Rules of Double Bass Fingering

by Jason Heath

Rule #1 - play at least two notes per position

Your life will be so much simpler as a bassist if you follow this rule. Look for patterns
in your music, and try your utmost to play two (or more!) notes in a position before
shifting.

Rule #2 - never cross strings for a half step

Half steps are so easy when played in one position and so awkward when played
across two strings. They can also create a strange " anging" sound, particularly
when one note is an open string. Save your hands and ears by playing half steps in
the same position whenever possible.

Rule #3 - play across the strings for technical passages

If you see fast notes on the page, try to play notes in one position. I want to keep my
left hand in the same place on the bass as much as possible for fast passages. This
saves me a bunch of unnecessary work and makes for tidier playing overall.
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 Rule #4 - shift up and down one string for melodic passages

Take advantage of the vocal qualities of playing on one string by shifting up and
down for more melodic content. This helps to create an organic and connected
sound.

Rule #5 - don't cross strings on the same nger (especially when going to a lower
string)

You'll create a gap in the sound by using the same nger across the strings. This is
particularly true when going from a higher string to a lower string. Try to be strategic
with your ngering to minimize this kind of ngering, especially in connected
passages.

Rule #6 - don't play open strings in lyrical passages

Open strings stick out like a sore thumb in lyrical playing. Close these notes for
melodic playing, and save your open strings for passing tones in faster passages.

Rule #7 - shift higher using lower numbered ngers

When playing an ascending passage, shift using a lower nger. For example, playing
A - B - C# on the G string will generally work best played as 1 - 1 4. You want to have
" ngers to spare" and not be stuck shifting up the bass with the 4th nger.
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 Rule #8 - shift lower using higher numbered ngers

The reverse is true for descending passages. When playing C# - B - A, it is generally

best practice to play 4 -4 1.

Rule #9 - group notes together rhythmically

Grouping notes into twos, threes, or whatever makes sense for the passage will help
to organize your playing. This can help with cleanliness and even with memorization.

Rule #10 - avoid crossing two strings

Put notes on adjacent strings when possible. For example, don't play open G and
then C on the A string. Instead, play G closed with 4th nger and then play C with 1st
nger. This makes it easier on the bow and is generally the most ef cient option.

The "golden rule" of ngering

The "dirty secret" about all these rules is that we break them all the time! Bass
playing is strewn with pitfalls, and we frequently nd ourselves choosing between
two relatively bad options for ngerings.

Think of these "rules" as more like guidelines or best practices. When possible,
follow them... but don't hesitate to get creative and try new things!
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