The Double bass

Lore & Background

The double bass's exact lineage is debated, with scholars divided on whether it derives from the viol or the violin family. It is generally regarded as a modern descendant of the violone, a large viol from 15th-century Europe. Before the 20th century, many double basses had only three strings, unlike the five to six strings of viols or four strings of violins. Its proportions differ from the violin and cello, being deeper and having more acutely sloped shoulders, similar to viols; many old basses had their shoulders cut or sloped to aid modern playing techniques.

Reader's Guide

The double bass is significant as the foundation of the orchestra's string section, providing the lowest pitches. Its use spans classical concertos, solo and chamber music, as well as jazz, blues, rockabilly, country, bluegrass, tango, folk, and film and video game soundtracks. It is a transposing instrument, notated one octave higher than tuned to avoid ledger lines. It is the only modern bowed string instrument tuned in fourths (E1, A1, D2, G2), like a bass guitar or viol. Played with a bow (arco) or plucked (pizzicato), it also employs slapping in rock and roll and rockabilly. In orchestral and tango music, both arco and pizzicato are used; in jazz, blues, and rockabilly, pizzicato is the norm. Its legacy includes a rich, resonant tone from its wood construction and long scale length, and the ability to produce dark, heavy low notes or delicate, mellow accompaniment. The instrument is often amplified in funk, blues, reggae, and related genres.

Did You Know?

• The double bass is the only modern bowed string instrument tuned in fourths rather than fifths.
• The instrument is played with a bow (arco), by plucking (pizzicato), or by slapping the strings for certain rock and roll and rockabilly styles.
• The double bass is sometimes confusingly called the violone, bass violin, or bass viol.

Common Misconceptions (Editorial)

Some people mistakenly think the double bass is simply a large violin or cello and is tuned in fifths like them, but it is the only modern bowed string instrument tuned in fourths. Others assume it has always had four strings, but before the 20th century many double basses had only three strings. Additionally, the instrument is sometimes confused with the violone, bass violin, or bass viol, though its exact lineage remains debated.

Why It Matters (Editorial)

The double bass endures because its deep, resonant voice provides the harmonic and rhythmic foundation across an extraordinary range of music, from classical orchestras to jazz combos and rockabilly bands. Its adaptability—played with a bow, plucked, or slapped—ensures it remains essential not only in traditional settings but also in film scores and modern genres, proving that even the largest instrument can bridge centuries of musical evolution.