In this paper, a generic fractional derivative is defined as a set of the linear operators left-inverse to the Riemann–Liouville fractional integral. Then, the theory of the left-invertible operators developed by Przeworska-Rolewicz is applied to deduce its properties. In particular, we characterize its domain, null-space, and projector operator; establish the interrelations between its different realizations; and present a generalized fractional Taylor formula involving the generic fractional derivative. Then, we consider the fractional relaxation equation containing the generic fractional derivative, derive a closed-form formula for its unique solution, and study its complete monotonicity.