Changes

The '''double bass''' or '''contrabass''' is the lowest-pitched of the bowed string family of instruments. It usually has four or five strings and in its four-stringed version is tuned an octave lower than the [[guitar]]'s four lowest strings, to the pitches E, A, D, G. Five-string basses have one lower string, tuned to a C.  

The '''double bass''' or '''contrabass''' is the lowest-pitched of the bowed string family of instruments. It usually has four or five strings and in its four-stringed version is tuned an octave lower than the [[guitar]]'s four lowest strings, to the pitches E, A, D, G. Five-string basses have one lower string, tuned to a C.  

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.  

Although it is an integral part of the modern [[orchestra]] (a large [[symphony]] orchestra will normally have six to eight), its poor projection power makes it problematic as a solo instrument. It gives weight, and power and occasional rhythm.  

==History==

==History==

==Playing the Double Bass==

==Playing the Double Bass==

The double bass is unique in the violin family that the instrument is played standing (though it can be played seated, it rarely is).  The double bass is also different from the other string instruments in that the instrument is frequently plucked, rather than bowed.  Orchestra music is most often bowed, but styles such as jazz and blues are almost exclusively plucked.

The double bass is unique in the violin family that the instrument is played standing (or half-sitting on a tall stool).  The double bass is also different from the other string instruments in that the instrument is frequently plucked, rather than bowed.  Orchestra music is most often bowed, but styles such as jazz and blues are almost exclusively plucked.

Playing the double bass can be very demanding due to the distance the player must move their hands along the instrument.  The larger the string instrument, the larger the spacing between the notes.  On a double bass, the spacings can be quite large, requiring the player to move their hands along the neck a great deal.

Playing the double bass can be very demanding due to the distance the player must move their hands along the instrument.  The larger the string instrument, the larger the spacing between the notes.  On a double bass, the spacings can be quite large, requiring the player to move their hands along the neck a great deal.