Overview
This lecture introduces fundamental double bass techniques for beginners, focusing on posture, hand positioning, and playing the B-flat major scale.
Setting Up the Bass
- Adjust the endpin to set the bass at the correct height; use the bow to measure arm reach between the fingerboard and bridge.
- Hold the bass by resting the upper bout against your hip and the lower bout against your knee, tilting the bass toward you.
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, weight on the right leg, and left knee slightly bent.
- The bass should be angled toward you for stability, not straight up.
Left Hand Technique
- Place the thumb behind the middle of the neck, lined up with the second finger.
- Use the 1-2-4 fingering method; third and fourth fingers work together as the pinky is weaker.
- Keep fingers curled, thumb behind the second finger, and elbow elevated for better reach and less hand tension.
- Avoid excessive squeezing for faster and smoother playing.
Right Hand Technique
- For jazz and concert band, rest your thumb on the side of the fingerboard and strike through the string using the first and second fingers.
- Strike the string (not pull and release) to produce a clear, strong sound and maintain timing with ensembles.
- Keep the right arm relaxed and pluck above the end of the fingerboard, not in the gap.
Intro to Bowing
- French and German bows differ; the French bow is held overhand, German underhand.
- For the French bow, fingers curl naturally, thumb fits between the frog and stick, and let arm weight guide the bow.
- Bow grip should be relaxed, using finger curls and allowing natural arm movement.
Playing the B-flat Major Scale
- Upright bass notes (lowest to highest) are E, A, D, G.
- B-flat is played with the first finger on the A string; use the 1-2-4 fingering pattern for the scale.
- Play the sequence: B♭ (1), C (4), D (open D), E♭ (1), F (4), G (open G), A (2), B♭ (4).
- Recite notes while playing to reinforce pitch recognition.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Endpin — adjustable rod at the bottom of the bass for height.
- Bout — curved sections of the instrument's body.
- Fingerboard — long wooden strip where fingers press strings.
- Fingering 1-2-4 — using index (1), middle (2), and pinky/ring (4) fingers; third and fourth fingers together.
- French Bow/German Bow — types of bows with different grip styles.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice setting up the bass and finding a comfortable, stable position.
- Drill left and right hand positions and practice plucking technique.
- Play and recite the B-flat major scale forwards and backwards.
- Explore further bowing technique lessons if interested in classical playing.