Watch The Video Lesson
This is lesson DB-12 Left Hand Form and Fingering on the Double Bass, and is a continuation of my journal of things I have learned as an adult double bass student. See the video for a few pointers about the unique aspects of left hand positions on the neck of the double bass compared to electric bass. Be sure to check out my Double Bass Lessons page for a complete list of all of my lessons!
Key Points:
- Use your finger tips, not the flat part.
- Be careful to not bend your wrist too sharply. Excessive playing with a bent wrist can result in physical problems like carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Finger spacing. Due to the distance between notes on the bass (except when you get to thumb position) the left hand can only cover three semi-tones without shifting. Keep your fingers spaced as shown in the picture.
- Thumb location. Don’t hold the neck like a baseball bat. The thumb should about opposite the second finger.
- Angling the bass backwards helps gravity apply your arm weight to the fingerboard.
