the 4. Ah don’t hold your breath on BM. Reach out if you need bass tracks

[@johngregory7329]

High Tony, Hope that you are doing great this year. I wanted to get you opinion on the fretless Bass's that have the fret lines in the fretboard. Do you think they are helpful or would I be a better bassist working with just the side dots and using my hearing. Thanks for all of your great knowledge on the fretless. Stay safe and well and keep Rocking. Signed John Gregory ( Zepbass) from Munster Indiana. U.S.A.😊😊😊

[@trance9158]

Nothing wrong using fret lines especially starting out. I prefer them just for the aesthetics. Always was afraid to start on an unmarked fretless to begin with

[@FretlessMonster]

I 100% recommend no lines. The lines aren’t really accurate because the musical scale isn’t perfectly subdivided. I liken the lines to training wheels. We can get around just fine. But we have so much more freedom and fun without them. Sure we’ll have a few bumps and scrapes without them at first, (I DID!) but if we put in the time, it’s sooo worth it. We play more with our ears, not our eyes. But I still use the visual reference of the dots.

[@sierraesquivel]

That was a great lesson Tony! 😊

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks Sierra 🙏🏻😊

[@sierraesquivel]

@@FretlessMonster your welcome Tony! 😊

[@trance9158]

Love how you get those harmonics sound from the fretless.

[@FretlessMonster]

Me too!! 👍🏻🤩🤩

[@chriscuthbertson]

I've been playing fretted bass for 30 and never owned a fretless, Alter watching your videos I think now is the time. For almost 20 of those years I've played 5 strings and I was just wondering if I should start fretless on a 5 string or just buy a 4?

[@FretlessMonster]

Sounds like a great move. Fretless takes bass to a whole new level. If you’re a dedicated 5 string player I would go with that. Though there may not be so many options. I’m personality not a fan of 5 string. If needed I string the bass B E A D. The learning process will be the same whether you use 4 or 5 string.

[@aussiecoastie72]

Tony your awesome 👏

[@FretlessMonster]

Cheers!! Thank you

[@humblegeorge]

Not a one of my three fretless bass's have dots as yours does.All of them traditionally located.Thank God they are all lined though.

[@FretlessMonster]

Gosh that would mess me up badly. But if that works for you that’s great.

[@michaelblaney4461]

Hi Tony , my first fretless was a G&L 2000 ( no lines and went missing late 90s) dots on the note . I bought my next fretless about 5 years ago A player j bass ( with lines ) dots on the center of the frets . a couple of years ago I got a Sire v7 fretless with lines barely visible on a ebony board (better ) dots on fret center . I would prefer dots on notes but if you have fret markers they never put the dots on the note😖. I've gotten used to that but I wish Fender ( and others ) would make a traditional neck again. Your model is the only one Fender make like that .

[@FretlessMonster]

I understand that journey. Thankful Fender put out my model. I use them (stock production model) as my main basses. 🙏🏻🤩

[@michaelblaney4461]

Someday I will get one of your basses it's the closest model to a 1970s fretless p bass out there.

[@bAgRiMoIrEsS.4]

When you play by ear your speed comes naturally you don't even need to have to work on it it just happens. Playing by ear will set you free.Tony's right. Focus on your ears to guide you not your eyes.

[@FretlessMonster]

Bingo 100%. Thanks! You just have to put in the time. No shortcuts for that.

[@ZRATAN69]

😎👍👍👍👍👏👏👏👏💯🎸🎸🎸

[@dominiquevillemomble2870]

Hi Tony, I have on of your (blue) monsters and it's great! My concern about the fretless with fret lines is you don't play on the dot anymore but on the fret, it's for me impossible to play after using a "no fret lines" one, isn't it ?

[@FretlessMonster]

Hmm I understand the challenge. I struggle to play any bass with fret lines. Though I’m okay playing a regular fretted bass. The lines are confining. I would stick with unlined.

[@zigabizjak5234]

Man that is one awesome tone! May i ask how do you get it?

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you. No special tricks. It’s the bass, my hands, no effects, straight into a small combo. The fretless is such an expressive instrument. As I like to say, it’s all in the hands. 🤷‍♂️😊

[@temomiken]

コレ、知りたかった事でしたー。 ドットがフレットの位置とジャストだと弾きやすい！

[@FretlessMonster]

Great. Thank you. Yes the side dot position is very important 👍🏻😊

[@refisherdesktop]

I'm always fascinated by the changes that a lifetime of working on certain instruments does to the player's hands - whether it's Knopfler's mutated right thumb or Buckethead's massive mitts that look like he could palm your head and hold it like a bowling ball ... I guess it's something of a chicken or egg thing - do you folks have a natural advantage from a certain age because of your hands, or do your hands change over the years because of the activity? I tend to think it's more of the latter. Given your proportions against your basses I wouldn't think that you're a particularly large dude, but your comparative finger length is well beyond what I would've expected - or maybe mine are short. Not trying to get too personal or make anybody self-conscious; it's just always been something I notice.

[@FretlessMonster]

It’s a very valid point. I’m not an especially tall person, and my arms and hands have always seemed long but not overly big. My hand size seems to have increased over the years. Plus my fingers have gotten wider. I especially notice this when I play six string guitar - and mandolin is almost impossible!!

[@johnnyfreeman1018]

My 7 string fretless has no lines or dots.....it can be a little overwhelming at times I'll admit.....😬

[@FretlessMonster]

Wow! I’m sure it is. I like unlined but I rely on having those side dots! 🙃🤷‍♂️

[@johnnyfreeman1018]

@@FretlessMonster .....appreciate the response Tony.....you are a great teacher and player....I'd love to see what awesomeness you could coax from my bass....sure it would be killer.....👍

[@brooksonly7337]

Tony could you tell me what all acoutsic basses u have?

[@FretlessMonster]

I just have a Takamine TB-10 acoustic. Awesome bass. Here’s a demo. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGOXlpVmmrGkndk

[@brooksonly7337]

@@FretlessMonster id like to help change that.

[@brooksonly7337]

@@FretlessMonster you are my idol. No other bass player compares in my opinion. Do u enjoy acoustic basses tony?

[@bretthines1020]

I use side dots because I’m too fat to see the board when I play standing - LOL!

[@FretlessMonster]

🤷‍♂️😂 Whatever it takes right? 👍🏻👍🏻

[@charleskleesattel6477]

Yep. The dots are where the frets would have been ON YOUR BASS. Buyer beware on other basses.

[@FretlessMonster]

Indeed. It can be very frustrating if the dots are in the wrong place.

[@victormanuelmartinezponce7620]

Hi Tony. Thanks for make me to be free.

[@FretlessMonster]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🤩🤩🤩

[@jimharrow8104]

Far out... Thanks...

[@FretlessMonster]

👍🏻👍🏻🤩🤩

[@okossoy]

So underratred, it's a shame!!

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks. I’ll keep on regardless. Maybe one day. 🙏🏻 Thanks for watching.

[@fanbladeinstruments]

I feel vindicated. I'm in a band with a guitarist who's a total 'holier-than-thou-artistic-gear-snob', his exact words were "if you're going to play fretless then do it with no dots or you're cheating". He can shove his opinion up his TS9!

[@FretlessMonster]

Haha great. Dots are a must! 🤷‍♂️😂👍🏻

[@danpeltier1354]

Dot's it lol

[@FretlessMonster]

👏🏻🤩

[@jaedev6]

I love you man, but stop giving away us fretless players secrets!

[@FretlessMonster]

Haha. Knowing the secrets is one thing. Mastering them is another. I’m still working on them!