Note-worthy Experiences Music Studio
F E A T U R E
Explore an Instrument: Double Bass
F E A T U R E
Explore an Instrument: Double Bass
History:
The double bass is a string instrument with an extremely rich history. You may have also heard the names: upright bass, acoustic bass, stand-up bass, bass violin, bass fiddle, contrabass, and many more. This instrument has been a crucial part of many styles of music and many of the most important recordings, performances and compositions of the last 500 years.
The double bass is part of the violin family and dates back to the 15th century. It originally was a three-stringed instrument but a fourth string has long since been added. There are five-string double basses, but the vast majority have four strings tuned in fourths (E-A-D-G). Bass is an octave lower than cello, but it has an enormous range. It can even sound as high as a violin, especially with the use of extended bow techniques like harmonics. However, the double bass is mostly known for its low, powerful, warm sound. This comes from its large, wooden body. It can be played pizzicato (plucking the strings) or arco (using a bow).
Basses have been an important part of most European classical music since the 18th century. String sections almost always have a whole bass section. Bass is also a central part of Black American music, particularly jazz. Overtime, the double bass began to replace the tuba as the main bass instrument in jazz by the 1920s. Many of the greatest bassists emerged from the American jazz scene, including Paul Chambers, Scott LeFaro, Charles Mingus, Charlie Haden, Dave Holland, Ron Carter, Richard Davis, Christian McBride, Jimmy Garrison, Linda May Han Oh, and many more.
In both European classical and Black American music, bass moved from playing only a supporting role to being a solo instrument. Bass is truly one of the most versatile instruments; in addition to basslines, it can be used for melodies, chords, basslines, solos, percussion, and can be combined with pedals and other electronics. Since the 20th century, avant-garde and experimental musicians have expanded the possibilities of bass, continually finding new sounds and techniques. Pioneers like Joëlle Léandre and William Parker have incorporated a vast array of extended techniques into their playing, showing that there are near limitless possibilities for an instrument sometimes thought to be cumbersome or difficult.
Important bass recordings:
Three in One - Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra (Richard Davis on bass)
https://youtu.be/k175xeNKAm8
Mood Indigo - Charles Mingus
https://youtu.be/j_3-D8t5tKc
Symphony No. 5. Movement 4 - Dmitri Shostakovich (performed by Russian Philharmonic)
https://youtu.be/7mI4WLAhjj0
To learn more about Evan on his Teacher Page.
The double bass is a string instrument with an extremely rich history. You may have also heard the names: upright bass, acoustic bass, stand-up bass, bass violin, bass fiddle, contrabass, and many more. This instrument has been a crucial part of many styles of music and many of the most important recordings, performances and compositions of the last 500 years.
The double bass is part of the violin family and dates back to the 15th century. It originally was a three-stringed instrument but a fourth string has long since been added. There are five-string double basses, but the vast majority have four strings tuned in fourths (E-A-D-G). Bass is an octave lower than cello, but it has an enormous range. It can even sound as high as a violin, especially with the use of extended bow techniques like harmonics. However, the double bass is mostly known for its low, powerful, warm sound. This comes from its large, wooden body. It can be played pizzicato (plucking the strings) or arco (using a bow).
Basses have been an important part of most European classical music since the 18th century. String sections almost always have a whole bass section. Bass is also a central part of Black American music, particularly jazz. Overtime, the double bass began to replace the tuba as the main bass instrument in jazz by the 1920s. Many of the greatest bassists emerged from the American jazz scene, including Paul Chambers, Scott LeFaro, Charles Mingus, Charlie Haden, Dave Holland, Ron Carter, Richard Davis, Christian McBride, Jimmy Garrison, Linda May Han Oh, and many more.
In both European classical and Black American music, bass moved from playing only a supporting role to being a solo instrument. Bass is truly one of the most versatile instruments; in addition to basslines, it can be used for melodies, chords, basslines, solos, percussion, and can be combined with pedals and other electronics. Since the 20th century, avant-garde and experimental musicians have expanded the possibilities of bass, continually finding new sounds and techniques. Pioneers like Joëlle Léandre and William Parker have incorporated a vast array of extended techniques into their playing, showing that there are near limitless possibilities for an instrument sometimes thought to be cumbersome or difficult.
Important bass recordings:
Three in One - Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra (Richard Davis on bass)
https://youtu.be/k175xeNKAm8
Mood Indigo - Charles Mingus
https://youtu.be/j_3-D8t5tKc
Symphony No. 5. Movement 4 - Dmitri Shostakovich (performed by Russian Philharmonic)
https://youtu.be/7mI4WLAhjj0
To learn more about Evan on his Teacher Page.