# Up the Neck, Double bass

Second, fourth, and fifth position in the Simandl system

The Simandl system organises the bass fingerboard into positions that account for the enormous string lengths, learning to navigate them is how the whole neck becomes playable.

Intermediate · 5 lessons · approximately 100 minutes of material (not a mastery deadline).

## Before this module
- [The Speaking Bow](/learn/bass/speaking-bow), Martelé, staccato, détaché, and spiccato on the bass

## What this module covers
1. **Second Position, Geography & Fingering**, The notes, hand shape, and intonation landmarks of second position (20 min)
2. **Shifting Into Second**, Clean guide-finger shifts to and from second position (20 min)
3. **Fourth Position, The Halfway Point**, Fourth position geography and its relationship to the open strings (20 min)
4. **Fifth Position**, The last Simandl position before the register changes (20 min)
5. **Connecting Positions Smoothly**, Chaining multiple positions into a single musical phrase without breaking tone (20 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
- [Shadow and Light](/learn/bass/shadow-light), Advanced dynamics and tone colour on the bass

## Where should I start with up the neck?
The curriculum places The Speaking Bow before this module. Review those topics if they are unfamiliar. The first lesson is “Second Position, Geography & Fingering”: The notes, hand shape, and intonation landmarks of second position. The order is a study guide, not proof that every learner needs the same pace.

## How long is the up the neck module?
The 5 listed lessons total approximately 100 minutes of material. That estimate describes lesson content, not the practice time needed to become comfortable with second, fourth, and fifth position in the simandl system. 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 up the neck 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/up-the-neck