Switching to the Double Bass: Chapter 1a - First Position
Congratulations on making your first sounds!
When setting up your left hand, you want it to look like the shape on the left.
In addition, your thumb should be behind your middle finger.
Next, watch this video by Los Angeles Philharmonic bassist David Allen Moore on how to efficiently utilize your left arm in pushing down the strings.
Next, we’re going to put those fingers to use!
On the D string, our 1st finger plays the note E.
2nd finger plays F natural.
We skip the third finger, but we’re still going to use it to push down when we go to…
The 4th finger, which plays F sharp.
On the G string, our first finger plays the note A
2nd finger plays B-flat
Again, we skip the third finger…
And 4th finger plays B.
Try plucking each note on the D and G strings, making sure that when you have your 2nd or 4th fingers are pulling down the strings, all your other fingers are helping out! For example, an F# on the D string should also have an E and an F natural ready to go with fingers 1 and 2.
You won’t be able to play a scale yet, but we can still play some fun songs! Learn the song below as a mid-chapter break!
Reflection Questions:
Should you use your third finger to press down a string by itself?
What finger on the D string plays the note F sharp?
Look at the name of the composer (not the arranger, that’s me). Look up that composer on Google. Knowing what you know about classical versus jazz bass, should you revisit this piece later with a bow, or keep playing it pizzicato? Why?
Switching to the Double Bass: Chapter 1b - Adding the Bow
Congratulations on learning your first song!
Now, let’s talk about the bow!
But before we do that, we need to take some measurements first.
First, measure your height.
Then, have someone help you to measure your wingspan (arms up and straight across, measuring from fingertip to fingertip).
If your wingspan is less than or equal to your height, you should play the French bow.
If your wingspan is more than your height, you should play the German bow.
For example, Mr. Fowler is 5 feet 10 inches tall, but his wingspan is over 6 feet, so he plays German! People with longer arms tend to have an easier time with German bow because it’s longer and requires a slightly longer arm reach.
How to hold the French bow
How to hold the German bow
Now, let’s get started with using the bow!
Follow the video below to start getting a good sound out of your bass and bow.
Remember! When you’re “scooping” the sound out of your bass, you still want to keep track of:
Bow placement (between fingerboard and bridge)
Bow/arm weight - aim for weight to come from your upper back/shoulder!
Bow speed - slower is better!
Bow angle (in relation to the string)
Bow hair angle (angle of hair to the string)
Bow tracking - make sure your bow is moving in a straight line. A mirror will help!
Now that you’re comfortable with playing with the bow on the D and G strings, your check for understanding is to learn these two songs!
Reflection Questions:
Adding the bow and moving the left hand together can be difficult! What issues did you have at first?
How would you rate your bow tracking? Did you use a mirror? If you don’t have access to a tall mirror, did you use a phone or another device with a camera to keep track? Your perception from on top of the bass can be deceiving!
When you’re ready, click the button below to go to the next lesson!