Double Bass Double Bass F1st - 4th Positions

[Bottom Hammer]

I know this is a super noob question, but I have not been able to find a chart that shows where the notes are on the fingerboard. Can someone confirm that I have these notes in the right spot? I already know that several notes are both sharps and flats. I purposely used all sharps.


1st Position 1 F# B E A
2 G C F A#
4 G#C# F# B
2nd Position 1 G C F A#
2 G# C# F# B
4 A D G C
3rd Position 1 A D G C
2 A# D# G# C#
4 B E A D
4th Position 1 B E A D
2 C F A# D#
4 C# F# B E

 

[gnypp45]

That is correct. There are different systems, but these are the classic Simandl positions.

There is a system to the madness: Note that in each of these positions the 4th finger falls on a note in the C major scale on the G string.

 

[gnypp45]

Two online resources showing the Simandl positions:
String Bass Online - Fingering Chart
Invalid Link Removed

 

[Bottom Hammer]

Thanks @gnypp45 ! All of that is very helpful!

 

[CaseyVancouver]

Since you are new to upright, but play electric bass, the notes are the same. The fingering is different though.

Also, notes above the mid harmonics (thumb positions) are the same as the low positions so don't be afraid to venture around the whole board, as on electric. Once you are comfortible with the lower half of the bass, the upper half are simply the same notes.

If you avoid playing high it can become a mental block later. During practice I regularly play every note on the upright, same as electric.

Have fun.

 

[csrund]

Try a Google images search. Here are some that might help...

 

[PaulCannon]

For what it’s worth, I never found the Simandl position system particularly useful or necessary. And because people use different systems, it’s never completely clear what anybody means when they talk about positions.

I think Rabbath positions are a bit less convoluted, but to each his own.

 

[The Biz]

I always assumed the Simandl positions were merely indicated in order to understand what fingering you are supposed to use for the early exercises.

I don't think it changes anything in day to day playing.

 

[csrund]

For what it’s worth, I never found the Simandl position system particularly useful or necessary...

I agree. I've never thought in terms of position names, but rather in terms of “If I play this note with this finger, what other adjacent notes are available to all of the fingers.”

 

[Les Fret]

I agree. I've never thought in terms of position names, but rather in terms of “If I play this note with this finger, what other adjacent notes are available to all of the fingers.”

Yes this or use the EB or guitar system where they use a number for each fret or half step. Easiest and most logical system in the world. Why not apply that to upright? I do.

 

[shwashwa]

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a5/89/be/a589be3eb5ec94228e67f77fcec6bd57.jpg

 

[shwashwa]