What is the difference between a double bass and a contrabass?

double bass, also called contrabass, string bass, bass, bass viol, bass fiddle, or bull fiddle, French contrebasse, German Kontrabass, stringed musical instrument, the lowest-pitched member of the violin family, sounding an octave lower than the cello.

Is double bass hard to learn?

The double bass is a tough master – demanding strength, stamina and proper technique from its player. As the root of the orchestra, musical and rhythmic accuracy are imperative to the success of the whole – requiring plenty of practice and repetition.

Why is it called double bass?

The origin of the name of the double bass stems from the fact that its initial function was to double the bass line of large ensembles. 3. This hefty instrument has several nicknames including contrabass, string bass, bass, bass viol, bass fiddle, or bull fiddle.

What bass is used in jazz?

Jazz bass is the use of the double bass or electric bass to improvise accompaniment (“comping”) basslines and solos in a jazz or jazz fusion style. Players began using the double bass in jazz in the 1890s to supply the low-pitched walking basslines that outlined the chord progressions of the songs.

What strings does a contrabass have?

The conventional contrabass has four strings, although some models may have three or five. The five-string model is more commonly found in continental European orchestras.

What is the lowest note a contrabass can play?

Pitch range The lowest note of a double bass is an E1 (on standard four-string basses) at 41.20 Hz or a B0 (when 5 strings are used) at 30.87 hertz, and the highest notes are almost down at the bridge.

How long does it take to learn double bass?

Usually we would expect a child to start on 1/8 for two years, then 1/4 for another two or three years, 1/2 for two or three, then somewhere between 13 and 15 year olds, they would move to 3/4. Most “full size” double basses that you see, especially in orchestral settings, are actually 3/4 size!

What key is double bass in?

F
The bass (or F) clef is used for most double bass music.

What is a stand up bass called?

Upright Bass, Double Bass, String Bass, Bass Viol, Contrabass, Bass Fiddle, Bull Fiddle, Acoustic Bass, Standup Bass, Doghouse Bass… (there is no difference among these, they’re just different names for the same thing).

How many strings does a contrabass have?

four strings
Tuning and Range The conventional contrabass has four strings, although some models may have three or five. The five-string model is more commonly found in continental European orchestras.

Why are double basses so big?

To accommodate the additional fifth string, the fingerboard is usually slightly widened, and the top slightly thicker, to handle the increased tension. Most five-string basses are therefore larger in size than a standard four-string bass. Some five-stringed instruments are converted four-string instruments.

Is stand up bass hard to play?

The Upright Bass is a very physical instrument – you will need to play much harder to create the sound. This may feel very unnatural to begin with especially if you are used to playing electric / bass guitar. Over time you will build strength in your hands and your ‘sound’ will get better and better.

Is playing bass healthy?

The bass not only helps your musical ear and body, but helps encourage brain health as well.

How tall should you be to play double bass?

Double Bass Size Guide and bow options

Height	Double Bass size	Age
3’6″-4′	1/8	5-7
4′-4’6″	1/4	7-9
4’6″-5′	1/2	9-13
5’+	3/4	13+/Average Size Adult

What key is contrabass in?

Bb
Contrabass Clarinets. Description: The contrabass clarinet is pitched in the key of Bb, and parts for it are universally written transposed in treble clef, as if it were a Bb soprano clarinet. Thus, the pitch played will sound two octaves and one whole step lower than written.

What are double bass player called?

Terminology. A person who plays this instrument is called a bassist, double bassist, double bass player, contrabassist, contrabass player, or simply bass player.

What is the string section of an orchestra?

The string section is not only the biggest section of an entire orchestra, it’s also considered to be its “workhorse”. It can provide beautiful soaring melodies and cinematic epic rhythms, and color the sound in wonderful ways. The string section is made of the following instruments: 1st Violins– they the soprano voice of the section.

What is the largest string instrument in the orchestra?

Double Basses– the bass instrument of the string section, with a very dark and heavy sound, it’s the largest string instrument. Definitely not an instrument useful for fast-paced melodies.

Which violin strings are strongest?

Violins– the smallest of the strings, they made two sections, the first and second violins. Very strong and warm in its lower register, and very bright in its upper register. Usually, the 1st violins play higher than the 2nd violins, but this isn’t a set-in-stone rule.

What instruments are in the wind section of the orchestra?

Winds section– it is made of the following instruments: Piccolo – usually 1 Flute – usually 2, sometimes 3 Clarinet – usually 2, sometimes 3 Oboe – usually 2, sometimes 3 Bassoon – usually 2 or 3 Contrabassoon, 1 1 English Horn Brass section– it is made of the following instruments: