unfretted
Lacking raised bars
Unfretted describes a stringed instrument without frets—the raised strips on a fingerboard that mark where to press strings for specific notes.
Violins, cellos, and fretless basses are unfretted, requiring players to find pitches by ear and muscle memory rather than visual guides.
The word also means free from worry or agitation: She seemed unfretted by the chaos around her.
Bowed string instrument
- celloDeep-voiced bowed instrument
- violaMidrange bowed instrument
- double bassLargest bowed string instrument
- oudAromatic heartwood or plucked instrument
erhu · morin khuur · sarod · veena · gamba · upright bass · trombone · theremin
Rapid pitch sweep
- portamentoSeamless pitch transition
- vibratoOscillating pitch effect
- slideSmooth continuous movement
- microtonesIntervals below semitones
intonation · finger placement · legato · ear training · hand position · fingerboard · shifting
Free from anxiety
- unworriedWithout anxiety or concern
- calmFree from agitation
- sereneUntroubled and composed
- peacefulFree from disturbance
untroubled · relaxed · easygoing · lighthearted · content · tranquil · unconcerned · composed
violin
Bowed string instrument
- celloDeep-voiced bowed instrument
- violaMidrange bowed instrument
- double bassLargest bowed string instrument
oud · erhu · morin khuur · sarod · veena · gamba · upright bass · trombone · theremin · slide whistle
glissando
Rapid pitch sweep
- portamentoSeamless pitch transition
- vibratoOscillating pitch effect
- slideSmooth continuous movement
microtones · intonation · finger placement · legato · ear training · hand position · fingerboard · shifting
carefree
Free from anxiety
peaceful · untroubled · relaxed · easygoing · lighthearted · content · tranquil · unconcerned · composed · placid