Tuning in fifths versus extensions
It’s always interesting for me to learn about some of the reasons why players adopt tuning in fifths on the double bass. The following comment just came in on one of my classic (i.e. old) blog posts about reaching the low notes:
I also use the fifths tuning. Joel Quarrington’s website persuaded me to try it, and my experience has borne out everything he says (from the other end of the food chain – I’m an amateur orchestral player.)
Not only do you get the low notes without the problems of either 5 strings or extensions, but the bass resonates and sounds far better.
Joel and I chatted about his use of tuning in fifths on our Contrabass Conversations interview, and he has a great document up on his website more fully detailing fifths tuning as well.
08 September 2010, 9:10 am
I’m a recent convert to fifths, for a lot of the reasons Joel mentions.Here are my random observations so far.
In Paul Brun’s “A New History of the Double Bass”, he says that fifths was quite common in France in centuries past, in solidarity with the other strings. However, the poor quality of strings, along with high, stiff action, made it very difficult to play in fifths. Thus, fourths evolved.
Today, with modern strings and set-up, fifths are practical. Granted, there is more shifting involved, but since I use pivots, all four fingers, and a lot of thumb, I’m slowly starting to get comfortable. I should also mention that I play French bow and sit cello fashion, on a low stool.
I still have a way to go, but I love playing in fifths so far. BTW, kudos to Dennis Masuzzo for his great C G D A technique book!