Double Bass Notation Symbols
The double bass, also called an upright bass, string bass and sometime bass violin, is a four-string bass instrument notated using the same bass notation used for bass guitar and other bass instruments. In addition to traditional bass notation, the double bass player is often required to read some musical symbols specific to the double bass.
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Arco
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Double bass players in bluegrass, folk and country often play the double bass with their fingers. Orchestral players, however, use a bow. A piece of music "arco" written above the notes should be played using the bow. This is a common indication in double bass music.
Down Stroke
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A symbol that looks like a square with one edge missing so the side edges point down indicates the double bass player should do a down stroke on the string with the bow. A down stroke is when you pull the bow toward you.
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Up Stroke
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The upstroke symbol looks like the letter V and indicates you should play an upstroke on the indicated notes by pushing your bow across the string, away from your body.
Pizzicato
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Pizzicato written above a note or series of notes, tells the bass player to pluck the strings. Plucking the strings is different than playing with your fingers. Actually plucking a string involves taking the string between your thumb and forefinger and pulling it away from the neck of the bass.
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