There are a lot of stringed musical instruments . Many people ask: “Double bass - what is it?” This is a musical instrument similar to a large violin or cello. It has its own characteristics. For example, the technique of playing it is significantly different from other tools. It is often included in groups that play jazz. For people living in the post-Soviet space, double bass remains a Western instrument that belongs to a foreign culture. It is not too common.
Tool Features
You can often hear about double bass that the cello has the same device. Indeed, the instruments look similar in appearance, but they have a completely different timbre and purpose in an orchestra or group. Most modern double basses have four strings; those used in orchestras can have five or three.
The purpose of double bass is to provide bass sound for overall harmony.
Sometimes they say about double bass (what we already know): this is not a very necessary instrument, which is used only for the performances of a symphony orchestra. This is a completely wrong opinion. Double bass is used in ensembles playing in the style of jazz, cycobilly and others. Sometimes it is used to replace the bass.
Game technique
In a simplified explanation, you can hear about double bass that such a device is a big violin. Indeed, despite its impressive size (the instrument can reach two meters in height), it is played with a bow. In this case, a special technique is used, in which the bow is suspended. Due to the size of the instrument and the arrangement of the strings on it, the musician has a rather limited technique. On the double bass it is impossible to perform complex passages, play scales and make fast jumps.
In jazz and related genres, this instrument is played using the slap or pizzicato method - fingers finger the strings so that they produce muffled, characteristic clicks. In this case, the instrument sets the rhythm of the composition and can be used in ensembles that do not have percussion.
Where can I find double bass
If you rarely attend performances of a symphony orchestra or jazz bands, then this instrument in practice can be seen in concert recordings or in films. In particular, you can watch the film "Only Jazz in Jazz." One of the main characters, dressed as a woman, played on it. In close-ups, you can see how he uses the pizzicato technique characteristic of jazz.
Double bass is an instrument that can be said to glorify the Finnish quartet Apocalyptica. This is one of the most famous contemporary bands, using cello and double bass to create cover versions of rock songs. Often the group plays the classics. Double bass can be heard in the version of the work of Edward Grieg "In the Cave of the Mountain King" created by the Finnish quartet. In this case, the musicians use the bow technique.