As the largest member of the bowed string instrument family, the double bass can shape extremely low notes. Double basses are part of pretty much every symphony orchestra out there, but they're also often played in jazz bands.
A Bass-Focussed, Over-Sized Violin
While the shape of most orchestral string instruments is similar, it's clear that double basses have the brawniest build. That said, the instruments in the string family as a whole have a homogeneous sound, meaning all instruments from low (double bass) to high (violin) have a comparable timbre.
The Sound of a Double Bass
All bowed string instruments have a similar sound and require a similar playing technique. First off, there's the bowed sound, which is the most common articulation used in orchestras. While bowing, you can use the tremolo articulation to create a buzzy sound by moving the bow back and forth quickly. When it comes to the lowest registers of a double bass, this technique results in a barely, if at all recognisable pitch. Plucking the strings is called pizzicato - a playing style that's predominant in jazz since it's a style where the double bass typically plays the role of the bass guitar.
The Tuning of a Double Bass
There are four-string and five-string double basses. Four-string double basses have the same strings, range and standard tuning as bass guitars (E-A-D-G), while five-string double basses can go even lower, the reason for this being that they need to be able to accompany a cello. The lowest note a cello can reach is the C sitting just above the low E of a double bass or bass guitar. While a five-string double bass (B-E-A-D-G) can technically go as low as a low B, in practice, most compositions won't go any lower than a low C. Six-string double basses fitted with a high C exist too but are only ever used for solo work. In reality, you'd be hard-pressed to find a six-string double bass as part of an orchestra.
Electric Double Basses
If there's one downside to the double bass, it's the size. Getting a double bass to gigs or rehearsals can be a nuisance, which is something to keep in mind. Also, double basses can be quite loud - an 'issue' that has led to the invention of the electric double bass. While electric double basses are just as tall as acoustic double basses, they're a lot slimmer since they don't have a resonance chamber: the vibrations of the strings are simply captured by pickups before they're sent to a combo amplifier or a pair of headphones.
Double Bass vs. Cello
Double basses can be taller than the musician playing it. As such, double basses come with different scale lengths, like the popular 3/4 size or the symphony orchestra-standard 4/4 size. Just so you know, a 3/4-size double bass isn't three quarters of the size of a 4/4-size model; the difference is much smaller. If you can't help but feel like a double bass is too unwieldy for you, you can always opt for a cello. Granted, cellos can't dive quite as low as double basses, but they're better suited for playing melodies.
Double Bass and Other Bowed String Instrument Accessories
At Bax Music, you'll also find various accessories for bowed string instruments like double basses, including strings, maintenance gear and bowed string instrument parts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Double Basses
How do you play the double bass?
The double bass can be played in two ways: plucking (like a bass guitar) or bowing (like a violin). There are also several special articulations, like striking the strings with the bow.
What's a 3/4-size double bass?
A 3/4 double bass is a popular model that's a tad smaller than a full-size double bass. Double basses are rather large as standard, so 3/4-size models are more manageable for shorter people.
What's the difference between a cello and a double bass?
Double basses are massive and generally cover the bass. Cellos are smaller and pack a mid-low sound that can either enrich the sound of a double bass or take care of mid-range melodies.
What kind of sound does a double bass produce?
The bowed sound is deep and buzzy, while the plucked sound is a deep 'oomph'. That said, a double bass ensemble sounds completely different than a solo double bass, which goes for practically all fretless bowed string instruments.
How many strings does a double bass have?
Standard double basses have four strings. You'll sometimes see five-string double basses in larger orchestras. Six-string double basses are occasionally used for solo work.
