Left Hand Technique for Double/Upright Bass Lesson with Geoff Chalmers

[@harmonicsball89]

As a musician for over 33 years, I am completely blown away by just how good this instructor is at teaching. He's extraordinarily good at this.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Wow, thank you so much! That's made my day.

[@jamesrichardson3322]

@@DiscoverDoubleBass Love this channel, thank you for all great information. I am glad to come a cross this channel!! Hello from the United States of America 🇺🇸.

[@abara887]

Best teacher. I've been playing db for 30 years and i love watching Geoff. Informative and amazing teacher. Best by far!!!!

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thanks so much, that's made my day :-)

[@yvonnemontano9489]

Just use boule sass or upright bass not db

[@timthurston4947]

While I am learning on an electric upright, these lessons have been invaluable, and extremely well presented. Thank you.

[@1234shhh]

A channel dedicated just to double bass? Subscribed for sure. :D

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Great stuff! :-)

[@antijack0]

Agreed!

[@luisgallardo1945]

I'm an electric bass player thinking of playing upright. Thanks to this video I've realized I've been playing with absurd stretches for 25 years, no ergonomy at all, almost hurting myself. Why someone can dislike this video is beyond my comprehension. I'm buying an upright for sure and taking lessons. Thanks, Geoff!

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Hey Luis, great to hear you enjoyed the lessons and best of luck with the upright bass! I also started out playing electric bass and it's a lot of fun playing both!

[@sungbyun]

I am watching this video 11 years after it was uploaded. I am sure it served many people well during the past 11 years, and it will serve well for many many years to come. Thank you.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thanks so much! It's great to know it's still out there and helping people. :-)

[@emmavenosdel]

i'm 14 and i've been playing bass for 3 years, and watching these technique videos really helps during the week because i only see my teacher on sundays, so thank you! 💘

[@oktypus-zj8bf]

Do you still play double bass?

[@emmavenosdel]

@@oktypus-zj8bf I do! 7 years goin strong

[@AnthropogenicInversion]

Wonderful Double Bass channel.

[@LuisMondragonMusic]

Very helpful and informative! Now I wish I had a double bass to practice this on...

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it and best of luck with your search for an instrument. :-)

[@shtingshtang]

I'm so happy to have find your lessons and site, Geoff! I'm finally taking the plunge to learn upright and your lessons are clear and informative, and your presence makes them very enjoyable.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Hey John, thanks, it's great to have you here! Enjoy your journey with the double bass :-)

[@witzendoz]

Thanks for the lesson, after 42 years of electric bass and 25 years of fretless I have (long overdue) moved to upright. I have already jumped ahead in my playing just from this and the right hand lesson.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Hey Alan, that's great to hear and it's fantastic you have got into playing upright. I also started out on electric and playing both can be really rewarding. Best of luck with your practice, Cheers Geoff

[@JorgePreza-Bass-Piano]

Dear colleague, I wish to congratulate you for the simple and clear way you explained this matter of utmost importance, namely, the left hand position. I had the privilege to learn the bass with Mr John Schaeffer and that is precisely the way he taught me. Bravo, amigo 👏👏👏

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thank you so much for your kind feedback. I really appreciate that and wish you all the best for a music-filled 2021 :-)

[@jacey261]

Music ed student here who played bass for 3 weeks in a methods class a year ago... and now has to teach a bass lesson. This is great review, thank you.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Hey Jeanette, I'm glad it's useful and I hope the lesson goes well :-) cheers Geoff

[@onewithjah4410]

Loved this lesson. I've been playing electric for a couple of years and am now thinking about learning double bass as well. These videos are answering a lot of general questions I have about the instrument! Thanks :)

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Great stuff, I'm really glad they are helping. I started on electric and love playing both so if you go for it I bet you will enjoy upright too, cheers Geoff

[@chrissidwell4360]

Thanks!

[@jimjam650]

First Class Lessons. It seems that a lot of viewers come from electric bass (as I do) & these lessons are helping me to become a Double Bassist....which is quite a different skill. Keep up the good work Geoff ! Looking forward to the next instalment.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Hey Jim, thanks for stopping by and it's great you enjoyed the lesson. I also started out on electric and love playing both. Best of luck with your practice, Cheers Geoff

[@marklundy5762]

Most useful hint I've had in a long time.

[@mrpatfield]

Great for remembering the "bassics"! 70 year old and not playing enough to keep in shape. Played a two hour upright gig the other night and, according to my physical therapist, sprained both hands...I was having fun!

