What Is a Double Bass Instrument? Introducing the String Giant

What is a Double Bass Musical Instrument?

The Double Bass (also known as the Upright Bass), is a large floor standing stringed instrument. It has a curved wooden hollow body, a long neck, and four strings that are played either by bowing or finger plucking. The double bass provides foundational harmony and rhythm in many musical genres, including classical, jazz, traditional and pop.

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How Popular is the Double Bass?

As can be seen from Google Trends chart below, the double bass is popular in various countries and regions around the world, especially where Western classical music, jazz, and traditional folk music have a strong presence.

It’s particularly prevalent in Europe and North America, where it’s a staple in orchestras, jazz clubs, and music schools.

In Europe, countries like Italy, Germany, and France have rich histories in classical music and have contributed significantly to the development and repertoire of the double bass. In the United States, the instrument is synonymous with jazz, blues, bluegrass and even rockabilly scenes.

The double bass also enjoys huge popularity in Brazil, especially within the country’s rich musical traditions such as samba, choro, and bossa nova making it an essential element in both the traditional and contemporary Brazilian music scenes.

Double Bass Instrument Facts

• Double bass players are known as bassists.
• Weighs about 20-25 pounds, standing around 6 feet tall.
• Has four strings, tuned E1, A1, D2, G2.
• Can have a fifth string for extended range.
• Some models include frets, like a guitar.
• Made of spruce, maple, and ebony.
• Originated in Europe in the 15th century.
• Often has an adjustable bridge for tone optimization.
• Classified as a chordophone in the Hornbostel–Sachs system.
• The most expensive sold for over $200,000.
• Sizes vary, including 3/4, 1/2, and 1/4 for younger players.
• Historically used in both secular and church music.

What does a Double Bass Instrument Sound Like?

The double bass produces a rich, deep sound, resonating with warmth and depth.

For a closer listen to its captivating sound, watch the video below which introduces the instrument played with a bow and also plucked.

How to Play the Double Bass Instrument

As mentioned above the playing the double bass involves a combination of bowing and plucking techniques, known as arco and pizzicato, respectively.

The player stands or sits on a high stool to reach the strings and uses the bow to glide across them, producing sustained, melodic tones.

For rhythmic and jazz pieces, fingers pluck the strings to create a sharper, more percussive sound.

The double bass’s sound is generated through vibrations of its strings, which are amplified by the wooden body, resonating deeply due to its large size.

The instrument’s unique timbre and depth of sound come from its size, string tension, and the player’s technique.

Double Bass  Instrument Description

The Double Bass is made up of several key parts crafted from various materials that contribute to its distinctive sound and appearance. Each of these components plays a crucial role in the double bass’s unique sound production.

The body, made of wood like maple for the back and sides and spruce for the top, provides the instrument’s resonant quality.

The neck and scroll, typically fashioned from harder woods such as maple, support the tension of the strings and contribute to the instrument’s overall stability and playability.

The fingerboard, often made from ebony due to its durability and smoothness, facilitates precise finger placement for the player.

Strings, originally crafted from gut but now more commonly made from steel or synthetic materials, produce the instrument’s rich tones when vibrated.

The bridge, carved from maple, transmits string vibrations to the body, amplifying the sound.

Different Types of Double Bass Instrument to Learn

There are various types of double basses available for musicians to learn, each suited for different musical styles and preferences.

Orchestral Double Bass

Optimized for classical music, offering deep, resonant tones.

• Pros: Rich sound, traditional design.
• Cons: Less versatile for other music genres.

Jazz Double Bass

Features a slightly lighter build for easier playability and improvisation.

• Pros: Great for jazz and blues.
• Cons: May lack the depth for classical pieces.

Electric Double Bass

A modern variant, ideal for amplified performances.

• Pros: Portable, versatile.
• Cons: Requires amplification, different feel from acoustic basses.

5-String Double Bass

Adds a lower or higher string for extended range.

