Basics of playing the double bass

There are many musical instruments, and the string-stringed band is one of the most expressive, sweet and flexible. In this group there is such an unusual and relatively young instrument, like a double bass. It is not as popular as, for example, the violin, but is no less interesting. In skilled hands, despite the low register, you can get quite melodious and beautiful sound.

Due to the fact that the double bass appeared not so long ago as other stringed bows, the method of playing and learning on it is still developing, but now there are established rules.

First step

So, where to start when you first meet with the tool? The double bass is quite cumbersome, so it is played standing or sitting in a very high chair, therefore, first of all, it is necessary to adjust its height by changing the level of the spire. In order to make it comfortable to play the double bass, the head of its neck is placed not lower than the eyebrows and not higher than the level of the forehead. In this case, the bow, lying in a relaxed hand, should be approximately in the middle, between the stand and the end of the neck. In this way, you can achieve a double bass height that is comfortable for playing.

But this is only half the battle, because much depends on the correct position of the body when playing the double bass. If you incorrectly stand up for the double bass, a lot of inconvenience may arise: the tool can constantly fall, there will be difficulties in playing the bet and rapid fatigue. Therefore, the formulation must be given special attention. Place the double bass so that its right rear edge of the shell rests against the groin area, the left foot should be behind the double bass, and the right foot should be set aside. You can adjust your body position more subtly, based on your feelings. The double bass must be stable, then you can easily reach both the bottom notes on the fingerboard and the stakes.

Hand position

Hands when playing the double bass should also be given attention. After all, only with their correct position, it will be possible to fully open all the possibilities of the instrument, to achieve a smooth and clear sound and at the same time to play without fatigue for a long time. So, the right hand should be approximately perpendicular to the fingerboard, the elbow should not be pressed against the body - it should be approximately at shoulder level. The right hand should not be clamped or overly bent, but it should not be straightened out unnaturally. The arm must be kept loose, relaxed, in order to maintain flexibility in the elbow.

The right hand does not need to pinch or bend too much

Finger positions and positions

In terms of fingering, there is a three-finger and four-finger system, but due to the wide arrangement of notes in both systems, low positions are played with three fingers. Thus, the index finger, ring finger and little finger are used. The middle finger is as if supporting for the ring and the little finger. In this case, the index finger is called the first finger, the ring finger is called the second finger, and the little finger, respectively, the third finger.

Since there are no frets on the double bass, like on other string-stringed instruments, the neck is conditionally divided into positions, you have to achieve a clear sound with long and stubborn exercises in order to “put” the right position in your fingers, while hearing is also actively involved. Therefore, first of all, training should begin with the study of positions and scales in these positions.

The very first position on the double bass neck is a half position, however, due to the fact that it is quite difficult to press the strings in it, it is not recommended to begin with it, so the training starts from the first position. In this position, you can play the scale of G major. It’s best to start with a one octave scale. The fingering will be as follows:

Thus, the G note is played with the second finger, then the open string A is played, then the B note is played with the first finger, and so on. Having mastered the range, you can start other, more complex exercises.

Bow game

The double bass is a string-stringed instrument, therefore, it goes without saying that when playing it, a bow is used. Keep it right to get good sound. There are two types of bows - high and low. Consider how to hold the bow with a high block. First you need to place the bow in the palm so that the back of the pad rests on the palm, and the regulating lever passes between the thumb and forefinger.

The thumb rests on top of the pad, at a slight angle, the index finger supports the cane from below, they are slightly bent. The little finger rests on the bottom pads, not reaching the hair, it is also slightly bent. Thus, straightening or bending your fingers, you can change the position of the bow in your palm.

Bow hair should not go straight, but at a slight angle, while it should be approximately parallel. You need to keep an eye on this, otherwise the sound will be dirty, creaky, and in fact the double bass is supposed to sound soft, velvety, rich.

Finger play

In addition to the bowing technique, there is also a finger play method. This technique is sometimes used in classical music and very often in jazz or blues. In order to play with your fingers or pizzicato, you need to put your thumb on the fingerboard stand, then the rest of your fingers will be supported. It is necessary to play with the lobes of your fingers, striking the string at a slight angle.

Taking into account all of the above, you can successfully take the first steps in mastering the tool. But this is only a small part of the information you need to fully learn the game, as the double bass is difficult and difficult to master. But if you have patience and persevere, you will certainly succeed. Dare!