The Switch to Double Bass

[TaurusV]

I'm sure this thread has already been done but I couldn't find it. I am an enthusiastic five string electric bass player, I have learned the entire neck, and played many different genres but primarily jazz (because it gets more gigs.) Anyway I am wondering if anyone else started playing electric bass then switched to double bass. I know that it's tuned the same but the spacing is much farther apart. Does that take a long time to get used to? Also can anyone suggest a good brand of Double Bass that makes quality basses at a reasonable price for a beginner? Thanks!

[Bellbass]

I'll be the first to tell you to read the newbie threads. You have tons of very valuable information in there (to know the basics to start you off in choosing and playing a DB). I made the switch three months ago and if the journey is very fulfilling, it's been a uphill road! The DB is a totally different animal then EB and you need to be patient and work hard to get results that will satisfy the bass player in you. But playing it is so joyfull ...

As they say in this part of the musical jungle: "Welcome to the Dark Side".

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

I started DB about 6 weeks ago and it has been both a physical and mental challenge. Buy or rent a ply or hybrid bass, properly setup for you and then get a good teacher. Don't attempt to teach yourself because DB fingering and technique are a different animal.

My advice is to go for it. Learning the DB is making me a better BG player as well.

[Norwegianwood]

Go for it!

It´s gonna take blood sweat and tears, but a whole lot of fun as well!!

Double Bass demands ALOT of attention. But it´s an amazing instrument, and you´ll not regret it.

My only two advices are the most important of them all: Get lessons and practice!

[Uncletoad]

Originally Posted by Norwegianwood

My only two advices are the most important of them all: Get lessons and practice!

+1. It's a totally different animal. Learn it from the ground up and the BG stuff will help after you get the fundamentals. Try to adapt BG technique and yer sunk.

[oleman]

I'm about a year into DB and now I feel like a bass player rather than a guitar player with just thick strings. Very sound advice from all the previous posts!!

[spdrswb]

Hello,

+1 for all statements.

- Go for it!
- Get a DB, well set but not expensive.
- Start from scratch, take the left hand position seriously.
- Get a teacher.
- Learn with a bow.

For me, it made my BG playing much better, in spite of the differences.