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tonebase Double Bass Course

How to Get Started on the Double Bass

Taught by renowned double bass player 

Jason Heath

New to the double bass? This one's for you - Jason Heath leads us through the basic knowledge you need to get started on your double bass journey! From understanding the different sizes and shapes of the instrument; to different bow holds; to standing vs. sitting; to what that extended fingerboard up on the scroll is for - all your questions are answered here.

  • checkmark icon
    Difficulty: 
    all-levels
  • checkmark icon
    Duration: 
    1
     hours 
     hour

Course Syllabus

How to Get Started on the Double Bass

Jason's introduction and summary of what information this course will provide you with.

Instrument Shapes and Sizes

Ever wonder why basses come in all different shapes and sizes? Or what advantages or disadvantages that may have? Jason de-mystifies our "acousitcally imperfect" instrument and explains some of the reasoning and ins-and-outs of the bass.

French and German Bow

Aside from our instruments being very different, our bows can be too! Unlike other instruments from the violin or gamba family, double bassists usually use one of two bow holds - German or French - and Jason describes these to us and provides advice for a basic setup with either bow hold.

Standing vs. Sitting

The bass is a huge instrument, and so who wants to carry it as well as a stool? Well, check this video out, and allow Jason Heath to give you some insights as to why you might choose to sit, or stand, and different things like end pins that can help with that.

Double Bass Extension Fundamentals

In this lesson, Jason shares some useful information about double bass extensions. He speaks about why they exist, the different versions there are, and even some standardized ways of writing in your music when to prepare the extension for use!

Click here to download the course workbook PDF and see the full syllabus →
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Jason Heath
meet YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Jason Heath

Perhaps one of the most famous names on the double bass scene, Jason Heath has found a place in the hearts and minds of double bassists around the world as an active educator, content creator, and host of the Contrabass Conversations Podcast - his knowledge of the double bass world is second-to-none!

read full bio →
Jason Heath
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