The
Double Bass
Also known
as the contrabass, the double bass is the largest and lowest
member of the string family. It evolved from the Viol da Gamba
family of instruments which had frets and were all held between
the knees to play. In Italy around 1600 the double bass developed
in shape towards the violin family, with a swell back and the
corners more pointed. By 1800 frets had disappeared and instruments
were smaller in size but it is not really until the beginning
of the 20th centuary do we see the modern day double bass with
4 (or 5) strings completely established.
A very versatile
instrument, the double bass not only provides the bass line
in symphony and chamber orchestras, but is also very prominent
in rock, jazz and folk as well as classical styles of music.
Being very closely related to the bass guitar, many double bass
players find it a natural progression to play the bass guitar
as well.
Because
of the size of the instrument it has been difficult in the past
to learn it from an early age but with smaller basses available
in 1/8, 1/4 and 1/2 sizes there is no reason why someone as
young as 6 or 7 cannot start to learn. The double bass is large
but it is not heavy, it will fit into almost any car and with
items like wheels, trollies and back straps available it can
be moved around without too many problems.
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Below
you will find links to some simple double bass lessons. |
