New Hampshire Bass Fest NHBF Celebration Bottom End  header
Online School    Bookstore      
 

Double Bass Lessons One       (sample this course)

The double bass presents quite a physical challenge for most students.  It is a big instrument.  It speaks slowly.  The strings are high.  It is hard to hold with out flopping around.  It can sound scratchy and out of tune.  The bow is often out of control and feels like an odd appendage.  Practicing this bass can and often does wear you out in short order.  However, with good instruction and ample practice, the process of learning to play this big bass can be a successful one.  Besides, if you are as infatuated with the sound of this doghouse bass as I am, then all your struggles are just a labor of love.

Electric players who think they will just shift their ability to the upright have a surprise in store.  The two basses are different animals.  The fact that the strings are tuned the same is about all these two instruments have in common.  That said, we need a definitive approach to learning to play the double bass.  If you are a rank beginner to bass playing then you definitely need a systematic approach to avoid developing bad habits.  Double Bass Lessons is a comprehensive, 12-week course that will solidify and focus your practicing.

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • undestand the process for learning to play the bass violin
  • create an effective practice routine
  • produce as good sound with the bow and the fingers
  • develop basic hand postions and fingerings
  • perform selected scales and arpeggios

      12 weeks - $1145        Register Now

Course Instructor: Jim Stinnett             Prerequisite

Required Text: Strong Foundation

 

Double Bass Lessons One - Topical Outline       

Lesson 1: The Bass - The Bow

  • your instrument
  • siting vs. stanting
  • arco
  • open strings

Lesson 2: The Fingers - The Arm

  • pizzicatto
  • major scales
  • hand position

Lesson 3: Intonation

  • roots and 5ths
  • jazz blues
  • cycle of 4ths

Lesson 4: Bowing - Fingerings

  • scales
  • arpeggios
  • patterns
  • practice procedures

Lesson 5: Practice Routine

Lesson 6: Scales

Lesson 7: Etudes

Lesson 8: Strength and Endurance

Lesson 9: Match Pitch

Lesson 10: Chord Tones

Lesson 11: Your Sound

Lesson 12: The Next Step