How does the double bass work?
A double bass is usually strung with four heavy strings pitched E1–A1–D–G; a fifth string is occasionally added—in 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.
What is the double bass used for?
The double bass is the largest and lowest pitched bowed string instrument used in the modern symphony orchestra. It is used extensively in Western classical music as a standard member of the string section of symphony orchestras and smaller string ensembles.
What is the double bass also called?
In jazz, blues, rockabilly and other genres outside of classical music, this instrument is commonly called the upright bass, standup bass or acoustic bass to distinguish it from the electric bass guitar. The double bass is sometimes confusingly called the violone, bass violin or bass viol.
How has the double bass changed over time?
When these wound bass strings became more prevalent, many bass players had the necks reset on their older double basses so that the strings could be set up closer to the fingerboard. Thanks to the advances with the steel wound bass strings, the playing style on the double bass also began to evolve during this time.
What famous person plays the double bass?
Historical double bassists such as Domenico Dragonetti (1763–1846) and Giovanni Bottesini (1821–1889) established a tradition for playing the instrument that was carried on in the 20th and 21st century with a number of double bass players.
How big is a half size bass?
To me, 1/2 size basses have a string length of 96 to 98 cm; 5/8, 100 to 102 cm; above that, with 104 to 106, 3/4; then, in the range of 107 to 108, 7/8 and, finally, 4/4, for length from 110. That’s for the string length.
Is Bass an instrument?
A bass musical instrument produces tones in the low-pitched range C4- C2. Basses belong to different families of instruments and can cover a wide range of musical roles. The electric bass guitar is usually the instrument referred to as a “bass” in pop and rock music.