Double bass

[bassy87]

Hello! Does anyone here play double bass? I have recently started, though I am struggling a little with fingering as I have never played any other string instrument! Does anyone know of any good books that present the fingering in an easy to follow method? Apparently, scale books may have fingering/positioning in them? Any help would be ace, thanks!

[Benny190891]

Hey, um are you learning from a teacher?
I would probably think that the AMEB (Australian Music Examinations Board) would have some scale books that have some fingering charts or something similar.... have you looked around on the internet? I find that often music shops or sheetmusic shops sometimes have some helpful little books here and there....

But I would definitely get a proffessional teacher who knows what they're doing if you really want to learn seriously (if you don't have one already...) If you do have a teacher already then maybe just a little more practise

Regards, Ben

[bassistah]

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Bottesini method book one is really effective. In general, remember to keep an equal distance between fingers 1 and 2, and 2 and 4. Keep your fingers in a nice bridge shape, and rest your thumb on the back of the bass, don´t squeeze.

Shift as slowly as you dare, keeping your fingers in contact with the strings and in hand position. Use your ear all the time and check your intonation constantly.


Oh and if you don´t already, use a german (underhand) bow. Far more natural. And sit with both feet on the floor, back straight to avoid bass player´s hump! Not attractive, believe me!

Where do you live? I might know a good teacher in your area.

If you need any more advice drop me a line.

H xxxx