Double Bass No definition

[SplitNick]

I want to clarify that this is an into the string motion, however slight. This is not a left to right motion although the two motions occur simultaneously.

 

[SplitNick]

Sorry...one more thing. Experiment with playing the E string in a higher position as well. Say IV, 1 on the B. The warmth and heft of notes on the E between III and VII position when done well, may make you rethink a lot of fingerings. It also may be easier to execute he sound you want in these higher positions and you can get the feel and start bringing it down.

Ok I'll stop.

 

[Les Fret]

Ok. I find my E string speaks much better when there is a slight front to back spring motion in my wrist, or maybe it is more of a forearm movement. It is like this, as I start into the the string or change bow direction there is a slight tension build up, then before the note is actually executed I release that tension trying to achieve as relaxed a wrist and arm as possible.

you mean like martele bowing? so pushing at the beginning of the tone and then releasing pressure?

 

[SplitNick]

Very similar to martele, but you don't necessarily want the same intensity or hammered sound. The martele stroke is probably a good start. The idea is to get the string vibrating sufficiently then relaxing so as not to hinder that vibrations.

 

[SplitNick]

As another poster said before, "force" is not necessarily the mind set. I would try to do it off the string some as well to get the feel of tension prior to the attack of the note.

 

[Les Fret]

I have been practicing this for a few days playing one octave scales up and down on one string (E and A string). First down strokes then up strokes then alternate. Trying to get a good sound out of each note and not focusing too much on speed. I think this is the way to go.
It is quite hard on your hands (especially the bowing hand) so I have to take some rest after practicing this.

You are right about playing higher up the neck on the E string. It sounds nice, but higher playing above the octave E does sound a little bit dull.

 

[SplitNick]

Yeah. There is just a sweetness between III and VII positions on the E string. Hope you find the sound you are looking for.