• Pros: Wider musical range.
• Cons: More challenging to play due to added string.

Musical Origins of the Double Bass

The double bass evolved from the viol family of instruments during the 15th century, gradually adapting to the needs of orchestral and solo music over many centuries.

The name “double bass” reflects its role in complementing the bass line in music, being an octave lower than the cello in orchestral settings. Its designation as “double” in “double bass” originates from its foundational contribution to the bass section, essentially doubling the bass voice.

Famous Double Bass Players

Throughout the history of music, several double bass players have risen to prominence, leaving an indelible mark on the world of classical and jazz music.

These five musicians are celebrated for their exceptional skill, innovative techniques, and contributions to the repertoire of the double bass.

1. Giovanni Bottesini (Italy, 1821–1889) was known as the “Paganini of the double bass” for his virtuosic playing and compositions, elevating the double bass to a solo instrument in the 19th century.
2. Gary Karr (USA, born 1941) is a prominent double bass soloist who has inspired many with his rich tone and expressive performances, contributing significantly to the instrument’s modern repertoire.

3. François Rabbath (Syria, born 1931) revolutionized double bass technique with his innovative methods and has composed numerous works for the instrument, blending classical and contemporary styles.
4. Edgar Meyer (USA, born 1960) is renowned for his versatile performances that span classical, bluegrass, and jazz, showcasing the double bass’s versatility.
5. Charles Mingus (USA, 1922–1979) was a jazz double bassist and composer whose innovative approaches to music left a lasting legacy in jazz history.

Significant Double Bass Music

The double bass plays a foundational role in both orchestras and jazz bands, offering depth and warmth to the music.

Here are ten compositions which showcase the instruments breadth of musical sound.

1. Giovanni Bottesini – Concerto No. 2 in B Minor for Double Bass (1863): A virtuosic piece showcasing the instrument’s lyrical potential.

2. Sergei Koussevitzky – Double Bass Concerto in F# Minor, Op. 3 (1902): A staple in the repertoire that combines technical challenges with rich melodies.
3. Domenico Dragonetti – Concerto for Double Bass in A Major (late 18th century): Highlights the instrument’s capabilities in the classical era.
4. François Rabbath – Poucha Dass (1968): A contemporary piece blending traditional and modern techniques.
5. Edgar Meyer – Concerto in D for Double Bass (1993): A modern work that bridges classical and bluegrass elements.
6. Charles Mingus – “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat” (1959): A jazz composition demonstrating the double bass’s expressive range in ensemble settings.
7. Johann Matthias Sperger – Concerto No. 15 in D Major for Double Bass: Exhibits the classical elegance and virtuosity of the double bass.

8. Teppo Hauta-aho – Kadenza (1978): A solo piece emphasizing contemporary techniques and improvisation.
9. Paul Hindemith – Sonata for Double Bass and Piano (1949): A 20th-century work showcasing the lyrical and technical capabilities of the double bass.
10. Nino Rota – Divertimento Concertante (1968): A lively piece that explores the instrument’s expressive range.

Instruments Similar to a Double Bass

Exploring instruments similar to the double bass introduces us to a variety of stringed instruments that share characteristics in sound, playing techniques, or physical attributes.

Here are five additional instruments that share a very close lineage with the double bass.

1. Cello: Smaller than the double bass, the cello produces a wide range of tones, from deep and rich to bright and vibrant, serving as a critical component in orchestral and chamber music.
2. Viola: Though it looks similar to a violin, the viola has a deeper sound, filling the middle range of the string section in orchestras and ensembles.
3. Violin: The smallest and highest-pitched member of the string family, violins lead in melody across many music genres, from classical to folk.
4. Electric Upright Bass: A modern variation of the double bass, it offers a similar sound in a more portable form, often used in jazz, rock, and pop settings.
5. Gamba (Viola da Gamba): A historical instrument from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, the viola da gamba comes in different sizes, producing a softer sound than the cello or double bass.