The notion of double bass , which derives from the Italian contrabasso , is used to refer to a large musical instrument with a deep sound. It is a bowed string instrument that is played with a bow .
Generally the double bass has four strings , which are tuned in fourths. However, there are also five-string double basses and three-string double basses , although they are less common. To produce the sound , the double bassist must rub the strings with a bow, although another possibility is to pluck the strings directly with the fingers.
The origin of the double bass dates back to the 16th century , possibly as a derivation of another instrument known as the violone . Only in the 19th century did the double bass begin to have the characteristics that define it today, combining properties of the viola da gamba and the violin . In those years its inclusion also became common in orchestras.
It should be noted that there is a version of the traditional (acoustic) double bass that has electronic amplification: the electric double bass . In this case, the instrument has a much smaller size.
Among the best-known double bassists throughout history are Willie Dixon , Oscar D'León , Charles Mingus and Rinat Ibragimov . The double bass is used in genres and styles such as classical music , jazz and rockabilly .
However, although these are some of the best-known double bassists in history, we cannot ignore the figure of another very special one either. We are referring to the Venetian Domenico Dragonetti (1763 – 1846), who is considered the first virtuoso double bassist. And not only at the age of 13 did he play that instrument perfectly, but at the age of 14 he became the double bassist of the Buf Opera, he was part of the Grand Opera of Vicenza and, in addition, he replaced Berini in the famous Chapel of San Marco in Venice.
In the same way, Giovanni Bottesini (1821 – 1889) was another of the great virtuosos of this instrument that concerns us. Specifically, this man born in Crema (Lombardy) toured the world giving concerts and having as his presentation what was the "Paganini of the double bass."
In addition to everything indicated, we cannot ignore the fact that this musical instrument has become a key piece and protagonist of some musical genres. This would be the case, for example, of the so-called rockabilly and psychobilly. In these fields, there are also great double bassists, such as the American Lee Rocker (1961), who was part of the group Stray Cats and who has continued his solo musical career since the 1990s.
The North American Willie Dixon (1915 – 1992) was another relevant double bassist of these two genres and was part of the band The Big Three Trio.
It is important to mention that, in addition to the string instrument, the concept of double bass is used to refer to the voice that is deeper and graver than the voice of the ordinary bass. The subject with this type of voice is known as a double bass.