Double Bass Recommendation

[Andy Mopley]

Feels more natural to play across string (starting on A string) - to avoid jumps..
What do you all think?

Regards to all

 

[User4843936]

When you have the cello section playing along in unison I find it doesn’t matter too much. If you do play starting in the lower positions, just back off with the bow weight as you shift to hide any slides, according to taste.

Longer string length (I.e. lower positions) will give a clearer sound. The higher the position you use on a thicker string, the woolier things get.

Try different things when you’re in situ and see if you can discern any effect on the general sound and intonation of the group.

 

[David Potts]

Like you,Andy, I would try starting in 5th Position on the A string and keep shifts initially small. The warmer sound fits in better and you have the certainty of the thumb anchoring the position of the opening notes in this exposed passage.

So, F C A topF D C(on G string) A C D C A F(on D string) G C. becomes. 1 4 1 4 1 ....1 (III posn), 4 1 4 1 4...1 4 1

I would try this for desirable warmth of tone, initial stability of bow contact point, security of IV and V Positions and smaller initial shifts for smoother legato

 

[neilG]

I've always played that in the upper positions, as David suggests, but there's another fingering twist to try for the first 4 notes:
FCAF, start on D str. (1 on F), 4 on C, shift to 1 on A on the D, then high F with 4.

 

[Andy Mopley]

Thanks all. I'll see what the other do, on the night, and adjust accordingly...