Using the SIDE of the fret

Subject: Using the SIDE of the fret
From: BlueJay
Date: 12 Aug 01 - 03:53 AM

Last Christmas, I bought a Baby Taylor for my daughter, and set it low to make it easier for her to play. It works well for her, but it is a pain for me to play, too much buzz etc.

Interesting effect- due to the narrow neck and low action, I discovered, (by accident), that pushing the high E string off of the fretboard and onto the side of the neck at the twelfth fret produces a major third. It's pretty consistent, I just push the string off of the fretboard and I get the third with a good tone, using the side of the fret instead of the top of the fret. Pretty odd. Sometimes, if I'm careful, I can get the minor third instead, but that is much more difficult. I'm just wondering if anyone else has noticed this phenomenon.

I haven't been able to duplicate this effect on my other guitars, probably ddue to the wider necks. I just wonder if anyone else has utilized this odd technique. I suspect that electric players may already know aabout this. Thanks, BlueJay

Subject: RE: BS: Using the SIDE of the fret
From: The Shambles
Date: 12 Aug 01 - 05:44 AM

On the subject of frets. I have seen those old one-stringed fiddles, with frets and wonder why most bowed instruments do not have frets?

Subject: RE: BS: Using the SIDE of the fret
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Aug 01 - 05:53 AM

BlueJay, My full sized Yamaha gives me a perfect minor third when I try this

Shambles, See this thread

Subject: RE: BS: Using the SIDE of the fret
From: The Shambles
Date: 12 Aug 01 - 06:23 AM

Many thanks. I missed that one