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Double Bass Arco technique

T

Trevor Murphy

Oct 15, 2013
16
0
Concord, CA
#1
Ive been playing jazz doubling on acoustic and electric bass for about four years now. But I'm just starting to play classical in the college philharmonic. I've used the bow before but never seriously started to develop bowing technique until the past two months or so. I read all about bowing in Rufus Reid's 'The evolving Bassist' so I know you're suppose to relax your arm and all that jazz. But I still feel like I'm not developing proper technique. How do I know when my arm is relaxed enough? And if I'm letting the bow flow across the strings correctly? There are tons of little things I could use tips on, like string crossing, thumb position, intonation, volume, string buzz, arm tension/relaxation, bow position, vibrato. And also, how to keep the right balance when bowing the G string so that the bow doesn't touch the body of the bass.
It is a very complex instrument and there's a lot to cover, but I'd appreciate any tips on this from more experienced bassists.
 
#2
you are asking too much in one post. I never make this remark and don't like the 'teacher remark' because people say it all the time. Even when it is not necessary. But for these basic questions it is best to see a teacher. He or she can see what you do and react immediately and prevent you from learning wrong things. These things are hard to explain on a forum.
 
#4
Trevor,

I highly recommend watching Andy Anderson's instructional videos on Jason Heath's YouTube channel. Start with part two of his series:



And then continue through the rest. I've never met Andy, but he and I both studied under the same teacher, and I'm really impressed with Andy's own instructional technique. His videos make me want to take lessons from him!

All the best!
 
#5
There's a lot of good information on the internet, but it sounds like you need to get together with a qualified teacher who can watch you play and listen to the sound you're producing. I'm not trying to sound snarky, but you need instruction, not tips.

Using the bow is not just a right hand undertaking, your whole approach to the bass might need to change before things begin to sound good. We can get away with a lot only playing pizz, the bow exposes all of it.
 
#8
Trevor Murphy said:
How do I know when my arm is relaxed enough? And if I'm letting the bow flow across the strings correctly?
Click to expand...
When you get a great sound and it doesn't hurt if you play for an extended amount of time.

I've spent all of my adult life (and thousands of dollars in education) trying to answer your questions for myself. The strongest conclusion I can make is that using a bow is kind of hard.
 
#15
Trevor Murphy said:
Where can I find the Vance method?
Click to expand...
Search for "George Vance, Progressive Repertoire"

You should understand, however, that the books won't help much without a good teacher to guide you through them. You've already invested in the instrument and bow, right? Why not invest in learning how to use the damn things?
 
#19
PaulCannon said:
You should understand, however, that the books won't help much without a good teacher to guide you through them. You've already invested in the instrument and bow, right? Why not invest in learning how to use the damn things?
Click to expand...

Yes! The books give you material to work on, but you need instruction to go along with it. The method book won't tell you, for example, how much of the bow to use in a given section, or how to manage the cross-string slurs.
 

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