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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]].
The '''double bass''' or '''contrabass''' 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.
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.
==History==
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.
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.
The double bass's origins are still disputed. While generally considered a memeber of the [[violin]]amily, the double bass features several notable differences. Included among these differences is a slimmer design on the top of the instrument, deeper dimensions front to back, and tuning in fourths instead of fifths. Each of these charecteristics is more typical of the [[viol]] family rather than the violin. However, many still believe that the double bass was an original member of the violin family.
The double bass – called here “the bass” - has come into its own as the rhythm section in many modern bands as plucked instrument. Common styles featuring the bass (also known as an upright bass) include [[jazz]] and [[blues]], as well as some rock music.
==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.
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.
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For the electric instrument, see [[Bass Guitar]]
For the electric instrument, see [[Bass Guitar]]
[[Category:String Instruments]]
[[Category:String Instruments]]