Double Bass Sight-reading

[quiji]

Hi! this is my first post, and I'm just starting to study double bass. I'm studying some material for doublebass, but a don't understand how the positions are pointed in the scores. There is a numeric value over the notes showing the positions (i guess), but some have this - symbol before the number that I don't understand. Does someone know how this works exactly? I know that is important because it says what positions to use on the notes. (I'm just guessing, like guitar scores that says which fingers too use in its very own notation)

thanks !

 

[jsbarber]

First, it is always a good idea to fill out your profile so other forum members can get a better idea of who you and where you're at before they interact with you. It's kind of how you introduce yourself to the forum.

Numbers above the music can:
- indicate the string which the note, or sequence of notes, are suggested to be played on
- provide a count of the measures
- suggest a fingering, but I'm not sure if this occurs much in "real" scores. Maybe it is more common in method books and instructional aids

As far as the symbols are concerned, there is a ^ for an up bow (starting at the tip and going to the frog) and a [ rotated 90 degrees clockwise for a down bow. These could be the symbols that you are refering to, maybe. There are others, such as ~ for a trill.

The bottom line is, you should find an instructor. If you try this on your own you can injur your hand/wrist. If you fill out your profile others might be able to suggest teachers in your area.

Welcome aboard! Double bass is not an easy instrument, if such a thing exists, but it is a very satisfying instrument to play. Here on TB there are players that are beginning, some absolute world class players who contribute, and everything in between. There is also the Ask a Pro section with Patrick Neher, Lynn Seaton and David Ruby - three phenomenal bassists. They are generous enough to answer questions that are posed to them.

Best of luck on your DB journey.

Jim

 

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

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The Simandl method is the traditional fingering method for DB. It uses the first, second and fourth fingers up to thumb position and then thumb, first, second and third. There are other methods being taught, but I learned on Simandl.

If you don't have a teacher, you should get one soon. You might only need a few lessons to get started correctly.

 

[quiji]

ooo Sorry Jim, I actualized my profile. Not much to say but that I'm from Guatemala City, and here the double bass is not much of a popular instrument. Its hard to find a teacher, I'm about to book one though ! (finally).

Thanks for the answer ! I already knew what these ^ and [ (rotated 90 degrees) ment, I was talking about these numbers that appear in the scores.. check this site, there are some numbers above the notes, and some have this "-" symbol..
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Couldn't figure it out by myself (I figured out the guitar notation by myself years ago, but not these one)

Thanks for the welcome.. I've loved the instrument since always, and now I've got the chance to study it!! (finally)

I've got other doubts too.. any way to improve stamina and strengh in the left arm?

Thanks for the advice !

 

[neilG]

In the example you gave, the numbers above the note are the finger to be used to play the note. The "-" indicates that the note is preceded by some sort of shift to a position. I suppose somewhere in his book the mark is explained. If I saw that mark in any music I would assume it means a slide or portamento to that note.

 

[quiji]

Oh thanks !