# Getting Started, Double bass

Your bass, your bow, and standing tall

The double bass is the foundation of the orchestra, the largest, lowest-pitched member of the string family. Learn how it's built, how to stand or sit with it comfortably, and the two completely different ways its bow is held (German and French).

Beginner · 5 lessons · approximately 64 minutes of material (not a mastery deadline).

## Free lesson sample: Name and pluck the four double bass strings

An open string sounds without a left-hand finger stopping it. The double bass strings, from lowest to highest, are E1, A1, D2, G2. These are sounding pitches; a normal double bass part writes them one octave higher.

Before you start: Ask a teacher to help establish a stable standing or seated setup. Secure the endpin and balance the instrument before releasing either hand. Put the bow aside for this gentle plucking exercise.

### The example, written out
- Ascending: E1 → A1 → D2 → G2.
- Descending: G2 → D2 → A1 → E1.
- Pluck once on beat 1; listen through beats 2–3–4.

### Try it step by step
1. Locate the lowest string, E1, and say its letter name. Pluck gently and let it ring for four steady beats.
2. Move through A1, D2, G2 in order. Say each letter before making a sound, then reverse the sequence.
3. Point to one string without following the sequence. Name it, pluck it, and compare its letter and octave with the tuner.

### Worked answer
The ascending order is E1–A1–D2–G2. Adjacent strings are tuned in perfect fourths. The number identifies the octave, not a finger number. These are sounding pitches; a normal double bass part writes them one octave higher. Naming the strings is the goal here; if a string is badly out of tune, ask for help with the pegs rather than turning one repeatedly.

### Common mistakes
- The strings are not arranged in alphabetical order.
- A correct letter at the wrong octave is not the intended open-string pitch. Check that the tuner is hearing the string you are playing.

[Tune the double bass open strings](/tools/tuner/bass)
[See the double bass pitch and finger chart](/charts/bass)

## Before this module
No earlier module is listed as a prerequisite.

## What this module covers
1. **Meet Your Double Bass**, The largest, lowest member of the string family (12 min)
2. **Stance & Setup**, Standing, sitting, and balancing a giant instrument (13 min)
3. **German vs French Bow**, The two completely different ways to hold a bass bow (14 min)
4. **The Open Strings**, Your first sounds, E, A, D, G (12 min)
5. **Left-Hand Basics**, Your fingers find the bass, preview of Simandl (13 min)

## Practise with a free reference
- [Free metronome](/tools/metronome), Use a steady pulse while you count or repeat a short phrase.
- [Double bass tuner](/tools/tuner/bass), Check the open-string reference before comparing stopped notes.
- [Double bass first-position chart](/charts/bass), A lower-position reference only; it does not show every accidental, extension or shift in this module.

## What comes next
- [Half & First Position](/learn/bass/half-position), The Simandl system, fingers 1, 2, and 4

## Where should I start with getting started?
This module has no earlier module listed as a prerequisite. The first lesson is “Meet Your Double Bass”: The largest, lowest member of the string family. The order is a study guide, not proof that every learner needs the same pace.

## How long is the getting started module?
The 5 listed lessons total approximately 64 minutes of material. That estimate describes lesson content, not the practice time needed to become comfortable with your bass, your bow, and standing tall. Revisit one task at a time and use feedback from a teacher where physical technique is involved.

## What can I try here without an account?
The complete “Name and pluck the four double bass strings” exercise, its worked answer and common mistakes are free on this page. The lesson list and linked public tools are also open. A free account includes the complete five-lesson foundation module in each instrument and five lessons in music theory, with saved progress and no expiry. Later lessons require the relevant paid package.

## Continue in Arco
The complete five-lesson foundation module in each instrument and five music theory lessons are free with an account, including saved progress and no time limit. Later lessons require the relevant paid package. Public samples do not assess your physical technique or certify exam readiness.

[See packages and pricing](/pricing) · [Back to the double bass curriculum](/learn/bass)

Canonical source: https://arcosounds.com/learn/bass/getting-started