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it and I know what you mean about those gigs. It's easy to over do it and I find I really need to keep practising to stay 'bass fit'.

[@doctorpatt]

very simple, nice explanations...good work, Geoff...

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it :-)

[@guitarmanvarginha]

Thank you teacher. This lesson helped me so much.

[@RattleMediaCoUkVideo]

This is a really fantastic video, Geoff. Really happy to see you've had so many views! 1000s of views per video, and 26+ videos, is really quite an achievement!

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thanks for all your help Max, hope you are doing well mate. :-)

[@lucaswilleford1408]

hey man thank you so much. after 8 long years of electric i am finally learning double bass and this helps so much. hope you answer quickly, ill have alot of questions soon to come

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Hey Lucas, I also started out on electric and its a great foundation. You already know about the location of the notes on the fret board and bass line construction so the big thing to focus on is technique. If you need any help just let me know, Good luck with all your practice, Cheers Geoff

[@jonasomland2336]

Just discovered this channel and found it amazing! You are the excellent teacher this channel deserves : )

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

+Jonas Omland Thanks, I really appreciate that, cheers Geoff :-)

[@alanfalkingham6580]

Terrific intro to this instrument. Thank you

[@benepower5511]

Great way to teach and pleaseant way to learn! Even not being an Native English speaker, I am very satisfied and learn a lot with you man!!! Thank you so much. Warmest regards from Brazil!!!

[@margaritaiourgaeva9384]

It is absolutely fantastic left hand posture presentation! Thank you very much!

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

My pleasure Margarita, I'm really glad it helped :-)

[@CaptainPedant]

Thank you very much! For my birthday this year I got a slightly-unexpected Ibanez electric upright... and a completely out-of-left-field double bass that my wife managed to rescue from a school orchestra that had folded. I just replaced the broken endpin yesterday so I can now adjust it to a reasonable height. Instrument plus endpin plus bow has still come in at less than £100 :) I played 42 years ago in the school orchestra, self-taught after switching from cello in my last couple of years when the previous bassist left, so learning to play properly will be a novelty.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Congrats on the new bass and best of luck with your practice. :-)

[@astevenson1008]

Good morning. I haven't picked up a upright since my college days and that was a very long time ago. I have been playing bass for years. I have always wanted to get back into a upright for years but have been lazy. Recently I stop being lazy and brought a electric upright. This first lesson was exactly what I need to get back on point with the instrument. I was messing around with it but after going through this lesson I realized that truly need a refresher course. Just this first lesson have helped me to correct several things that I was doing wrong. Simple lesson plan but what a great foundation to start from. Thank you and I will be going through the rest of your lessons here. And possible more than once, :). Thank you my brother for sharing your knowledge and skill set.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thanks Anthony, I really appreciate your kind words and hope you're having a great time playing upright again :-)

[@robertwarrenburg2971]

Thank you so much for the lesson. I just started playing upright after many years on electric and this is starting me off with the right techniques! Much appreciated!

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thanks and best of luck with all your music.

[@nekarr_charnec]

Thank you so much I was thinking this days lot of abouth left hand tehnic, and your lessons solve those problems in my mind abouth it

[@elobos1]

This are such great lessons! they gave me some ideas for my own teaching! My teacher used to tell me that there's an imaginary finger between the first and the second finger of the left hand, and i always find it useful when explaining the left hand. keep the good work!

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

elobos1 That's a great way to think about it! Thanks, cheers Geoff

[@andrewbrowne5557]

Geoff…thank you for taking the time to make these lessons…

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Glad you like them! :-)

[@MisterstereoOso]

Great videos Geoff, i like your relaxed style and how you impart the information, gonna check out your website !!

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thanks Tony, I appreciate that :-)

[@shahramgholampoor829]

Just watched it and you are a great Teacher! Thank you

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

You're very welcome! Thanks so much :-)

[@harryblue9502]

Hey there ...started on double bass a few years ago with your lessons but had to go back to primarily Electic Bass guitar 🎸.... now desperately missing playing Upright--- these beginners lessons are invaluable!! I'd forgotten a lot of the basics & was getting cramps 😫 due to bad posture. Thanks so much Geoff 🙏 these lessons are concise to the point very very informative and fun too ...keep up the great work Sir!!

