Double Bass Bach D Minor Prelude, ending chords

[davidzgeorge]

Hi guys - I'm working on the prelude from Bach's d minor cello suite right now. my question here is about the last 5 bars, which are all 3-note chords. My teacher suggested doing up bow on the open A string, and down bow on the higher 2 notes. He said to finger the higher notes always with Thumb on the d string and 2 or 3 on the G string. My problem is, when I play up bow on the open A, my thumb on the d string is touching the A string which makes the note not speak sometimes, and if it does speak it is very muted. Does anyone have another suggestion of ways to bow/finger these 5 chords?

 

[atrombs]

try placing your thumb more where the thumb meets the nail and bring it farther from the A string. It will feel weird at first but once you get used to it I think it sounds better and is easier. Good luck!

 

[davidzgeorge]

thanks for the suggestion - that's what i assumed i'd have to do, although you're right, it's pretty uncomfortable when first trying it.