fretfree

Fretfree refers to a category of stringed instruments that do not have frets, the raised metal bars that divide a fretted instrument's neck into fixed pitch registers. In a fretfree instrument the player's fingers must locate pitches by ear and muscle memory, often resulting in a wider range of microtonal expression and smooth glissandi. The absence of frets allows continuous pitch sliding, which can be especially expressive in certain musical cultures and contemporary styles.

Typical fretfree instruments include string pullers such as the violin, viola, cello, and double bass, as well as some Asian instruments such as the Indian sarangi, the Japanese kokyū, and the Indonesian suling. In North American jazz and popular music a fretless electric bass is common; it can be played with a plucked or fingerstyle technique that takes advantage of its smooth transition between notes.

The development of fretfree instruments dates back to ancient times. Early bowed instruments were almost always fretless, and many early violins, viols and lutes had no frets. The switch to fretted instruments in the medieval European string family began in the 12th and 13th centuries, driven by the need for more precise intonation and easier fingering in keyboard-based polyphony. Despite this, many modern composers and performers continue to use or compose for fretfree instruments for their distinct tonal palette.

Fretfree instruments can provide greater expressive nuance, but they also require a higher level of technical skill and sustained practice to maintain intonation across the neck. The choice between fretless and fretted instruments often depends on the musical context, genre, and performer preference.