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Hi Harry, that's great to hear! I'm gald to help. By the way, if you are getting hand cramps I would recommend this lesson as it's very common for players (like me) who come from a bass guitar background. discoverdoublebass.com/lesson/using-arm-hand-weight-the-balance-point Best of luck with all your practice! Cheers Geoff

[@Lampropeltis]

Thank you. Just started playing as an adult.

[@codywerner2161]

Thanks for the video, as a somewhat experienced bass player who develops bad habits over time, it's great to be reminded of the basics.

[@fritzgrooves]

Great work, Geoff! I would, however, like to point out that Ray Brown used and taught four finger "extended" left-hand technique at third position and above. It worked pretty well for him.

[@deeprajbangshi5521]

VERY NICE ........... VERY GOOD TEACHER .

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thank you :-)

[@ovrfwrd]

Thanks for helping!

[@andreashoppe1969]

I'll be getting my bass tomorrow. Can't wait to start practicing again :)

[@kohalmihill]

you convinced me. I am going to buy one

[@Plotani]

jeff hill same (and I’m only 16)

[@fernalge]

Thanks from Brazil, Geoff !

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Hey Fernando, glad you like the video and best of luck with your practice! Cheers Geoff

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Hey Derik, I think using arm weight is crucial for technique in both hands. It really helped me to increase my stamina and comfort on long sessions. Cheers Geoff

[@NickiTedesco]

Great video!!! The best instruction I’ve seen on this!!

[@marleneglass8324]

Thank you for such a great lesson. I’ve been playing double bass for three years now but I’ve played it like a guitar actually. Obviously that was quite tough! I’ve only heard about playing DB with three fingers two weeks ago and it makes so much sense. This video really outlines it well. Looking forward to easier playing

[@austinwagner536]

Really great lesson. Very clear and right to the point.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thanks :-)

[@AriesBell]

I am learning double bass. And your video helps me a lot. Thank you for posting this

[@kennethslavett1177]

Excellent video. All of what you said depends on a properly adjusted bass. The string height and the bridge curvature must be correct. Most student bases are not properly adjusted which makes teaching and learning more difficult.

[@yasmiendances]

Hi, I started to play double bass a few days ago. Your videos are really helpfull! Still, despite my background in violin and cello, and understanding the anatomy, I still have issues relaxing the left thumb. After a few seconds of playing I already feel the thumb pushing against the neck xD if I relax the thumb, the double bass starts to move a little bit and I loose me grip on the strings. Maybe it is something I need time to get used to, or is it something else? Maybe you have some advice. Thanks a lot!

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

This video should help: discoverdoublebass.com/lesson/using-arm-hand-weight-the-balance-point

[@tenyaiidasglasses6067]

I’m getting my bass tomorrow after a background in violin and electric bass. Excited! Edit: i now have Bass

[@leonsaieg2959]

ohhh same here! exactly what was happening to me, will check that link love this channel

[@evanweston6841]

I learn a great deal from you Geoff. You supplement my weekly instruction very effectively. Many thanks

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thanks Evan, I really appreciate that. 👍

[@notmyworld44]

I played double bass in orchestras professionally for 38 years, and then I had a stroke in 2018, which eliminated me from the game. Having mostly recovered from that episode now (God be praised), I am trying to return to bass playing, but I find that I have almost completely forgotten how to play. This video is very helpful to me, and I appreciated it very much.

[@68Tboy]

@ Wayne Warmack I’m so sorry that you’ve had to go through that.

[@68Tboy]

@ Wayne Warmack I’m so sorry that you’ve had to go through that.

[@68Tboy]

@ Wayne Warmack I’m so sorry that you’ve had to go through that.

[@68Tboy]

@ Wayne Warmack I’m so sorry that you’ve had to go through that.

[@68Tboy]

@ Wayne Warmack I’m so sorry that you’ve had to go through that.

[@leotorresbass4896]

Thanks for the class. I´m starting to study with an upright bass and gonna try to apply these class into my practice!

[@axiomaddict]

I’ll try these recommendations. I’ve been playing a few weeks and really struggling with the flying pinky!

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Good luck!

[@soundwisestudios5340]

Great lesson…amazing bass!

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thank you! :-)

[@pallietone6344]

Great! I tend to stiffen up in my left hand. But in fact it shouldn't take that much pressure at all, just enough to get a sound. Thanks for the video....John

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thanks John, I'm glad you enjoyed the video :-)

[@topkoality21]

This video is so helpful! I play cello and I am learning double bass. I thought that cello and bass were played pretty much the same(besides the fact that double bass is often played standing up). But now I see that the technique is pretty different. (fingering for example) You've got some very helpful tips! Thank you!

