Fretless Bass: A Guide to the Styles and Techniques of Fretless Bass (Hal Leonard Bass Method)

Fretless Bass: A Guide to the Styles and Techniques of Fretless Bass by Chris Kringel is an electric bass guitar method and song-based study resource that explores the distinctive sound, phrasing, and techniques of the fretless bass. Using 18 complete songs in a variety of styles, the book examines essential musical concepts including intonation, harmonics, keys, scales, and intervals while showcasing approaches associated with influential fretless bass artists such as Jaco Pastorius, Flea, Jack Bruce, Will Lee, Sting, Gary Willis, Tony Franklin, Jeff Ament, and others.

Designed as a supplement to bass study and practice, this edition combines bass tablature with online audio access, allowing musicians to hear concepts demonstrated in context and play along with professionally recorded accompaniment. The included audio features 92 full-band demonstration and play-along tracks that support musical exploration, rehearsal, and performance preparation while reinforcing the concepts presented throughout the book.

Using complete songs as the foundation for study helps connect technique with musical expression. Rather than focusing solely on isolated exercises, this method encourages a deeper understanding of phrasing, note choice, pitch accuracy, tone production, and the expressive voice that makes fretless bass such a distinctive instrument. The combination of notation, tablature, and audio resources provides a practical reference for individual practice, lessons, rehearsals, and ongoing musical growth.

Song List
Bad Love * Continuum * Even Flow * Everytime You Go Away * Hocus Pocus * I Could Die For You * I'm Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down * Jelly Roll * King Of Pain * Kiss Of Life * Lady In Red * Love Is * Opus Pocus * Tears In Heaven * Very Early * What I Am * White Room * You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'

Founded in 1947, Hal Leonard LLC has become the worlds largest source of music performance and instructional materials, with a catalog of over a million products in both physical and digital form. They represent many of the greatest songwriters and artists of all time and publish and distribute works from all genres of music for all styles of musicians and ensembles.

Founded in 1947, Hal Leonard LLC has become the worlds largest source of music performance and instructional materials, with a catalog of over a million products in both physical and digital form. They represent many of the greatest songwriters and artists of all time and publish and distribute works from all genres of music for all styles of musicians and ensembles.