Guitarist Ben Ranson Patents 'Palmfrets' to Expand Instrument Range

Minnesota musician Ben Ranson has received a patent for 'palmfrets,' a hardware modification that enables guitarists to play new bass lines and melodies using their palm. By adding a specialized set of frets near the wrist of the picking hand, the invention allows players to utilize the pisiform bone—a small, pea-shaped bone in the wrist—to depress strings while the other hand remains free to move across the neck.

This image depicts the inventor, Ben Ranson, showcasing the palmfrets hardware modification described in the article.

Mechanical Design and Function

The palmfrets system works by placing an extra fret or set of frets near the wrist of the picking hand. Players depress a string against these frets using the pisiform bone, which is located near the bottom of the palm.

Once a string is fretted by the wrist, the player can use the thumb of that same hand to pluck the string. This mechanism effectively frees up the fretting hand, which is typically responsible for navigating the neck of the guitar, allowing it to move more freely to play other notes or chords.

“So if you want to, you can move (the fretting hand) anywhere you want, play any other notes that you want to play,”

— Minnesota guitarist's invention strikes a new chord

Artistic Goals and Development

Ranson's initial motivation was purely artistic, driven by a desire to extract more bass notes from the guitar. He spent years experimenting with organ-like foot pedals and seven-string guitars before realizing the commercial potential of his garage-built prototype.

After refining the design with engineers using 3D printing and laser-cut metal, Ranson secured a patent for the invention on October 6, 2026. He noted that while the early prototypes were not practical for long-term use, they proved the concept of 'palmfretting' was viable.

Learning Curve and Practical Implications

Adopting the palmfrets requires a significant learning curve, as players must develop physical calluses on their pisiform bone similar to those found on fingertips. Ranson described his current proficiency with the device as being comparable to a teenager learning their first few songs.

For solo musicians, the invention offers the ability to provide a constant bass line while playing a lead melody, mimicking the sound of a full band. Ranson suggests that for bassists, the technology could make the instrument more versatile, allowing them to play chords and bass lines simultaneously like a piano.

Technical Limitations and Future Outlook

While the invention adds new capabilities, it introduces a new way of interacting with the instrument that requires deliberate practice. Ranson emphasizes that the design must maintain all standard guitar functions without taking away from the existing playing experience.

The long-term impact of palmfrets remains speculative, as Ranson believes the true potential of the invention will only be fully realized by future generations of musicians who grow up with the technology.