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

You're very welcome! I'm glad you found it useful.

[@rustyspurband9160]

Excellent, needed YT channel you created... Thanks! Having played the electric bass exclusively for 40+ years, I just picked an Ibanez EUB. My question is, since this is a 34" scale bass, should I continue to use the one-note-per-finger left hand technique I'm so used to, or should I adapt myself to using the preferred 1-2-4 technique used with the longer scale acoustic upright basses? Thanks for your input/ advice in advance!

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

This is a tough one as I've not played a 34" EUB, but I think you should certainly consider it and there may be circumstance where it works really well. When I play electric I tend to do both 1,2,4 and 1,2,3,4 anyway, so I would mix it up and borrow from both approaches and see what gets the best results.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

@@yurynikiforov6585 No, I'm teaching the standard 1, 2 & 4 fingerings in this lesson. The 3rd finger is at rest and alongside the 2nd finger.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

@@yurynikiforov6585 Great to hear you're enjoying them :-)

[@davidpettway7803]

I’ve only played the db for three years and I’m pretty good at it

[@markthemusicman2151]

Great teacher.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thank you so much.

[@juditharmstrong6267]

I’ve been using a broom stick to practice .

[@claireflorencecampbell9515]

Excellent lesson I’m just started learning the double bass and come from a bass guitar background so this lesson was great for me !

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Great to hear! I also started on electric bass and it's a lot of fun playing both. Good luck with your practice. :-)

[@jef9711]

Bought my upright (Upton Hybrid) about 8 years ago, took lessons locally for about six months or so but then work got in the way and I had to take a hiatus. I love the instrument and this video is good, much of this was review from my instructor but the part about rotating your hand around when playing the E so the thumb is 180 opposite was really good, I always struggled with clean fingering on the E..... doh ! Looking forward to more.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thanks, it's great to hear you've enjoyed the lesson and I hope you enjoy getting to spend more time with your upright. :-)

[@susanweiner7615]

So helpful! Really great for beginners.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thanks so much ☺️

[@asherschachter7761]

Fantastic. I wish my teacher had taught me this ages ago. Subscribed.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thanks Asher, I'm glad you enjoyed it, cheers Geoff

[@pietropedrozzi6273]

Great explanation, thx!

[@Fluffypara123]

Thank you I’m gonna try this at school next time 😅

[@bobbyrio2628]

Very helpful. Thanks Geoff!

[@peterpuck219]

Very god teacher.Thank you.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thank you! 😃

[@stanhunter243]

Thank you

[@adamstevensbass]

Geoff, this is an incredible lesson! Very well done.. thanks so much. - ASB

[@nunofaria1222]

Good lesson and very well explained.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thanks :-)

[@susannahr2155]

Thank you! This really improved my technique!

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thanks for watching and good luck with your practice :-)

[@bassclef1384]

Thank you! I started on upright, been playing for 13 years and just finally getting around to fixing my "death grip" or "collapse-itis" as my teacher called it. Thank you for the video, it's a good reminder.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Great to hear it helped, best of luck with all your practice, cheers Geoff

[@bbbossa07]

Merci, I follow your tutos, Thank you !

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

You are welcome! :-)

[@billygewin1154]

Great lesson - thanks!

[@sendittomeokay]

amazing advice thank you so much Geoffrey

[@rogerboulton3922]

A excellent tutor

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thanks Roger, I really appreciate that :-)

[@viniciusfogliarini9817]

Parabéns! Excelente aula! Muito Obrigado! (Congratulation! Excellent class! Thank you very much!)

[@tnh_bento]

Fantastic, Geoff! Really useful videos!

[@MarihFerreira_Mrs]

Queria ter aula com esse professor. Ele parece ser legal.

[@danielandersson452]

What a great class! Though I feel that I have to mention that it is possible to play with fingers 1 through 4 from the forth position or even sometimes from the third position in certain circumstances. I studied for prof. Anders Jormin for five years and he always plays with all for fingers from the forth position, which I myself also do. It's of course a matter of what you prefer but I thought that I would just share by experience!

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Gald you enjoyed the video and I'm a big fan of Anders Jormin, it must have been amazing to study with him! I agree that using 4 fingers from the neck block is a good option for some players.

