The double bass is the largest and lowest-pitched bowed string instrument in the modern symphony orchestra. 2. The origin of the name of the double bass stems from the fact that its initial function was to double the bass line of large ensembles.
What does double mean in double bass?
In instrument names, the adjective “double” usually means the pitch of the instrument is an octave below the “normal size.” For wind instruments, the instrument is also double the length of the normal sized instrument – for example “double bassoon.” “Double” is also used for organ stops that sound an octave lower than
What is the difference between a bass and a double bass?
The difference between a bass guitar and a double bass is that the bass guitar is smaller, it’s held perpendicular to the player’s body, it’s often amplified via a bass amplifier, and it’s played with fingers or a pick. Double basses are larger, they’re stood upright, and they can be played with a bow.
Why is it called contra bass?
The terms for the instrument among classical performers are contrabass (which comes from the instrument’s Italian name, contrabbasso), string bass (to distinguish it from brass bass instruments in a concert band, such as tubas), or simply bass.
Where did the double bass originate?
Origins and history
The double bass is generally regarded as the only modern descendant of the viola da gamba family of instruments, a family which originated in Europe in the 15th century, and as such it can be described as a “bass viol.”
Can a bass guitarist play double bass?
A bass guitarist will be able to play the double bass to some extent. This is because the tuning and role of the instruments are the same. Due to the double bass being bigger and fretless, bass guitarists generally struggle with picking the strings, intonation, and finger positioning when playing it.
Who invented double bass?
Louie Bellson
While it may seem like double bass is a new evolution in the 21st century, it can actually be traced back to Louie Bellson.
Is double bass hard to learn?
The double bass is a tough master – demanding strength, stamina and proper technique from its player. As the root of the orchestra, musical and rhythmic accuracy are imperative to the success of the whole – requiring plenty of practice and repetition.
What is a big guitar called?
What is a Guitarron? The Guitarrón is a large bass guitar. Guitarrón translates to large guitar – the suffix means big or large. It has 6 strings – 3 that are nylon wound with a nylon monofilament core or nylon fibers, and 3 that are steel, bronze or copper wound with a single steel string core.
What is a stand up bass called?
The double bass is the largest and lowest pitched string instrument used in modern orchestras. Sometimes it is called the contrabass, string bass, upright bass, or bass fiddle.
What is another name for double bass?
double bass, also called contrabass, string bass, bass, bass viol, bass fiddle, or bull fiddle, French contrebasse, German Kontrabass, stringed musical instrument, the lowest-pitched member of the violin family, sounding an octave lower than the cello.
Why is the double bass tuned in fourths?
“Tuning in fourths, although it reduces the range of the open strings, has now become the generally recognised choice for the double bass.” It allows for a four-stringed instrument, which reaches most of the desired range, to be able to execute rapid scale passages with minimal left-hand position changes (shifts).
Is there anything lower than contrabass?
Instruments tuned below contrabass instruments, such as the double contrabass flute or subcontrabass saxophone, may be referred to as “double contrabass,” “triple contrabass,” “subcontrabass,” or “octocontrabass” instruments.
How heavy is a double bass?
20-25 lbs
So how much does a double bass weigh? For the most part, you’ll be looking at 20-25 lbs for the instrument itself and another 45 lbs for the case to carry it in.
How loud is a double bass?
RESULTS
| Instrument | Left ear (dBA) | Right ear (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum | Minimum | |
| Viola | 98.6 | 82.1 |
| Cello | 87.1 | 81.5 |
| Double bass | 86.1 | 84.5 |
Is a double bass a cello?
Although the cello and double bass are the largest instruments in the string family, there is a substantial difference in their size. The double bass measures in at about 6 feet long and is the largest instrument in the string family, while the cello is slightly smaller in nature.
Is stand-up bass hard to play?
It’s definitely difficult. I’ve been an upright jazz bassist for a while now, and even though it’s hard, it’s just that much more rewarding. Nothing beats the tone of an upright bass played correctly. As to why it’s difficult, well there’s a few reasons.
Is bass like playing guitar?
The bass guitar is typically slightly larger than the standard electric or acoustic guitar. With four strings, it is quite similar to the guitar, except for the fact that its notes are about an octave lower than the guitar. Because of this, its typical role in a band is to act as a supporting instrument.
Can you play bass if you play electric guitar?
There is no problem with that – you can study and practice both at the same time. Τhere is no reason why your development in the guitar can prevent you from playing bass or vice versa. Having said that, let me go through some specific points that will help you, in order to get better in both instruments.
Did Black Sabbath use double bass?
In the 1970’s rock really began taking advantage of the double bass drum setup. Bill Ward from Black Sabbath and Billy Cobham both began using double bass drums with aggressive and technical footwork within songs and drum solos.
Why is a floor tom called a floor tom?
The hi-tom and mid-toms are often referred to as ‘rack toms’, as they sit either on or over the bass drum using a rack stand. The floor tom is the lowest pitched tom. It is called a floor tom as it often comes with legs that sit the tom on the floor.