Is The Double Bass Harder To Play? (DB One)

[bassdude7907]

Yeah I took the advice and I did it. So tell me is it harder? I know it's fretless but tell me what you think about it.

[D McCartney]

Originally Posted by bassdude7907

Yeah I took the advice and I did it. So tell me is it harder? I know it's fretless but tell me what you think about it.

I don't think it is any harder to play than a violin or a piano. IMO, the double bass is a different instrument than any other, so comparison as to difficulty doens't make sense to me.

[bassteban]

I think the OP means 'Is it(DB)harder than BG(slab)'

[Andrew McGregor]

People often compare it to bass guitar. And, well, it is much harder work and you need more physical training... but it takes about as long and about as much practice to get good at either.

[Gearhead43]

I play both instruments, and I'd say yes it is a more difficult instrument to learn and especially to master. IMO, etc, blah blah blah.

[Marcus Johnson]

At this point, I have a much harder time on the slab... because I can't really hear where I want to go as clearly. It's more contrived in my case.

Physically, they're about the same level of effort for me.

[bassteban]

Marcus, have you not played DB longer than the OP's been alive? Not that that would prove anything, mind you...

[Jefenator]

For a lot of Jazz styles, the double bass is easier IME.

[Marcus Johnson]

Originally Posted by bassteban

Marcus, have you not played DB longer than the OP's been alive? Not that that would prove anything, mind you...

Yeah, I have... but I've also played the slab, his age x 3! Yikes...

My point was, playing any instrument becomes much easier if you can hear the sound, the intent, in your head before you even touch the instrument. It seems that the right instrument often finds the player, rather that the other way around.

Some guys, like Vic Wooten and Jeff Berlin and Jaco and Marcus Miller, seem like they were just born to play slab. To play at the musical level that they do is very difficult indeed.

[JtheJazzMan]

Nah its pretty easy to play.

"You just move your left hand and pluck the strings right" as a friend once told me.

*individual difficulty may vary

[bobknowsbass]

yes

[MDEbass]

Do I really need to answer this question?

[bassist1962]

It's a mindset. I feel that there are things that are harder on DB than on BG, and vice versa. I find it odd that when I do a doubling gig that the only time I actually hear myself is when I play the DB. That makes it easier for me to play DB. Thumb position/high register work is easier on BG.

[D McCartney]

Originally Posted by Marcus Johnson

Some guys, like Vic Wooten and Jeff Berlin and Jaco and Marcus Miller, seem like they were just born to play slab. To play at the musical level that they do is very difficult indeed.

Yes, kind of my point. If I could play on the piano the same notes as Brian Bromberg does on his bass does that mean the piano is easier?

[standupright]

harder than what? to me, it's a different mindset not to mention a completely different set of techniques and methods for playing. you're getting started young, that's a good thing. good luck.

[Gary Lynch]

"So tell me is it harder?"

If you play it properly, yes........