Double Bass Haydn 31

[bejoyous]

I'm relearning the solo from Haydn 31. I usually do this mostly on the G-string with a few A's and B's on the D-string.

I play with a DADG tuning and have found I can play the whole thing in "1st position" of the thumb positions. I have found I do not have to shift, the same finger always plays the same note and it maximizes the number of harmonics to improve intonation.

Any thoughts?

 

[Dbass926]

I think it really depends on the purpose for which you're working this solo up. If you are preparing for an audition or to perform with an orchestra, I don't think that the single position approach, which includes a lot of string crossings and notes high on the A string, would be ideal. Some basses are more conducive to that approach, and yours could well be one, so don't let my thoughts prevent you from exploring this fingering. I would try that out as a study in Rabbath thumb position.

A lot of players arrive at the D/G string approach for clarity of tone and line. I personally came up with some interesting low-thumb-position approaches that alleviate some of the constant shifting drawbacks and make it a little easier to make music. I'd be happy to share what I've come up with.

Learning this solo with a lot of different fingering approaches can only be a positive thing.
Good luck!

 

[MikeCanada]

How does it sound? If you learn it both ways and record it both ways, even if it is on your phone or another non-ideal recording device, you will likely find your answer. I would recommend placing whatever your recording device or microphone is away from the instrument, so you get a better sense of how it sounds in the room instead of right next to the instrument.

Some basses sound great in that part of the instrument, and playing higher up on the lower strings really isn't an issue. Some seem to be that way, but when you hear it from a bit more of a distance, it is a different story. Quite often it doesn't carry nearly as well, even if it seems to sound loud enough under your ear.

Depending on what the sound is like, you also have to ask yourself about other aspects as well. How is your tuning played this way vs. only on the top two strings? Is it musically better one way or the other? Does compromising tone (however big or small that compromise might be) for a note or two mean that you can otherwise make it sound better? Are you going to be playing it in an environment where your unconventional choice could work against you regardless to what it sounds like?

 

[bejoyous]

I did some experimenting, staying on the G and D strings sounded the best.