How to Play the Upright Bass Guitar

The upright bass is often referred to as a contrabass, stand-up bass or bass fiddle. The instrument can be found in musical genres ranging from symphonic orchestra and chamber music to folk, country and bluegrass. While the notes on the upright bass are the same as notes on a traditional bass guitar, the playing techniques are vastly different, mainly because of the size of the upright bass. Learning to play upright bass can be challenging and musically rewarding.

Things You'll Need

• Upright bass
• Bow
• Beginner bass book

Instructions

1. Get comfortable with your upright bass. You can sit or stand to play it. When you sit, you will hold up one arm to reach the first position on the neck; standing will make you bend slightly to reach the positions higher on the neck, closer to the body. There's a trade-off either way, so it will come down to what is more comfortable for you.

2. Pluck each of the strings without placing your fingers on the neck of the bass. These strings are the same as the strings on a traditional bass guitar: G-D-A-E from thickest to thinnest; now place your bow on the thickest string and pull it across each of the strings to sound the notes that way. The bow should rest firmly against the strings as you draw it across each one.

3. Play a C scale in the first position to get accustomed to placing your fingers on the neck. If you have played bass before and are familiar with frets, you will need to get used to playing without frets (the upright bass has none). Place your first finger on the neck of the guitar about two inches from where the headstock begins, then spread your fingers out fully, placing each on the neck. This is a good way to approximate where the frets are. You can purchase temporary fret markers at a music store to use as guides until you become accustomed to playing a fretless bass.

4. Practice scales both by plucking the strings and with your bow. You can purchase a book of bass scales at a music store or find them online free of charge (see Resources). Playing scales will help you get accustomed to finding the bass notes in their different positions on the upright bass.

5. Play as much music for the upright bass as you can. You can purchase music for the upright bass at a music store. A beginning book for the upright bass will not only help you learn to read notes on your new instrument, it will typically have level-appropriate songs to help solidify each level of lessons.

Tips & Warnings

• Take advantage of video websites like YouTube.com, where you will be able to find video instructions to help you learn upright bass. The videos are free and will let you learn at home.

References

• BassClef: Upright Bass Basics
• StringEmporium: How to Practice Upright Bass