String Bass

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August 17th, 2005 admin Leave a comment Go to comments

How do i learn how to play String Bass?

So I got string bass for my instrument to play in school. My problem is that I already know the notes for oboe and instruments like that (I wanted oboe so bad and I put it for 1st choice but they gave me string bass) . So If already know those types of notes then how do I get them out of my system so I can learn String Bass notes?? I need help pretty soon. I start learning how to play in about a month.

Holding the Instrument and Playing Pizzicato
Steps
1Step OnePlan to stand while playing the acoustic bass.
2Step TwoGet a tall stool to relax on when not playing.
3Step ThreeAdjust the height of the instrument by using the floor pin.
4Step FourTune the four strings to matching pitches on the piano.
5Step FiveBe aware that the strings of the bass have the same names as the strings on the violin, but in reverse order. The highest string is G, then D, A and E all descending in pitch.
6Step SixRest your left hand on the upper part of the body of the bass.
7Step SevenPosition the nut of the fingerboard near the left side of your head at eye level.
8Step EightAllow the backside of the bass body to lightly touch your stomach.
9Step NinePlace your right thumb against the fingerboard at waist level.
10Step TenPluck the G string four times, using the pad of your right index finger.
11Step Eleven Repeat this on each string while saying the name of the string.
12Step Twelve Do this while mixing up the sequence of the strings plucked. This is pizzicato.
Tips & Warnings
Draw the string toward the right thumb, allowing it to “pop” loose to produce the pizzicato sound.
Avoid pulling the string out and away from the fingerboard. This action will often cause a “slapping” sound.
Using the Bow
Steps
1Step OneTighten the bow hair so that there is a 3/4-inch space between the hair and the bow at the closest point.
2Step TwoPlace your right thumb on the bow at the inside of where the frog creeps forward and back.
3Step ThreeLay your three middle fingers on the outside of the bow with your pinkie on top or near the adjustment screw.
4Step FourRest the side of your index finger – the part just above its second joint – on top of the bow stick.
5Step FivePlace the frog end of the bow hair on top of the G string, slightly below the end of the bass fingerboard.
6Step SixApply a slight bit of pressure on the bow and draw a straight line while vibrating the string. Stop near the bow tip.
7Step SevenMove the bow at a medium-slow and regular rate of speed. Focus on producing a steady and sonorous tone.
Tips & Warnings
Keep the bow hair at the same point on the string while playing.
There are two different bow construction styles. Some instrumentalists say the Butler bow affords more power for the production of a stronger sound. Some say the French bow, which is similar to a large violin bow, is better for agility and the accurate rendering of fast passages.
Avoid drawing a curved arc when pushing or pulling the bow over the strings.
Left Hand Fingering
Steps
1Step OnePlace your left thumb on the back of the neck about four inches below the nut.
2Step TwoMaintain an arch in your left index finger while pressing down on the G string with the pad of your finger tip.
3Step ThreePlay two pizzicato notes (no fingering) on the open G string, followed by two pizzicato notes on the same string while pressing the first finger down firmly.
4Step FourListen to the sound. The first finger pressed down on the G string produces the note A. This note is eight notes (an octave) higher than the open A string below.
5Step FivePlay the high A with your first finger on the G string. Then play the low A on the open string below. How well do they match in pitch?
6Step SixAdjust your finger placement on the G string to make the upper A match the lower.
7Step SevenPress down your second, third and fourth fingers on the G string when the first finger location is determined to be correct.
8Step EightPluck the string. This note is B, one step above the top line of the bass clef.
9Step NinePlay B – A – G – A – B – B – B and you’ve played your first tune, “Mary Had A Little Lamb.”
Tips & Warnings
Be relaxed and enjoy yourself.
It is OK if the pitches or rhythms are not “exact.” This will improve with regular practice and the development of good listening skills.
Keep your thumb positioned in the same place on the neck at this stage.
Lay the instrument flat on the floor near a wall when resting it rather than propping it up against a chair. It’s easy to trip over the neck.
Work on accuracy not speed during the initial learning stages.