This instrument is tall and large, and it helps to have large, strong hands to play it. The acoustic bass is the foundation of the modern symphony orchestra and an essential part of any small jazz ensemble.
Instructions
Holding the Instrument and Playing Pizzicato
1. Plan to stand while playing the acoustic bass.
2. Get a tall stool to relax on when not playing.
3. Adjust the height of the instrument by using the floor pin.
4. Tune the four strings to matching pitches on the piano.
5. Be 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.
6. Rest your left hand on the upper part of the body of the bass.
7. Position the nut of the fingerboard near the left side of your head at eye level.
8. Allow the backside of the bass body to lightly touch your stomach.
9. Place your right thumb against the fingerboard at waist level.
10. Pluck the G string four times, using the pad of your right index finger.
11. Repeat this on each string while saying the name of the string.
12. Do this while mixing up the sequence of the strings plucked. This is pizzicato.
Using the Bow
13. Tighten the bow hair so that there is a 3/4-inch space between the hair and the bow at the closest point.
14. Place your right thumb on the bow at the inside of where the frog creeps forward and back.
15. Lay your three middle fingers on the outside of the bow with your pinkie on top or near the adjustment screw.
16. Rest the side of your index finger - the part just above its second joint - on top of the bow stick.
17.Place the frog end of the bow hair on top of the G string, slightly below the end of the bass fingerboard.
18. Apply a slight bit of pressure on the bow and draw a straight line while vibrating the string. Stop near the bow tip.
19. Move the bow at a medium-slow and regular rate of speed. Focus on producing a steady and sonorous tone.
Left Hand Fingering
20. Place your left thumb on the back of the neck about four inches below the nut.
21. Maintain an arch in your left index finger while pressing down on the G string with the pad of your finger tip.
22. Play 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.
23. Listen 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.
24. Play 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?
25. Adjust your finger placement on the G string to make the upper A match the lower.
26
Press down your second, third and fourth fingers on the G string when the first finger location is determined to be correct.
27
Pluck the string. This note is B, one step above the top line of the bass clef.
28
Play B - A - G - A - B - B - B and you've played your first tune, "Mary Had A Little Lamb."
