A question from the other side.

[peaveyuser]

Hi guys never really posted here before, if your annoyed by long posts just go to the second paragraph to get to the basic question, if not just keep reading.



I used to play double bass a long time a go (4 years ago when I was starting HS) anyways that was my first experience with bass, and I eventually got an electric. So after that first year I got out of the music program and started learning electric by myself. Needless to say I still liked the instrument but I didn't like the way they taught it (Orchestra music only, had to use the bow all the time even on songs that allowed you to use fingers, sorry bow guys but just for that i now HATE using one, I was always more of a finger player). But anyways it's the last year of HS now and I realized how much knowledge I lost on theory and such because of quiting especially since I'm gonna need that theory since want to study music in college next year.

So anyways to the point a music teacher was nice enough to let me try the double bass again (once, kinda but I'm guessing if I can show some skill I might be able to play on it in some extra curricular music programs). So I am aware your instrument is very different and requires different techniques and such, but I was wondering If I had some fairly good technique on electric bass if the double bass would come a bit easier than if I was a beginner, is the jump from electric to double THAT big or will I be a bit familiar. I know I used to play it but I was young and didn't know much about the instrument back then either so I might be a wee bit familiar, otherwise then that my electric bass playing is the closest thing I know.


Thanks a lot guys sorry for the long post, I heard you guys are a lot more civilized then us neadrathals on the Electric bass forum, so I'm hoping the advice will be better

[reedo35]

Other than reading the same clef, they are two very different instruments. Almost everything is different- Hand position, body position, pizz technique, bow technique, sound production, intonation, and on and on.BUT when you play your electric again, it will feel like a toy (which is why we sometimes refer to BG as the toybass around here)There is nothing- no sampler or simulator, or EQ or Pickup that sounds like a Double bass. Bottom line, (pardon the pun) is that it is a difficult instrument to play well, but it is well worth it. I would encourage you to go for it as if you are starting a new instrument and forget any pre-concieved notions that you have of Upright vs. Electric.

[bassist1962]

I played DB in high school, and quit after graduation to pursue bass guitar exclusively. I picked it back up after 25 years, and had to do some relearning. I feel the same way you do, like I missed out on some valuable learning experiences by not playing the instrument. The main thing I had to relearn was how physical the instrument is. If your teacher can help with the physical approach to the instrument, that would be a major help. If not, find someone who can.
As far as actual playing (I will probably get slammed for this) just like bass guitar, it's subjective (for me anyway). Your tastes, education and experience will dictate that.

[Andrew McGregor]

It's worth doing. Learning the double bass will help you understand your electric bass much better, and you need the theory. Do learn the bow too, it's part of the deal. And play in the orchestra, there's nothing like it. Orchestra is all about teamwork, so do what the part says, even if you think you know better (you might, but it isn't your call).

[peaveyuser]

Thanks guys for the advice. This will really help me out, I hope I like it when I try it again my only worry is they cost a fortune and the school will for sure not let me borrow them.

As for the bow the reason I rather stay away from it and got tired of it was because it was the ONLY technique they seemed to think important, to be honest I'm not that interested in it in the first place seemed to put me off the instrument when it was forced. Orchestra looks like a good learning experience the music that is composed is great but then again I'm simply not that interested in playing in one long term, just personal preference. Sorry if you think I'm just some ignorant kid who doesn't know what he's doing but I know it's a very versatile instrument and would rather be playing in kinda jazz and rock and yes metal, I see those guys thumping up the double bass it's so cool. But of course I'll have to learn some classical technique if I get serious about it.

[PaulCannon]

Even if you have no plans on performing publicly with a bow, it will help build your left hand technique far quicker.

[bassist1962]

Originally Posted by PaulCannon

Even if you have no plans on performing publicly with a bow, it will help build your left hand technique far quicker.

+ 100. Yes, learn the bow, you never know what direction the music may take, so having as many tools in your arsenal as you can will definetly help.

[Andrew McGregor]

I think you really, really want to know the bow if you're thinking of metal on DB. Track down a recording of Shostakovitch's 10th symphony, listen to the second movement, and think metal… you'll see what I mean.