String
Double Bass Fingering Chart
Double bass fingering chart for orchestra and jazz bass.
Double Bass Fingering Basics
The double bass is typically tuned E-A-D-G (fourths, unlike the fifths of other string instruments). Some basses have a low C or B extension.
Finger System
Due to the large size, the double bass uses a simplified finger system in lower positions:
- 0: Open string
- 1: Index finger
- 2: Middle finger (used together with 1 for half steps)
- 4: Pinky (ring finger often not used independently)
Positions
Bass players shift frequently. Thumb position is used for playing in the upper register.
Double Bass Fingering Table
| Note | Primary Fingering | Alternate Fingering |
|---|---|---|
|
E1 (open)
|
E string, 0 (open)
|
— |
|
F1
|
E string, 1
|
— |
|
F#1
|
E string, 2
|
— |
|
G1
|
E string, 4
|
— |
|
A1 (open)
|
A string, 0 (open)
|
— |
|
Bb1
|
A string, 1
|
— |
|
B1
|
A string, 2
|
— |
|
C2
|
A string, 4
|
— |
|
D2 (open)
|
D string, 0 (open)
|
— |
|
Eb2
|
D string, 1
|
— |
|
E2
|
D string, 2
|
— |
|
F2
|
D string, 4
|
— |
|
G2 (open)
|
G string, 0 (open)
|
— |
|
Ab2
|
G string, 1
|
— |
|
A2
|
G string, 2
|
— |
|
Bb2
|
G string, 4
|
— |
|
B2
|
G string, 3
|
— |
|
C3
|
G string, 4
|
— |
|
D3
|
G string, harmonic
|
thumb position |
|
Eb3
|
thumb position, 1
|
— |
|
E3
|
thumb position, 2
|
— |
|
F3
|
thumb position, 3
|
— |
|
F#3
|
thumb position, 4
|
— |
|
G3
|
G string, harmonic (2nd)
|
— |