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 designsāone shaped like a viol (or viola da gamba) and the other like a violinābut 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 E1āA1āDāG; a fifth string is occasionally addedāin 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 Eā, D, Dā, or C, or clamped to sound E when the lower notes are not needed.
- Domenico Dragonetti (1763ā1846): 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 (1821ā1889): Often called the āPaganini of the double bass,ā Bottesini expanded the instrumentās technical possibilities and composed major solo works that remain central to the classical double bass repertoire.
- Charles Mingus (1922ā1979): 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 (1926ā2002): 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 Davisās 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 bassās 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)āoccasionally in symphonic orchestras and almost always in jazz and dance bands.
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. Beethovenās 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 bassāa slender instrument that is easier to transportāis also common. In most rock and some jazz bands, the place of the double bass is taken by the electric bass guitar.