What does fretless mean?
Fretless is an adjective describing a stringed instrument, fingerboard, or neck that has no frets. On a conventional fretted instrument, small raised strips divide the fingerboard into positions corresponding to different notes; a fretless instrument removes these barriers and allows the player to locate notes directly by touch. The term is especially common in discussions of guitars and basses, including electric bass guitars designed for smooth, uninterrupted lines. Its absence of frets can give players greater freedom in sliding between notes, though it may require more precise technique. The word is used in both British and American English, mostly in technical and musical contexts. It is also useful more broadly when comparing fretted and fretless designs or describing any object that lacks raised divisions.
adjectiveHaving no frets; specifically, of a stringed instrument or its neck, having no raised strips of material used to divide the fingerboard into notes.
- Having no frets; especially, of a stringed instrument or its neck.
"The musician favored a fretless bass for its smooth, uninterrupted lines."
"The band used a fretless guitar to create a warm, fluid sound."
"On the fretless instrument, the player can locate each note simply by feeling the fingerboard."
On a fretless instrument, the player can find notes by touch instead of pressing metal bars into the wood.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does fretless come from?
Fretless was formed in English by joining fret, the noun for a raised ridge on the neck of a stringed instrument, with the suffix -less, meaning “without.” The compound therefore literally describes an instrument or neck that has no frets. The related terms fretboard, fretted, and fretwork belong to the same established lexical family.
How fretless is actually used
Used chiefly in musical and technical contexts. It can be applied broadly to any instrument or neck without frets, although it is most commonly associated with bass guitars and other electric string instruments.
Easily confused with fretless
A fretless instrument has no raised frets, while a fretted instrument uses frets to mark the fingerboard's notes.