Search results
The double bass ( / ˈdʌbəl beɪs / ), also known as the upright bass, the acoustic bass, or simply the bass ( / beɪs / ), is the largest and lowest-pitched chordophone [1] in the modern symphony orchestra (excluding rare additions such as the octobass ). [2] Similar in structure to the cello, it has four or five strings.
- 15th–19th century
- Bass, upright bass, string bass, acoustic bass, acoustic string bass, contrabass, contrabass viol, bass viol, bass violin, standup bass, bull fiddle, doghouse bass, and bass fiddle
double bass, stringed musical instrument, the lowest-pitched member of the violin family, sounding an octave lower than the cello. It has two basic designs—one shaped like a viol (or viola da gamba) and the other like a violin—but there are other designs, such as that of a guitar. It varies considerably in size, the largest normally being ...
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
The double bass, or “bass,” is a prominent string instrument in classical and other music genres. As the largest and lowest-pitched string instrument, it’s known for its deep, resonant tones. Played with a bow or by plucking, it offers rhythmic and melodic support in various compositions, and has a rich history and evolving design.
People also ask
What is a double bass instrument?
What is another name for a double bass?
What is a double bass in jazz?
Why is a double bass important in music?
- 6 min
- The Double Bass is a (very) Big Instrument. While most stringed instruments are relatively manageable to hold, the double bass is quite a bit larger. It’s the largest bowed/plucked instrument in an orchestral line-up, meaning there are no bigger instruments that require a bow or finger plucking to play.
- The Double Bass Goes by Other Names. While the double bass is the official title for this instrument in most cases, it also has a few other names that you might hear it called occasionally.
- The Double Bass Isn’t Just for Orchestral Music. The double bass is probably one of the most versatile instruments in an orchestral lineup simply for the fact that you’ll find it in a lot of other genres of music.
- The Largest Double-Bass Was Absolutely Enormous. While the double bass is already pretty a big instrument, it wasn’t quite big enough for some. Built by Erwin Lustenberger in 2006, the largest double-bass to ever be constructed was called an Octobass and was over 18-feet tall and 7-feet wide!
Mar 11, 2023 · The double bass is one of the iconic instruments of jazz and it is present on most recordings. Also called the upright bass or string bass, it is usually played by plucking the strings while in classical music it is mostly played with a bow. Although the double bass is cumbersome, physically demanding to play and surprisingly quiet in volume ...
Nov 21, 2023 · The double bass is a popular jazz instrument. Before modern amplification, bass players would slap and pull the strings, which helped to amplify the sound. This slap style of playing has carried ...
Nov 22, 2023 · The Anatomy of a Double Bass. Anatomy of a Double Bass. Like most stringed instruments, the double bass has three main parts: headstock. neck. body. Each of these larger parts is then subdivided into smaller elements that play distinct roles to create the sound and allow you to play the double bass.
