Double bass

What it means

The double bass is the lowest string instrument of the orchestra. It is played standing or on a high stool and rests on an endpin. Its four strings are tuned in fourths — E′, A′, D, and G — and not in fifths as with the other strings; instruments with a fifth string or with a mechanism on the pegbox reach down to contra-C. It is notated in the bass clef an octave higher than it sounds. Two bow holds are usual, called the German and the French hold, which differ in the shape of the frog and in the hand position.

Musical use

The double bass carries the bass line and gives the orchestral sound its foundation; it often doubles the cellos an octave lower, which produces the familiar full string bass. Alongside this it has independent tasks, from sustaining solo passages to characteristic pizzicato effects. In jazz and dance music, plucked playing is the normal case and forms, together with the drums, the rhythmic basis. Its forerunner in the Baroque orchestra is the violone, a bass instrument of the viol family with a differing construction and tuning.

Performance practice

Because of the large scale length, the notes lie far apart; the left hand grasps in the low register usually with the index, middle, and little fingers, in high positions the thumb is added. Plan changes of position generously and practise them with intermediate notes. The bow needs weight and a calm speed so that the thick strings respond; expect a noticeable delay in response and therefore start early. Adjust the endpin height so that the pegbox lies about at head height and the shoulders stay free. Check the bridge position and have strings put on of sufficient gauge.

Bear in mind that the notation stands an octave higher than the instrument sounds: with doublings with the cello it is therefore to be checked whether an octave displacement is meant or not. Settle such passages with the section leader. For passages in the high register, thumb position is worthwhile and should be practised early. In the orchestra, allow for the travel time of sound and follow the conductor. Check string action and bridge position regularly, because both influence the response more strongly than with smaller string instruments.