fretless

[/ˈfretləs/]
adjective
sem trastes
1. describing a stringed musical instrument, particularly a bass or guitar, that does not have frets (metal strips on the fingerboard that mark note positions)
He plays a fretless bass guitar with remarkable precision.
Ele toca um baixo sem trastes com notável precisão.
2. free from worry, anxiety, or concern; untroubled
She spent a fretless afternoon relaxing at the beach.
Ela passou uma tarde despreocupada relaxando na praia.
In musical contexts, 'fretless' bass and guitar playing is particularly associated with jazz, funk, and progressive rock genres. This style requires greater technical skill as players must develop precise intonation without the guidance of frets. The term has become iconic in bass music culture, with legendary fretless bass players like Jaco Pastorius influencing generations of musicians. In everyday usage, 'fretless' in the sense of carefree is more commonly heard in American English than British English.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
worry-freecarefreeuntroubledanxiety-free
Antonyms / Antônimos
frettedworriedanxiousconcerned

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
sem trastes
standard term in musical contexts
General Brazilian
despreocupado
used when describing a carefree state
Portugal
sem trastes
same as Brazilian Portuguese for musical instruments
Portugal
sem preocupações
used for carefree meaning

Related Words

fretbassstringed instrumentfingerboardmusicianintonation

Related Idioms & Phrases

fretless bass playing
live fretless
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