Want to start double bass lessons?
That’s great news. The double bass is such an amazing and versatile instrument and can be so satisfying to play. It’s such a great experience to produce those huge low notes and to feel the whole instrument come alive. It may be huge and cumbersome and can take a while for your body (especially your hands) to get used to it but pretty soon you’ll have tamed the beast and will be able to play that vital, often unsung role as the anchor of the band / ensemble.
All lessons will be planned with your specific requirements in mind. Every musician is unique, improves in different areas at different speeds and has different aims and objectives. Therefore I certainly don’t follow any set ‘formula’. We will form an initial plan during your ‘taster’ session but this can be adapted as we go along and I strongly encourage you to communicate any concerns or if at any point you feel you need a change of direction or emphasis.
Your Lessons may cover many aspects of double bass playing. For example:
Beginners:-
- Basic right hand technique – Producing that big bass sound!
- Introduction to the bow
- Correct left hand positions (Generally I like to give a thorough grounding in correct ‘Simandl’ technique)
- Creating simple basslines
- ‘Transcribing’ and playing your favourite bass parts
Intermediate:-
- Introduction to the ‘Upper register’ (Thumb position)
- Chord theory
- Playing in a ‘rhythm section’
- Creating your own basslines
- Jazz ‘walking bass’
- Bowing – Classical studies etc
- Bach preludes or cello suites
Advanced:-
- Advanced jazz harmony
- Advanced jazz soloing
- Classical etudes
- Developing your unique artistic identity
This is obviously not an exhaustive list but covers some of the likely areas of study