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 | — |