This question has been bugging me for awhile...

[::::BASSIST::::]

Is the fingering on a traditional acoustic upright the same as an electric 4 string bass?

E A D G

etc etc?

Someday I may want to learn upright, but if the fretboard fingering is laid out completely different... not likely going to happen.

[dgelting]

Open strings are the same: E A D G

Fingering is kind of similar, but different to accomidate the longer string length (~42"). You don't use your third finger by itself. You use it along with your pinky to help out the little guy. You end up covering 3 "frets" with each hand position; fingering 1 - 2 - 4.

PS- if you're playing rockabilly, an upright seems like it would be strongly encouraged by your bandmates.

[Bluesy Soul]

Originally Posted by ::::BASSIST::::

Is the fingering on a traditional acoustic upright the same as an electric 4 string bass?

E A D G

etc etc?

Someday I may want to learn upright, but if the fretboard fingering is laid out completely different... not likely going to happen.

The strings are the same (i.e., E-A-D-G) but the fingering is defferent due to the longer scale length (42") of the double bass. Due to the longer distances between intervals, notes are played from specific hand positions.

There are some electric upright basses, however, that have fretless fingerboards like an acoustic double bass, but a 34" scale (long scale) of an electric bass.

Bluesy Soul

[::::BASSIST::::]

Originally Posted by dgelting

Open strings are the same: E A D G

Fingering is kind of similar, but different to accomidate the longer string length (~42"). You don't use your third finger by itself. You use it along with your pinky to help out the little guy. You end up covering 3 "frets" with each hand position; fingering 1 - 2 - 4.

PS- if you're playing rockabilly, an upright seems like it would be strongly encouraged by your bandmates.

Yeah, I am not going to capitulate to the pressure.

So if the scale is 42 inches does that mean your individual notes have a larger chunk of fretboard before you drift into the next note (in comparison to electric) or is there just more notes on the board?

Its the latter I'm guessing.

[Slax]

Coming from a mediocre double bass player, fingering is 1 2 4 as stated above. Intonation is key. Technique is a lot to do with it. Don't try double bass without a proper teacher, you'll end up hurting yourself in the long run.

The DB is a complete world away from EB. Please post on the DB forum for further input. They might but curt, but usually their input is worth it's weight in gold.

I've been playing DB for a while and don't see them as the same instrument, as many people do, it's a completely deferent monster. Just because you can play EB doesn't mean squat when it comes to DB.

Seriously, it's like learning a whole new instrument in the same register....

[svenbass]

Having made the switch 10 years ago, I can say that it hasn't been that difficult. It has, however, taken me all of those 10 years to learn how to play it well. It's pretty much a long term commitment that goes way beyond fingerboard layout.

My best advice would be to check one out for a couple of weeks if you can. Have a lesson or two with a good teacher, and you'll probably know whether it's for you or not.

good luck

[dgelting]

Originally Posted by ::::BASSIST::::

So if the scale is 42 inches does that mean your individual notes have a larger chunk of fretboard before you drift into the next note (in comparison to electric) or is there just more notes on the board?

Its the latter I'm guessing.

Not the latter, the former. There is a larger distance between notes. Do some reading about why the frets are where they are on your bass guitar and you'll understand why longer strings = more distance between notes.

You'll increase the number of notes on any instrument by just lengthing the fingerboard.

[Michael Case]

The double bass has the same four strings as the electric, so it is safe to assume that the notes on the fingerboard are the same. F will always follow E and Gb will always follow F you get the point. Like posted above you'll need to adjust your left hand technique using index (1) middle (2) and pinkie (4). The fingering stays the same until you reach the octave of the open string (on the electric it's the 12th fret), then you're in what's called "thumb position" which is fingered thumb, index, middle, and ring. The scale length can vary anywhere from 41 1/2" to about 43" depending on the size shape and make of a bass. One more point, the double bass requires you use your left arm differently than the electric.

It can be a big move, so you may want to be sure you TRULY want to play double bass.

[MadMan118]

I play both sides of the fence and upright is a whole other ballgame. I would defiantly recommend getting a good teacher.