Chapter 10: Teaching the String Bass Flashcards
Describe the string bass bow grip for both the French and German bows.
For the French bow it is a held like the cello bow with fingers slightly more spread.
The French bow hold is more commonly taught at the group beginning level because of its similarity to the cello bow grip.
The German or Butler bow is placed in the crotch of the thumb, the frog pressing into the thick pad below the thumb. The thumb hooks over the top of the stick.
The first and second fingers lie along the right side of the stick, contacting the bow at the leather part of the grip.
The third finger is curved backed into the frog opening, and the little finger is placed underneath the frog opposite the third finger.
Name faults of the left hand and arm common to beginning bass players.
Inconsistent in the placement of fingers.
The space between the fingers are not wide enough.
The elbow is allowed to drop to the side of the body.
Discuss some of the special bowing problems as they apply to the string bass.
Making the strings speak.
Keeping the bow straight or parallel to the bridge.
When playing the string bass in the lower positions, what use is made of the third finger.
The third finger is used only to support the fourth finger until the hand reaches six position. At this point the third finger is put into act of use.
In regards to bowing, what are the five most common faults among young string bass players.
1) The bow is drawn over the fingerboard instead of halfway between the bridge and the fingerboard.
2) The bow is drawn at an angle instead of parallel to the bridge.
3) The bow touches two strings at the same time.
4) The tone is fuzzy and
5) notes are not started with the “bite”.
Describe the four methods used in tuning the string bass.
To tune the string bass you may:
Use an electronic toner to tune the lower pitches.
Use the octave harmonics. This produces a pitch one octave higher than the open string.
The harmonic located a fourth above the string may be used. This harmonic produces a note two octaves above the pitch of the open string. Each string can be tuned in this manner.
Use harmonics that produced unisons on adjoining strings.
What is the reason for introducing the positions early in string bass instruction?
The overall range without shifting is extremely limited.
When working with the string bass in a mixed string class, shifting needs to be introduced early in order for the bass player to enjoy full participation.
It is for this reason that the class methods introduce half, first and third position relatively early.
What is the largest interval that the left hand can produce on the string bass?
The largest interval that the left hand can produce on a string bass is a major second.
What are four alternatives to transporting the string bass between school and home?
The teacher may provide practice time at school so that the string bass does not have to be taken home.
The teacher arrange for the parents to transport the bass between home and school.
The teacher furnishes some kind of wheeled cart to carry the string bass.
The teacher supplies a second instrument for use at home.
What size string bass is preferred for elementary school students?
The size string bass that is preferred for elementary school students is a half size string bass.
(A quarter size string bass is preferred for students younger than 10 years of age.)
List some of the principal points (4) of the string bass students body in which the instrument contacts while in a playing stance.
1) The legs should be at shoulderwidth apart, the left foot in front of the right for stability.
2) The knees are slightly bent and the weight is evenly distributed with the weight forward on the balls of the feet.
3) The bass end pin is positioned 8 to 10 inches ahead of and slightly to the right of the left foot.
4) The bass leans backwards so that the lower right bout comes to the inside of the left knee and that the rib of the bass lies flat on the player’s stomach.
5) Adjust the end pin so that the first finger will be at eye level when playing an A on the G string.
