Double Bass Rabbath Positions

[RobbieBass]

I am confused on the Rabbath positions. I understand where 1st and 2nd positions are. However, third position seems to Eb,E,F with first finger in line with Eb. This allows a back pivot to D, and a front pivot to F. This is all out of Rabbath method book.

A few people have told me that third position starts on the D, and allows a back pivot to Db.

Which is correct?

 

[MartinBorgen]

D on a D-neck, I'm pretty certain. I'm not a super-strict rabbath student, but the way I understand it is:

First position. Up there, where you're comfortable, the basic place. Second, bottom of palm hits the neck socket (with some adjustments to get in tune). Third is thumb at socket, fourth is octave harmonic, fifth is the next harmonic (d on g string), etc.

I'm pretty sure that third should be D on first finger - at least on a D-neck. Unless you play to only ever play in a wind band, Db would not make sense.

 

[PaulCannon]

The positions are largely based on the harmonic nodes of an open string. Third position extends from the D harmonic on the G string to the octave harmonic. In its simplest form, you would leave your first finger on D and pivot up as needed. You can also place your thumb on the D and play in a low-thumb position, which is something François does frequently.