# Shifting, Double bass

Moving up the long neck

Bass shifting follows the Simandl numbered position system. Learn second through fifth position, the thumb position above the body, and how to make smooth, accurate shifts on the longest fingerboard in the orchestra.

Intermediate · 4 lessons · approximately 48 minutes of material (not a mastery deadline).

## Before this module
- [Intonation](/learn/bass/intonation), Tuning a giant fingerboard

## What this module covers
1. **Introduction to Shifting**, Moving up the long bass neck (11 min)
2. **Second & Third Position**, Your first shifts up the neck (12 min)
3. **Thumb Position**, Playing past the body of the bass (13 min)
4. **Smooth Shifts**, Making bass shifts inaudible (12 min)

## What comes next
- [Pizzicato & Vibrato](/learn/bass/pizzicato-vibrato), The bass voice in jazz, orchestra, and beyond

## Where should I start with shifting?
The curriculum places Intonation before this module. Review those topics if they are unfamiliar. The first lesson is “Introduction to Shifting”: Moving up the long bass neck. The order is a study guide, not proof that every learner needs the same pace.

## How long is the shifting module?
The 4 listed lessons total approximately 48 minutes of material. That estimate describes lesson content, not the practice time needed to become comfortable with moving up the long neck. 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 shifting 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/shifting