ABSTRACT
The double bass survived the evolutionary process with less change than did the string instruments. The bass differs slightly in design from the other string instruments, having sloping and more rounded shoulders. The upper left arm is held away from the player’s body, with the wrist and the arch of the hand away from the neck so that the fingers can contact the string from as great a distance as possible. Fingers become sore, especially those of beginners, but they soon toughen with daily practice. Students often initially play first in the upper positions where the need for left-hand finger pressure is less. Vibrato on the bass is produced by the left forearm and wrist in a near-identical manner to cello vibrato. The beginning student should start with pizzicato playing using a wide circular motion, rotating the entire right arm at the shoulder to pluck the strings and “pull” the string sound from the bass.
