Double Bass Care & Maintenance Page

The Basics

Take Special Care

• Follow vour teacher's instructions when removing the instrument from the case.
• Protect your instrument from heat, cold, and quick changes in temperature.
• Always wipe off the instrument with a soft dry cloth. Be sure to remove all fingerprints and rosin.

Holding Your Instrument

The best way to learn to play your instrument is to practice one skill at a time. Repeat each step until you are comfortable demonstrating it for your teacher and classmates.

Holding The Double Bass (sitting)

Step 1: Remove the bow from the case and put it in a safe place. Open the case and remove the bass. Identify all parts of the bass.

Step 2: Adjust the length of the end pin so that the nut of the bass is near the top of your forehead when standing.

Step 3: Sit squarely on the front half of the stool withyour right foot on the floor and your left foot on a rung of the stool. Place the end pin in front of your left foot about one arm's length away.

Step 4:
Rotate the bass slightly to the right and lean the bass toward your body so that the upper bout rests against the left side of your stomach. Identify the letter names of each string: E(lowest pitch), A,D, G. Raise your right index finger over the strings and pluck them as directed by your teacher. Plucking the strings is called pizzicato, and is abbreviated pizz.

Holding The Double Bass (standing)

Step 1: Remove the bow from the case and put it in a safe place. Open the case and remove the bass. Identify all parts of the bass.

Step 2: Adjust the length of the end pin so that the nut of the bass is near the top of your forehead when standing.

Step 3: Place the end pin in front of your left foot about one arm's length away. Place your left foot slightly forward.

Step 4:
Rotate the bass slightly to the right and lean the bass toward your body so that the upper bout rests against the left side of your stomach. Identify the letter names of each string: E(lowest pitch), A,D, G. Raise your right index finger over the strings and pluck them as directed by your teacher. Plucking the strings is called pizzicato, and is abbreviated pizz.

Information above provided by Hal Leonard from the Essential Elements Methods Books.

Demonstration Videos

Bass Anatomy

How To Rosin Your Bow

How To Hold Your Bass