Double bass curriculum
Learn double bass online, Simandl fingerings and orchestral technique
The double bass has its own fingering system, its own positions, and its own repertoire. This track teaches it as its own instrument, not as a large cello.
- Modules
- 26
- Lessons
- 126
- Hours of material
- 44
- Level
- Beginner to maestro
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Free double bass exercises with answers
Name the open strings, follow a first-position pattern, plan an even bow stroke, and read a short written example. Each sample has a complete exercise, common mistakes, and a worked answer without an account. The samples teach selected foundations; they do not assess your playing.
The double bass is the only orchestral string instrument tuned in fourths rather than fifths, E1, A1, D2, G2, and it sounds an octave lower than written. That single fact reshapes everything: the fingering system, the position names, and the amount of the fingerboard your hand can cover without shifting.
Because the string length is so long, a bassist's hand spans only a whole step in the lower positions. That is why the Simandl system uses fingers 1, 2, and 4 rather than all four, and why bassists shift constantly where a cellist would extend. Arco's bass track teaches the Simandl positions in order from the very first module, with the position map visible on the fingerboard on every lesson.
Later modules cover thumb position, tenor clef, bow styles for orchestral versus solo playing, and the standard audition excerpts. Playback uses recorded double bass multisamples including arco and pizzicato layers, so the difference between a bowed and plucked line is audible where it matters.
Double bass at a glance
- Tuning
- E1 – A1 – D2 – G2, in perfect fourths
- Clef
- Bass, written an octave above sounding pitch
- Fingering system
- Simandl, fingers 1, 2, and 4 in the lower positions
- Typical first-year goal
- Half through third position, reliable pizzicato and arco tone
- Open strings
- E1 · A1 · D2 · G2
The complete double bass path
Every module, in teaching order. Each one links to its full lesson list, titles, subtitles, and durations, so you can see exactly what is covered before you start. Modules marked “Free exercise” also include a public practice sample with an explanation.
Beginner · 3 modules
Intermediate · 10 modules
Advanced · 9 modules
Double bass questions, answered
- Why is the double bass tuned in fourths?
- Because the string length is so long that a hand cannot comfortably span the perfect fifth used on the other strings. Tuning in fourths, E1, A1, D2, G2, keeps each position within reach and lets a bassist cross strings rather than stretch. It is also why the bass inherited a fingering tradition closer to the viol family than to the violin family.
- What are Simandl fingerings?
- The standard orchestral bass system, from Franz Simandl's method, which uses fingers 1, 2, and 4 in the lower positions instead of all four. Because a bassist's hand spans only about a whole step down there, the third finger reinforces the fourth rather than taking its own note. The result is a stable, repeatable hand frame and a great deal of shifting.
- Does the double bass sound where it is written?
- No. Double bass music is written an octave above its sounding pitch, so the open E string is written on the bottom space of the bass staff but sounds E1. This keeps the part on the staff instead of buried in ledger lines. Bass guitar notation follows the same convention.
- Is double bass a good instrument for a beginner?
- It is an excellent one, especially for a student who wants to play in an ensemble quickly, bassists are perpetually in demand and the early orchestral parts are approachable. The practical considerations are size (school programmes usually supply the instrument) and the fact that good technique demands attention to posture from day one.
Then take it to the orchestra
Once first position and the bow arm are secure, the standard orchestral excerpts are where the technique gets tested. Arco annotates them with bow style, trouble spots, and what audition panels actually listen for.
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Start the double bass track
Start with the complete five-lesson foundation module free, with saved progress and no time limit. When you’re ready for more, an instrument subscription includes the full selected curriculum, shared music theory, and practice tools.