Classical, jazz and bluegrass, and rock and pop are the three main categories of double bass music. Orchestral, chamber, and solo music are the three types of classical music. Each type of double bass music has stylistic differences and assigns the bass to a specific musical role.
Classical music is the most common type of music played on a double bass. Typically, the bass performs as part of an orchestra. Its primary function is to complete the music’s bass or lowest line, and it frequently performs the same music as the cellos, just one octave lower. This, combined with the fact that in baroque music, the bass usually doubled the bass line of the harpsichord continuo part, is why the instrument is known as the double bass. Because most orchestras only require two or three basses, people who want to play this type of music must devote a significant amount of time to practicing in order to pass competitive orchestral auditions.
Bassists can also perform in chamber groups. The double bass plays a prominent melodic role in this type of double bass music, but it is more often a supporting instrument. String quintets are common, but orchestration is based on the composer’s desired sounds. Strings are frequently paired with woodwinds.
Solo music is another type of double bass music. Because the strings of the double bass are thicker and take longer to complete vibration cycles than those of other violin family members, the instrument cannot be as fluid, virtuosic, or easily accompanied as other violin family members. As a result, the classical solo double bass repertoire is somewhat limited. The “Elephant” from Camille Saint-Saens’ larger work, “Carnival of the Animals,” is one of the most famous double bass solos.
Double bass music can also be classified as jazz or bluegrass. When compared to orchestral works, bassists have much more active lines in this type of playing. They use more specific sequences to create a “walking” part, outlining chords or moving by step or half step to give the chord sequences more movement and propulsion. Other techniques, such as slapping, are used by jazz double bass players to create effects not found in classical music. Despite the fact that an electric bass guitar could play the same lines, some bands prefer the double bass for its distinctive sound.
Rock and pop music is the last type of double bass music. The electric bass guitar is preferred over the double bass in most bands, partly because it blends well with the rhythm and lead guitars, resulting in a more uniform sound. In rock and pop, the double bass is frequently used in an eclectic manner, with players performing feats such as twirling the bass for visual effect. Electric double basses, which can be amplified and have a very minimal shape to reduce the instrument’s bulk and weight, are frequently used by double bassists who play in these genres.
With a few exceptions, jazz, bluegrass, rock, and pop bassists pluck the strings with their fingers rather than using the double bass bow. This is more typical of bass guitar playing and aids in bridging stylistic gaps. Bows are standard in classical music, regardless of whether the performer is performing solo or with a group.