The double bass, also known as the contrabass or string bass, is a large string instrument played with a bow or plucked with the fingers. It is a staple in symphony orchestras, chamber ensembles, and jazz bands, providing a rich, low-pitched sound that underpins the harmony and rhythm of the ensemble. Mastering the double bass, especially playing it fast and accurately, requires a combination of technique, practice, and musical understanding.
Understanding the Double Bass
Physical Structure
The double bass typically stands around 6 feet tall, making it one of the largest instruments in an orchestra. It has four strings tuned in perfect fourths (E1, A1, D2, G2), and its range spans from E1 (an octave below the bass clef E) to C7 (seven octaves above the open E string).
Parts of the Double Bass
Body: Made of wood, usually maple or spruce, with a large, hollow belly that resonates the sound.
Neck: Supports the strings and the fingerboard.
Fingerboard: A strip of wood with inlaid markers (frets) to guide the player’s fingers.
Strings: Traditionally made of gut or nylon wrapped in metal, modern strings are often synthetic for better durability and sound.
Pegs: Tuning mechanisms at the top of the neck that hold the strings in place.
Bridge: Transfers the string vibrations to the body of the instrument.
Tailpiece: Holds the strings at the bottom of the instrument.
Endpin: A spike at the bottom of the body that keeps the instrument stable when standing.
Playing Techniques
Double bassists use two primary techniques: bowing and plucking (pizzicato). Bowing involves using a bow to strike the strings, producing a sustained, smooth sound. Plucking involves using the fingers or thumb to pluck the strings, creating a shorter, percussive sound.
Fundamental Techniques for Fast Playing
Posture and Ergonomics
Good posture is crucial for playing the double bass quickly and comfortably. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, the bass between your legs, and the endpin slightly behind you. Adjust the height of the instrument so that your arms are relaxed and your elbows are at a comfortable angle.
Bowing Techniques
Stroke Length: A longer stroke produces a louder, smoother sound, while a shorter stroke is more agile and suitable for faster playing.
Bow Pressure: Applying more pressure to the bow increases the volume and changes the tone. Lighter pressure allows for faster bow movements.
Bow Speed: Increasing bow speed makes the sound brighter and louder. Controlling bow speed is essential for dynamic range and expression.
Plucking Techniques
Finger Placement: Use the fingertips to pluck the strings, keeping the wrist and arm relaxed.
Alternating Fingers: Alternate between fingers (usually index and middle) to maintain a steady rhythm and reduce fatigue.
Hand Position: Keep the hand close to the bridge for a brighter sound, or closer to the fingerboard for a warmer tone.
Left-Hand Technique
Finger Position: Use the fingertips to press down on the strings, ensuring that each note is clear and in tune.
Shifting: Moving the hand up or down the neck to play different notes without stopping. Practice smooth, seamless shifts.
Vibrato: A slight pulsating motion of the finger to add warmth and expression to the sound.
Building Speed and Dexterity
Scales and Arpeggios
Practicing scales and arpeggios is fundamental for building speed and dexterity. Start slow, focusing on intonation and finger placement, then gradually increase the speed. Use a metronome to maintain a steady rhythm.
Exercises for Dexterity
Finger Independence: Practice playing individual fingers independently, such as playing a scale with only the index finger, then the middle finger, and so on.
Skipping Strings: Play exercises that require skipping strings, such as playing every other string in a scale.
Syncopation: Practice rhythms that emphasize off-beats, such as triplets over a duple meter.
Practical Applications
Improvisation: Improvising over chord changes requires fast, accurate note selection and rhythm. Practice soloing over common jazz or classical chord progressions.
Reading Music: Sight-reading requires quick recognition of notes, rhythms, and dynamics. Practice reading complex pieces to improve your reading speed and accuracy.
Recording Yourself: Record your practice sessions to listen for areas that need improvement, such as intonation, rhythm, or technique.
Performance Techniques
Dynamics and Expression: Playing fast is not just about speed; it’s about expressing the music through dynamics, tone, and phrasing. Learn to vary your bow pressure, plucking strength, and vibrato to add expression to your playing.
Stage Presence: As a double bass player, you are often a visible part of the ensemble. Develop good stage presence, including confident posture, expressive facial gestures, and interaction with other musicians.
Collaborative Skills: Playing in an ensemble requires good listening skills, timing, and the ability to blend your sound with others. Practice with a group regularly to develop these skills.
Advanced Techniques
Double Stops and Harmonics: Playing double stops (two notes played simultaneously) and harmonics (notes produced by lightly touching the string and plucking it) adds complexity and interest to your playing. Practice these techniques slowly and gradually increase the speed.
Slapping and Popping: In some styles, such as funk or rock, double bassists use slapping (hitting the strings with the thumb) and popping (plucking the strings with the fingers) to create a percussive sound. Practice these techniques to add rhythmic variety to your playing.
Extended Techniques: Explore extended techniques such as using the bow on the lower strings, sul ponticello (bowing near the bridge), or col legno (bowing with the stick of the bow). These techniques can add unique colors and textures to your playing.
Maintaining Your Instrument
Routine Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your double bass in good playing condition. Check the strings for wear and replace them as needed. Rosin the bow regularly to maintain a good grip on the strings. Inspect the pegs, bridge, and tailpiece for any signs of wear or damage.
Adjustments: Occasionally, you may need to adjust the bridge or pegs to maintain proper intonation. Consult a professional luthier if you are unsure how to make these adjustments.
Storage: Store your double bass in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. Use a humidifier to maintain the proper humidity level if you live in a dry climate.
Conclusion
Playing the double bass quickly and accurately requires a combination of fundamental techniques, practice, and musical understanding. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can develop the skills necessary to play fast and expressively. Remember, practice makes perfect, and the journey to mastery is a rewarding one.
