Fretless

/ˈfrɛtləs/ adjective

Definition

Without frets; free from worry or anxiety; or (of a musical instrument like a bass) having no metal ridges across the fingerboard.

Etymology

From 'fret' plus '-less' (suffix meaning without or lacking). The musical sense refers to instruments without the metal fret bars, while the emotional sense means free from the original sense of 'fret' (worry).

Kelly Says

A fretless bass requires incredible skill because the player can't rely on frets to guide finger placement—it's actually harder to play than a fretted bass, showing how those little metal lines are more helpful than you'd think!

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