Double Bass Question about "positions"

[Andy Mopley]

When looking at a piece of music, in order to establish where "most" notes "should" be played, is it a case first and foremost to ensure the musicality, or to look at the lowest and highest notes and see how to achieve the least amount of shift(s)? Or is it both?

Thanks for reading!

 

[neilG]

It's definitely a combination. Any fingering on the bass is a compromise, not only between musicality and agility, but also in tone, and that will differ on different instruments. The better you get, the less any of that will matter, of course.

 

[Andy Mopley]

Great point, neilG, thanks!

 

[cnltb]

When looking at a piece of music, in order to establish where "most" notes "should" be played, is it a case first and foremost to ensure the musicality, or to look at the lowest and highest notes and see how to achieve the least amount of shift(s)? Or is it both?

Thanks for reading!

I tend to see where all the notes are first.
Musicality comes with being comfortable playing the piece.