Fingering advice

[t-bag]

I have just got a double bass and am wondering about fingering. I have played the cello for many years and am tall, 6.3, with big hands. I cannot get a teacher till late November. Is it better to first learn the normal fingering i.e. 1 – 4 for a tone or should I start off experimenting with extended fingering? I am currently using the standard fingering from a scale book.

[quenoil]

I wouldn't get involved in extended fingerings on the bass without the guidance of a teacher who is expert in such things. Seems too easy to hurt yourself and develop some bad habits.

[Andrew McGregor]

For now, stick with standard Simandl fingering... it can't hurt to understand that system. Time enough for open hand later. We're only talking about a few weeks, after all.