Double bass

The double bass is the lowest-pitched of the bowed string family of instruments. It usually has four or five strings and is tuned an octave lower than the cello.

Although it is an integral part of the modern orchestra (a large symphony orchestra will normally have six to eight) there are no well-known works for it in the classical repertoire. It gives weight, and power and occasional rhythm.

It developed from the early baroque “violone”, and by early classical times was more numerous than cellos in orchestral ensembles. Boccherini wrote various quintets with double bass instead of two ‘cellos. It is also included in Schubert’s “Trout” Quintet, his Octet and Dvorak’s String Quintet.

The double bass – called here “the bass” - has come into its own as the rhythm section in many jazz combinations, as a plucked instrument.

Reference: "Groves Dictionary of Music".

For the electric instrument, see bass guitar