Double Bass from double bass to cello

[lan]

Hello, if I play well on double bass will it be easier for me to learn to play cello?

 

[s van order]

I played double bass and mainly play cello now. Having played a bowed instrument well, as you indicated, will sure help and get you quickly started. You’d best find a good cello teacher out of the gate to guide you through the transition to cello technique. I did not and spent a few years unwinding the improper parts of technique I transferred from DB. Bowing technique is somewhere between violin/viola and DB. Bow hold is not as deep in the hand as DB, quicker finger flexibility needed in quick string crossings. Vibrato is similar to DB but ime DB uses more shoulder and is wider, cello more elbow open and close, speed varies more. Tuning in fifths just takes time to adapt. You read a lot more tenor and treble clef. And you can sing with it! Quickly switching from/to melody, harmony and bass lines in orchestra pieces. It’s a fun challenge. Have fun if you try it.

 

[Ludwig]

I have played several years on cello before switching to double bass as my main instrument (joined the musical group of my wife, that was missing a bass player). I don't think, that the cello playing helped that much with learning the bass.
Different tuning between bass and cello: You see one note, but have to press at an other place. use a different finger ==> sight reading is difficult at first, with very fast pieces I have still problems after several years of playing both cello and bass.
Hand shape, use of fingers and finger spacing is somewhat different, too.
Playing both instruments seated and using france bow grip on both seams to help with bow control on both instruments.
Maybe having a totally different instrument as second instrument is easier then having lots of similiarities between the instruments and having to keep the differences straight. In any case, usually only one instrument gets enough practice time, the other instrument suffers, you just are keeping your level there, if you are lucky.
But there are musicians who can play both bass and cello well.
It really depends on you, if the double bass playing will help or hinder you with learning cello, nobody can predict that.

 

[lan]

I played double bass and mainly play cello now. Having played a bowed instrument well, as you indicated, will sure help and get you quickly started. You’d best find a good cello teacher out of the gate to guide you through the transition to cello technique. I did not and spent a few years unwinding the improper parts of technique I transferred from DB. Bowing technique is somewhere between violin/viola and DB. Bow hold is not as deep in the hand as DB, quicker finger flexibility needed in quick string crossings. Vibrato is similar to DB but ime DB uses more shoulder and is wider, cello more elbow open and close, speed varies more. Tuning in fifths just takes time to adapt. You read a lot more tenor and treble clef. And you can sing with it! Quickly switching from/to melody, harmony and bass lines in orchestra pieces. It’s a fun challenge. Have fun if you try it.

Thank you.

 

[lan]

I have played several years on cello before switching to double bass as my main instrument (joined the musical group of my wife, that was missing a bass player). I don't think, that the cello playing helped that much with learning the bass.
Different tuning between bass and cello: You see one note, but have to press at an other place. use a different finger ==> sight reading is difficult at first, with very fast pieces I have still problems after several years of playing both cello and bass.
Hand shape, use of fingers and finger spacing is somewhat different, too.
Playing both instruments seated and using france bow grip on both seams to help with bow control on both instruments.
Maybe having a totally different instrument as second instrument is easier then having lots of similiarities between the instruments and having to keep the differences straight. In any case, usually only one instrument gets enough practice time, the other instrument suffers, you just are keeping your level there, if you are lucky.
But there are musicians who can play both bass and cello well.
It really depends on you, if the double bass playing will help or hinder you with learning cello, nobody can predict that.

Thank you.

 

[Reiska]

Hi, I`d love to own a cello. I messed with 5ths tuning on the DB for a while, and when I get my hands on a cello nowadays I immediately find the notes and am able to play simple stuff in tune. If you`re not familiar with 5ths tuning it takes a while to figure it out, but otherwise if your anything like me the rest will feel easy. Give it a go, it`s a lovely instrument!!!

 

[AGCurry]

Hello, if I play well on double bass will it be easier for me to learn to play cello?

I don't see how it could NOT help.

 

[Deltatim]

Anyone interested in cello use as the bass department should check out "The Dead South". Thus kid does magnificent things with a cello on a strap. Cool groupe.

 

[210superair]

Anyone interested in cello use as the bass department should check out "The Dead South". Thus kid does magnificent things with a cello on a strap. Cool groupe.

That's how I play my cello live as well. I record sitting tho.

I never played a cello in my life, only been playing ub some odd number of years. My cello is strung in 4ths, so I didn't have the learning curve with that, but if you're comfortable with 5ths I'd recommend staying with that, as I can tell with mine that it doesn't lend itself to melody lines. And the bass fingering is much more forgiving. If you move to cello, be prepared for a time period of frustration and sour notes.

 

[downunder]

I play Bass and cello. Have a regular 5th-tuned cello, and one I tune in 4ths like a bass, 8va. It does help to know one if you want to play the other. Particularly the 4th tuning cello is a pretty easy switch. it's a little like electric bass in a way. Helicore has a set of strings tuned in 4ths.