The double bass, also known as the contrabass, upright bass, string bass, or violone, is a large string instrument that has played a pivotal role in various musical genres throughout history. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to understanding what the double bass is, how it is played with fingers, and its significance in music. We will explore its history, construction, playing techniques, and its role in different musical styles.
Understanding the Double Bass
History and Evolution
The double bass shares a rich history with both the viol and violin families of instruments. It originated as the bass voice in viol consorts and was used to realize continuo lines in church, orchestral, and operatic genres. Over time, it evolved into the modern instrument we know today, with a variety of tunings and playing styles.
Throughout the 18th and early 19th centuries, a rich culture of solo and chamber music for the double bass, known as the Viennese violone, reached a peak of technical virtuosity. Virtuosi like Domenico Dragonetti and Giovanni Bottesini further developed the instrument’s capabilities, playing three-string instruments tuned in fourths.
In the 20th century, a renaissance of double bass virtuosi emerged, inspiring the composition of new chamber and solo works for the instrument. The double bass also became a common fixture in American ragtime and string bands, and has maintained a central role in jazz styles since the 1920s.
Construction and Tuning
The double bass is a large string instrument typically made of wood, with three, four, or five strings. It is commonly tuned in fourths with four strings (E’-A’-D-G) or five strings (B’/C’-E’-A’-D-G). Other historical tunings include a three-string instrument tuned in fifths (A’-D-G), a four- or five-string “Viennese tuning,” and five- and six-string violone tunings.
The double bass is unique among orchestral string instruments in that it is the only one with two types of bows: the “overhand” French bow (violin family) and the “underhand” German bow (viol family). It is also the only transposing orchestral string instrument, with music usually notated an octave above the sounding pitch.
Role in the Orchestra
Double bass sections serve essential functions in the orchestra, adding weight, providing dynamic power, reinforcing the rhythmic foundation, and shaping musical phrases. Its low register gives it a unique ability to add depth and richness to the orchestral texture.
Playing the Double Bass with Fingers
Basic Techniques
Playing the double bass with fingers, known as pizzicato, is a fundamental technique that allows bassists to create a rich and powerful sound. The fingers are used to pluck the strings, producing a distinct and characteristic timbre.
Fingerstyle
Fingerstyle playing on the double bass is similar to that on the guitar. The left-hand thumb is typically used to hold down the root note or chord tones, while the other fingers form chords or play individual notes. The right-hand thumb can also be used to pluck the strings, along with the fingers.
Walking Bass
One of the most basic and iconic playing styles on the double bass is Walking Bass. This technique involves playing a series of quarter notes on each beat of the bar, creating a steady and rhythmic foundation for the music. Walking Bass is widely used in jazz music, where it provides a clear harmonic and rhythmic structure for the ensemble.
Advanced Techniques
As with any instrument, playing the double bass with fingers requires practice and mastery of various advanced techniques.
Two-Feel and Beyond
Mastering the Two-Feel rhythm is crucial for developing a solid foundation in Walking Bass. This involves playing each note of a two-beat pattern, with the emphasis on the first beat. Once this is mastered, bassists can expand to playing more complex rhythms, such as four-beat patterns or even syncopated rhythms.
Slapping and Popping
Slapping and popping are techniques that involve using the thumb and fingers to create a percussive sound on the strings. These techniques add a unique rhythmic and textural element to the music, and are often used in funk, rock, and metal styles.
Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs
Hammer-ons and pull-offs are techniques that involve using the left-hand fingers to create legato passages. Hammer-ons involve pressing a finger down on a string to sound a note after another note has been plucked, while pull-offs involve lifting a finger off a string to sound a note after another note has been plucked. These techniques allow bassists to create smooth and flowing lines.
Role in Different Musical Styles
The double bass has played a significant role in various musical styles throughout history, each requiring unique playing techniques and approaches.
Jazz
In jazz, the double bass is often used to provide a steady rhythmic foundation and harmonic support. Bassists use Walking Bass techniques to outline the chord changes and create a sense of swing and momentum. They also often improvise, adding their own personal touch to the music.
Classical
In classical music, the double bass is an integral part of the orchestra, providing depth and richness to the orchestral texture. Bassists use a variety of bowing techniques, such as spiccato, legato, and detached bowing, to create a wide range of expressive and dynamic sounds.
Rock and Metal
In rock and metal styles, the double bass is often used to create powerful and aggressive rhythms. Bassists use slapping and popping techniques, along with palm muting and distortion, to create a thick and heavy sound that supports the guitar and drums.
Funk and Fusion
In funk and fusion styles, the double bass is used to create complex and syncopated rhythms. Bassists use a combination of fingerstyle playing, slapping and popping, and hammer-ons and pull-offs to create a unique and groove-oriented sound.
Building a Strong Foundation
To become a proficient double bass player, it is essential to build a strong foundation in technique, musicianship, and creativity.
Technique
Developing a strong and flexible left-hand is crucial for playing the double bass with fingers. This involves practicing scales, arpeggios, and chords, as well as working on finger independence and coordination. It is also important to develop a good sense of rhythm and timing, as the bass player is responsible for keeping the beat and providing a solid foundation for the rest of the band.
Musicianship
In addition to technical skills, playing the double bass requires a good ear for music. Bassists need to be able to listen to the other instruments and adjust their playing accordingly. This includes understanding chord progressions, following the changes in the song, and improvising when necessary.
Creativity
Playing the double bass is not just about hitting the right notes; it is also about feeling the rhythm and connecting with the music on a deeper level. Bassists should experiment with different techniques and styles, and develop their own unique sound and approach to playing.
Conclusion
The double bass is a versatile and powerful instrument that plays a crucial role in shaping the sound of a band or orchestra. Playing the double bass with fingers requires a combination of technical skills, musicianship, and creativity. By building a strong foundation in technique, developing a good ear for music, and exploring different playing styles, bassists can become proficient and expressive musicians.
The double bass has a rich history and has evolved over time to become the modern instrument we know today. Its unique construction and tuning make it capable of producing a wide range of sounds and textures, and its role in different musical styles has made it an essential part of the musical landscape.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced bassist, there is always more to learn and discover about the double bass. By practicing regularly, exploring different techniques and styles, and listening to a wide range of music, you can continue to grow as a musician and find new ways to express yourself through this incredible instrument.
