About Double Bass lessons

Heavy Stuff!

The double bass is the lowest-sounding string instrument in an orchestra. It's not related to the violin or cello, but to the viola da gamba. This family of string instruments was widely played between approximately 1600 and 1780. A gamba has 6 or 7 strings and is usually tuned like a guitar: fourths and a third.

Double bass too big for children?

You might be wondering if such a bass isn't much too heavy and large for children? Fortunately, there are small basses available for rent, making it easy for children to start taking bass lessons! 

Can I rent a double bass for my child?

It's understandable that you don't immediately buy a bass when your child starts taking bass lessons. Therefore, the teacher will be happy to advise you on where to rent a double bass.

Is playing the double bass difficult?

Like all string instruments, the Double Bass is not easy to play well. It is an advantage if you can play the guitar already, when you want to learn to play the bass. For playing in tune and getting a beautiful sound from your instrument, the bass is a nice challenge, very large and heavy to carry around on your bike, but super cool!

Gravity

With the discovery of gravity around 1700 (Isaac Newton), the function of bass parts in music changed. People became more aware of the constant presence of gravity, and this was expressed in the foundation ‘the basis’ of the music they composed. 

Basso continuo

The bass voice became more important, active, and independent, and through harmonic twists and rhythmic figures, it further shaped the structure and composition. Together with a lute or harpsichord, a basso continuo group was formed that could accompany instrumental and vocal soloists. Like a rhythm section!

Unlike a cello!

While the double bass provided the rhythmic and harmonic foundation par excellence in orchestras and ensembles, the cello, as a lighter and more agile bass instrument, developed around 1800 into an instrument with a middle voice function. The cello, being much smaller, is tuned differently (in fifths) and sounds higher and less dark.

Watch the shoulders!

The shape of the double bass, originally a bass viol, is clearly different from, for example, a cello. The shoulders of a bass slope downward, while the shoulders of the cello, viola, and violin are rounded.

How many strings does a double bass have? 

Like a bass guitar, a double bass nowadays has 4 or 5 strings. Whether you play classical or contemporary music, this is the standard.

Are there basses with fewer strings?

There are also basses known that where strung with 3 strings and tuned differently. Among others, the famous 19th-century Italian bassist Bottesini played a 3-string bass, built by the Italian master luthier Carlo Antonio Testore. Depending on the repertoire, the key in which it was played, and the bassist's role (soloist or tutti), a specific tuning could be chosen.

The bass is a bowed instrument.

In classical music, the double bass is usually bowed. Think of symphony orchestras, chamber music, and baroque ensembles. Playing this music is primarily done with a bow.

Bow positions.

Based on the tradition of the viola da gamba, the bass was probably originally bowed "underhand." This means that the palm of the hand faces up and the bow rests in it. With the "overhand" position, just like with the violin and cello, the palm of the hand faces down and the bow hangs, more or less, between the fingers.

Is there real horsehair on a bow?

Most bows are covered with real horsehair. As you might have guessed, it's hair from the horse's tail. There are various qualities, including the hair of Mongolian horse breeds. Re-hairing a bow, at least once a year if you play a lot, is a real specialist's job. Synthetic hair is also available these days.

Why do bass bows often have black hair?

Black hair is nice and stiff and grips the string well. The sound may be slightly grainier than when white hair is used. White hair is often bleached black hair. White hair from certain breeds with a white tail (which is unbleached) is somewhat finer and better suited for gamba, violin, and cello bows.

Plucking (Pizzicato)

Because the bass plays a crucial role in almost all genres, there are playing techniques for each type of music that create precisely the right effect. Pizzicato, or plucking, is the most common playing technique in non-classical music.

In which genres can you pluck your bass?

Because of its harmonic, but certainly also rhythmic function in for example jazz, folk, klezmer, manouche, country, and Latin, the favourite way to play the bass is plucking.

Calluses or blisters on your fingers?

In the beginning, plucking can certainly cause blisters on your fingers. Painful and annoying, but with enough practice, you'll naturally develop calluses on your fingers, and you'll never have the problem again!

What's your role as a bassist in a band?

As a bassist, you're essential for the chords and the driving force of your band. You provide drive and timing, and with a good drummer in your team, you’ll take your band to the next level with steady walking basslines or awesome grooves. Will bass guitar be the next step to heaven? 

 

More information

Looking for a motivating Bass Teacher?

You're in luck! On this website you'll find a bass teacher near you!The next step is to visit the page of the music teacher you'd like to learn more about. Contact the double bass teacher in your area and book a trial lesson. 

Can children learn to play the double bass?

Yes, children can learn to play the double bass. There are different sizes of double bass, and the smaller sizes are especially suitable for children. Your bass teacher is experienced and can advise you where to rent a double bass for an affordable price.

Double Bass Taster Lesson

The trial lesson is the perfect opportunity to discuss lesson times, location, your favourite music styles and where to eventually rent a double bass. Book your first lesson package and receive a free trial lesson. (Regular price €25.00)

Your Favourite Music

With constructive feedback, personalised exercises, tips, and inspiration from a dedicated, professional double bass teacher, you'll work on the music of your choice!

Lesson Plans

Lesson times, payment, and location are agreed upon individually with your double bass teacher. Packages of 5 or 10 bass lessons of 30, 45, and 60 minutes are available.

Locations

Lessons take place at the teacher's home, in the studio, or at your home. 

Online Bass Lessons

If you'd like to take online lessons, you can contact the double bass teacher of your choice directly to discuss the options.

All Genres

We offer classical, baroque, jazz, pop, country, Latin, world music, and other musical genres. Sign up now for a double bass trial lesson!

Music Theory Lessons

Want to learn more about the background of your music? Learn more about (jazz) harmony, scales, pentatonic scales, and musical structures? Contact your teacher.