Double Bass legato string skipping

[Les Fret]

when playing legato string skips I find it hard not to touch the string in between.

For example when you play octaves like:
G, G8, G / A8, A, A8 (the G's downbow en the A's upbow, 8=octave)

I am playing Bruckner's 7th symphony right now and there are a lot of these legato skips in it (although other intervals then octaves)

How do I prevent touching the string in between, any tips?

 

[JKincaid]

I wouldn't worry so much about not touching the string. Instead focus on keeping the "in between" string from speaking.

Try experimenting with slowing the bow down as you're pivoting the bow back and forth between strings and also try dampen the in between string with a finger (by resting your first finger on the string) as you pivot. If the string can't ring it's less likely to be heard.

Hope that helps

 

[Square Bear]

agreed. you can and probably should touch the string with the bow as you are crossing strings, otherwise it's hard to maintain contact with the notes you want to play. just out of curiosity, have you tried reversing the bowing so that the lower notes are on up bows? that's always more comfortable. then again, bruckner symphonies are not about comfort...

 

[Les Fret]

I wouldn't worry so much about not touching the string. Instead focus on keeping the "in between" string from speaking.

That is exactly what I mean. I didn't mention it in my first post but I don't worry so much about touching the in between string. But each time I skip the string I can hear some sound from that string resulting in an odd rhythm or an extra noise from that string. I do dampen the in between string but sometimes it is hard to avoid the harmonics. Not so much with octaves but with other intervals

@squarebear: I sometimes try to reverse the stroke. But with the orchestral parts I have to follow the strokes that are written in the score.

Bruckner 7 is really nice. Although not so easy for the basses.

 

[JKincaid]

If it were me, I would probably just practice slowing the bow during the pivot. Play the low note - stop - pivot the bow - play the upper note - stop - pivot the bow - play the low note, etc.

Also, after each pivot, ease into the note. Try not to give it a sharp attack.

IMHO, that's how most technique problems are solved. Be slow and methodical. When it feels comfortable, start speeding it up. As your body gets more used to the technique you'll gain more control.

Also, try experimenting with is bow placement. You may find playing closer to the fingerboard or bridge will give you what you want.

Good luck

 

[Les Fret]

Thanks for the tips everyone.

In bar 130 there is this movement:

C#, F#8, F# (A, D and E-string), two 16th and one 8th note, all (legato) up bows. To get that last F# correct is not easy.

 

[fergus currie]

Only just nip the F# and then rocket back for the low F# and you'll get it. In Bruckner 7 there is a lot of string crossing in 16ths but the trick is to keep the bow close to the strings and only go as far as you need to nip the top note and then get right back. Try to get a fingering figure and move it around so you get a repeat for the bowing too. Dont get to far away from the frog so you have less 'travel' in the crossings (unless t's pianissimo).
Good luck
FC

 

[Bill Bentgen]

Don't know how long you've played or how you've been trained so if this is obvious, excuse me.

The string crossing should be done with the wrist, not with the arm. That way the time the bow is on the intermediate string is minimalized. This is with both French & German bows.

 

[Les Fret]

I do most of the movement from the wrist. But there is some arm movement too, although not exaggerated.

The most difficulties I have with bar 81-84, not the speed but to play it clean:

f, E, D, f / e, D, C, e / d, C, B, d / c, B, A ,- /

small numbers on A string, large numbers on G string,
all quarter notes. 1st and 2nd beat legato downbow, 3rd and 4th beat legato upbow