# Intonation, Double bass

Tuning a giant fingerboard

On the bass, an inch of finger movement is a half step, intonation is unforgiving. Learn to use open-string drones, harmonics, and the Simandl shifting method to find every pitch with confidence.

Intermediate · 4 lessons · approximately 44 minutes of material (not a mastery deadline).

## Before this module
- [Tone & Bow Control](/learn/bass/tone-bow), Getting the bass to speak

## What this module covers
1. **Intonation: The Big Picture**, In-tune playing on the longest fingerboard (10 min)
2. **Open Strings as References**, Using E, A, D, G to find every note (10 min)
3. **Natural Harmonics**, The bass's built-in tuning system (12 min)
4. **Double Stops**, Two strings at once on the bass (12 min)

## Practise with a free reference
- [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
- [Shifting](/learn/bass/shifting), Moving up the long neck

## Where should I start with intonation?
The curriculum places Tone & Bow Control before this module. Review those topics if they are unfamiliar. The first lesson is “Intonation: The Big Picture”: In-tune playing on the longest fingerboard. The order is a study guide, not proof that every learner needs the same pace.

## How long is the intonation module?
The 4 listed lessons total approximately 44 minutes of material. That estimate describes lesson content, not the practice time needed to become comfortable with tuning a giant fingerboard. 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 intonation description, lesson sequence and prerequisite links are public. There is no full worked lesson sample for this module yet. The linked public tools and references are free. 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/intonation