Fretless instruments > is it just practice ?

Question

Hi Folks,

I do play keyboard, whether piano, harpsichord, accordian etc.

I know where I am on guitars.

But my Grandfathers' violin defeats me.

Oh, the sound is OK, but the exact note isn't.

I had thought of painting little dots on the neck, but surely that is daft.

So do I just keep at it until the penny drops ?

Bob

Answer 1

Only way keep at it till the penny drops. Many of us learn by repetition. You also need a very keen ear to play the violin. In time your well honed ear will become attuned to the violin as well.

How I envy people who have the talent (like you) to play these instruments fretless or not.

Answer 2

your ear isnt quite tuned in yet. keep at it, it helps in all areas once you have it down.

Answer 3

I have the same problem with my frettless Trombone.

Answer 4

Hmmmm, maybe! I think you need a degree of natural affinity with a violin, too. I stick to guitar - perhaps because I wasn't dedicated enough to put in the time. I tried on and off for 6 months or so but the whole stance was difficult for me - so was bowing, and those position changes? I never got there. I hope you have more persistance!

Answer 5

Fretless is practice, practice practice. Having said that, you still need the ear to hear the difference in half tones, and even quarter tones which , only fretless instruments can produce.

I can tell you one secret and have told this to many people who come in for repairs on violins, Gibsons, Fenders, Ovation, etc...etc..

Take a felt pen marker (thin one) and place tiny dots on the side of the violin. This way, you cn see them but not the people looking at you on account of the angle of the violin.

After a while, you won';t need them. Hey !!!! I have been playing professionally and still look at the neck and , yes, their are markers.