Whelp I have to learn upright bass for college auditions. I can basically play it within the three frets. Basically all I'm wondering, how do you transfer from
Electric jazz bass to upright?
Electric jazz bass to upright?
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Upright Bass
- Thread starter BassGod2013
- Start date
Might be a bad idea how to ask how to transition from electric to double on the double forums, I saw a couple threads like that that weren't very helpful and were rude, IMO.
Open your electric bass case. Put electric bass in case and close the latches. Put case and bass in back of closet.
I did this cold back in late 1992. I bought a double bass, hit the woodshed and didn't play in public for almost two years (granted, I was in Graduate school for a year of that and didn't have a ton of spare time). The key is developing a strong hand-eye relationship that will aid in proper intonation.
In my opinion, a D neck would be better for the transition than would an Eb neck; but once you've learned the instrument better the Eb neck might make jazz a bit easier (but if you start on a D neck, it may be a bad idea to switch). By this I mean that the butt of the neck where it meets the body forms a thumb stop when you slide your fingering hand up the neck. If the note directly above your thumb is a D on the G string it's a D neck, if it's and Eb, well, you get the picture.
Beyond that, it's just a matter of acclimating your fingers to the lower notes and working your way around the fingerboard from there. Forget things like one finger per fret and learn to use 1, 2, and 4 in the lower range of the instrument (as always, lower means pitch, not orientation to the floor).
Good luck! It can be very rewarding.
I did this cold back in late 1992. I bought a double bass, hit the woodshed and didn't play in public for almost two years (granted, I was in Graduate school for a year of that and didn't have a ton of spare time). The key is developing a strong hand-eye relationship that will aid in proper intonation.
In my opinion, a D neck would be better for the transition than would an Eb neck; but once you've learned the instrument better the Eb neck might make jazz a bit easier (but if you start on a D neck, it may be a bad idea to switch). By this I mean that the butt of the neck where it meets the body forms a thumb stop when you slide your fingering hand up the neck. If the note directly above your thumb is a D on the G string it's a D neck, if it's and Eb, well, you get the picture.
Beyond that, it's just a matter of acclimating your fingers to the lower notes and working your way around the fingerboard from there. Forget things like one finger per fret and learn to use 1, 2, and 4 in the lower range of the instrument (as always, lower means pitch, not orientation to the floor).
Good luck! It can be very rewarding.
They (we?) are quite snarky at the DB forum, and seem to like it that way.
Don't even try to use bass guitar technique on a DB. Different technique. Get a DB method book if you can't hook up with lessons. I have Essential Elements published by Hal Leonard and recommend it for learning the basics.
Don't even try to use bass guitar technique on a DB. Different technique. Get a DB method book if you can't hook up with lessons. I have Essential Elements published by Hal Leonard and recommend it for learning the basics.
All very true. I got sucked into bass guitars for various reasons, but DBs will grab hold of your soul.
I'll start by saying that I am no expert or great player, just someone who enjoys the instrument.
IMO, Best option is to find a good teacher, especially if you are going into it in college. DB is a different beast, and a lot of work at first. You've also got to keep up with it or your fingers will suffer (nothing like playing a gig with a blistered finger).
Don't be afraid to check out the DB side of this site. There is some good stuff over there. Just read and absorb first.
I have and like the book 'Principles of Double Bass Technique', by Michael Barry Wolf. He cover basic ergonomics, techniques, and exercises. I also have Ed Friedland's 'Upright Jazz Bass' DVD, which isn't bad either. There is a lot of info out there, but try to find a good teacher if you can.
IMO, Best option is to find a good teacher, especially if you are going into it in college. DB is a different beast, and a lot of work at first. You've also got to keep up with it or your fingers will suffer (nothing like playing a gig with a blistered finger).
Don't be afraid to check out the DB side of this site. There is some good stuff over there. Just read and absorb first.
I have and like the book 'Principles of Double Bass Technique', by Michael Barry Wolf. He cover basic ergonomics, techniques, and exercises. I also have Ed Friedland's 'Upright Jazz Bass' DVD, which isn't bad either. There is a lot of info out there, but try to find a good teacher if you can.
I spent three years studying double bass, until I injured my hand two years ago and switched back to bass guitar. IMO you should seek out a classical/orchestral double bass instructor. If you watch an orchestral player you will notice a degree of precision in their playing that is not present in non classically trained bassists, and you will hear it in their intonation. And what you will develop is not hand-eye coordination but hand-ear coordination. Classically trained double bassists pretty much don't look at their left hand, because they are reading the music. They continuously tune with their ear. Once you learn this technique you can apply it to any genre of music.
That said, there is obviously a big difference in right hand technique between classical (almost completely arco - i.e. with bow) and jazz (plucked with finger - i.e. pizzicato). A classical instructor won't help you much here, admittedly, so at some point you may need some help from a jazz player for RH technique as well as approach to the music.
A good example of a great bassist who plays both bass guitar and double bass is John Patitucci. He studied classical double bass, then switched to jazz. He has played BG and DB with Chick Corea for years. He has very good DB technique, as well as BG technique.
FWIW,
Jim
That said, there is obviously a big difference in right hand technique between classical (almost completely arco - i.e. with bow) and jazz (plucked with finger - i.e. pizzicato). A classical instructor won't help you much here, admittedly, so at some point you may need some help from a jazz player for RH technique as well as approach to the music.
A good example of a great bassist who plays both bass guitar and double bass is John Patitucci. He studied classical double bass, then switched to jazz. He has played BG and DB with Chick Corea for years. He has very good DB technique, as well as BG technique.
FWIW,
Jim
If you want to do it bad enough, you can do it. You don't even need a teacher. I never had one. However, I'm average at best and can only play pizz and rockabilly slap 
Good enough for what I do with it in my band, hardly anything that would get me through college. So if you want to get real with it, get a teacher pronto.
Good enough for what I do with it in my band, hardly anything that would get me through college. So if you want to get real with it, get a teacher pronto.Hits the nail on the head. DB playing is precise ear/hand skill.You can't read music and look at your hands at the same time. Find a teacher that can do both classical and jazz. Get a bass that is easy to play - light gauge strings with lowish string height. Be patient and disciplined. Check out the DB forums on TB.
