- Also called:
- contrabass, string bass, bass, bass viol, bass fiddle, or bull fiddle
- French:
- contrebasse
- German:
- Kontrabass
- Related Topics:
- Who Invented the Double Bass?
- chordophone
- violin family
double bass
What are the alternate names for the double bass?
What are the design variations of the double bass?
How is the double bass typically strung?
What are the two styles of bass bow used for the double bass?
double bass, stringed musical instrument, the lowest-pitched member of the orchestra, sounding an octave lower than the cello. It has two basic designsâone shaped like a viol (or viola da gamba) and the other like a violinâbut there are other designs, such as that of a guitar.
The double bass varies considerably in size, the largest normally being under 6 feet (1.8 meters) in total length. The body itself, without the neck, may be up to 4.5 feet (1.4 meters) for a full-size instrument, about 3.8 feet (1.2 meters) for a three-quarter size, and only slightly larger than a cello for the small chamber bass, or bassetto. A double bass is usually strung with four heavy strings pitched E1âA1âDâG; a fifth string is occasionally addedâin jazz band basses, at the top of the register to allow high notes to be played more easily; in symphony orchestra basses, below the E string, tuned to C. Many basses, rather than having a fifth string, have a mechanical device with levers that increases the length of the fourth string. With this device the pitch of the E string may be lowered to Eâ, D, Dâ, or C, or clamped to sound E when the lower notes are not needed.
- Domenico Dragonetti (1763â1846): Dragonetti was a pioneering virtuoso who elevated the double bass to a solo instrument in the late 18th and early 19th centuries and who influenced composers such as Beethoven.
- Giovanni Bottesini (1821â1889): Often called the âPaganini of the double bass,â Bottesini expanded the instrumentâs technical possibilities and composed major solo works that remain central to the classical double bass repertoire.
- Charles Mingus (1922â1979): An influential figure in modern jazz, Mingus was both a formidable bassist and a groundbreaking composer whose work blended bebop, gospel, blues, and avant-garde influences.
- Ray Brown (1926â2002): Renowned for his impeccable time and warm tone, Brown defined the role of the walking bass in postwar jazz.
- Ron Carter (b. 1937): One of the most recorded bassists in history, Carter was a key member of Miles Davisâs 1960s quintet and is celebrated for his harmonic sophistication and rhythmic precision.
- Edgar Meyer (b. 1960): A virtuoso known for blending classical technique with American roots traditions, Meyer has expanded the bassâs role in chamber music and contemporary composition.
Two styles of bass bow are currently used: the short and narrow French bow (like a violin bow), held palm downward, and the broader German bow (like a viol bow), held palm upward. The double bass also can be played pizzicato (by plucking with the fingers)âoccasionally in symphonic orchestras and almost always in jazz and dance bands.
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Forms of the double bass date from the late 15th or early 16th century and were in common use by the 18th century. Ludwig van Beethoven and later composers gave the bass increased importance in the symphony orchestra. Beethovenâs friend Domenico Dragonetti and the conductor Serge Koussevitzky, both skilled bassists, composed concerti for the instrument.
In jazz ensembles the bass forms part of the rhythm section and is also used as a melody instrument. It is often electronically amplified when played with such groups; an electric upright bassâa slender instrument that is easier to transportâis also common. In most rock and some jazz bands, the place of the double bass is taken by the electric bass guitar.