How do string players find the notes on the fingerboard without frets or markings?
The short answer is – with great difficulty! It takes a good ear and years of practice to train the fingers to locate the fingerboard positions strictly by feel. The muscle memory we rely on is similar to that of a pro basketball player who is expected to sink baskets from various distances, game after game – only his accuracy is measured in feet and inches, and ours in millimeters. (Well, maybe feet and inches for bass players) Regular practice and constant careful listening are required in order to play in tune. It’s something of an obsession with us!