[@michaelanderson001]

Do you have any tips for moving the left hand and down the fingerboard? For example, going from playing A in the first postion, to D in third position and then back to A. This is one of the problems I have.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Michael Anderson Hi Michael, yes that issue is down to shifting. You need to learn how to 'measure distance' between notes. www.discoverdoublebass.com/lesson/accurate-shifting/ Another option is to use the neck heel www.discoverdoublebass.com/lesson/unlock-the-fingerboard-double-bass-neck-heel-method-for-great-tuning-l19/ but I would still really focus on your shifting as that's an essential technique for all bassists.

[@michaelanderson001]

A method I have is to place two pieces of tape on the back of the fingerboard; so that if my thumb is on the higher one I know that (for example) my fingers are in the correct position to play A, Bflat and B (on the G string). When my thumb is on the lower piece of tape I know my fingers are in the correct position to place C, Csharp and D. This may be frowned upon, but it's helping me at the moment. Michael Anderson Grade 2

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Michael Anderson I can see how that would work and if that helps then it's an option. For me really getting into shifting transformed how I move about the bass and my tuning...so I would recommend that in future if want to try different approaches. Best of luck with your practice, cheers Geoff

[@michaelanderson001]

I have no problem with the shifting, it's getting my left hand back to its original position that's the problem.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Michael Anderson I think we are approaching it differently. For me I find the A after playing the D on the same string by measuring the distance (though shifting) back to that note, in the same way I do ascending. Another way could be to use the crook of the neck as a reference point and play the A with the second finger which would work regardless of where you start.

[@AntonioVillamar]

absolutely professional... thanks I'll will subscribe!

[@bassMAGics]

Really great lesson! Very clear and easy to follow!

[@jcmatu]

Muchas gracias,por la leccion..... por mas que yo entienda poco ingles, comprendo perfecto tu lección!! viva la música!!

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

pitrecantropus erectus Thanks/Gracias :-)

[@flippatmedbernt]

So clearing thaaaaanks

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Hey @Andrew Sonnetag, I wasn't able to post my reply directly on your comment so am hoping you see this. It's a though thing to diagnose without seeing you play, but here are the main things you should be looking out for: 1. A bass which is reasonably set up, but for it to cause pain it would have to be pretty extreme. 2. Posture, this is super important and a lot harder than it looks. 3. Arm weight, you have to use arm weight or you will likely end up with pain from squeezing the neck with your thumb. 4. Good hand shape, if your fingers are collapsed it's possible you will have problems. I'm actually doing a lesson in a few weeks time on using the thumb and arm weight which I think may help so keep an eye out for that and best of luck with your playing. Cheers Geoff

[@butteredtoast43]

Thanks! That really helped! I didn't realize this would be such a physical instrument compared to the electric.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Andrew Sonnentag I know what you mean, I also started on electric and it took me a while to get comfortable...but once you do it's a whole lot easier.

[@Cormagh]

I played double bass when I was young and recently started bass guitar, so I needed to watch this to find out that I wasn't crazy for remembering all the "weird" fingerings. I wonder if these fingerings can be adapted to the fretless electric bass though.

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Hey Nathan, It can be frustrating if you already have similar technique on cello and need to unlearn the different fingerings etc..The good news is you will have a lots of useful skills though, like being used to hearing and correcting your tuning... I think just the usual advice of playing slowly and carefully and over time it will become more natural. Good luck with it. Cheers Geoff

[@6000pounds]

I think the rotation of the thumb tip well help me transition from a few quick notes I have to slap in the a string then quickly move to the g string and I've been having trouble with it. grant it, it's about 4 notes in two seconds and I got really frustrated with it last night

[@NorbertOfficial]

Thanx man.... really helpful stuff

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

My pleasure Norbert, cheers Geoff

[@butteredtoast43]

I've played electric for a few years and started on upright recently. My pinky really sucks and there's a terrible buzz when I use it on the E string and it's painful. I did all the things in the video like using the other fingers and keeping the thumb in the correct place.

[@bobgamacho]

Again, informative for the electric to acoustic crossover. Dividing your hand into three and omitting the third finger will take some getting used to. Thanks!

[@bajistalatino]

gracias buen material!..

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed the lesson, cheers Geoff

[@SkepticalBill]

Excellent lesson. Thank you man!

[@Squares1960]

Nice!

[@Almorph]

very usefull!

[@DiscoverDoubleBass]

Thanks Magnus!

[@deckomorales]

Thanks a lot