The Truth About Playing Open Strings | Joseph Conyers, Double Bass

[@aartedoverso]

You all know: we all need more Joseph Conyers in our lives. As a teacher, as a musician and as a human. In the past I used to play double bass, but I had to stop due to personal problems. The experiences with the teachers were traumatic (i'm from Brazil). There was not this lightness in teaching (the way you teach), this passionate way of teaching. We live in the golden age of the double bass, and you are a diamond in this age.

[@DrEric-kp8tf]

You are an awesome human being and I hope you are actively involved in teaching. Have a great day!

[@josephconyers7854]

Thank you!! I hope you have a great day as well!

[@bobsabin]

Excellent!

[@michaelanderson001]

I didn't have music lessons in school and only took up the double bass when I left the RAF in my early 30s. I've not had many lessons, but get by with reading a few tuition books and playing in an orchestra and concert band. Not having a teacher gets you to think about problems you're having with your playing and working them out by yourself.

[@tkbass01]

As someone who started playing in 1989 as an 8th grade kid through my Sophomore year of college with various local gigs through 2014, I am glad that I found you as I started replaying the Double Bass after a 7 year hiatus. I am not quite starting from scratch but feel that I have a long way to go to pick up where I left off. I look forward to the journey. 😊

[@josephconyers7854]

Good luck to you! 👍🏾👍🏾

[@colincbass414]

Yes! A nuanced and elegant open string can sound very stylistically appropriate and beautiful. I was thinking about this last week, as we recorded some string orchestra videos, especially playing Mozart. I used my Hill, which is sounding great after a year of restoration work, but still is a beast to play. In other words, you gotta work on that bass, especially with the left hand. Still, sometimes the simplicity and of course nuance of an open string on that bass added a wonderful color to the ensemble. So I think some of it might also be dependent on the bass as well. And our outgoing music director prefers very little to no vibrato in Mozart too!

[@ilkkatuuli8997]

Exactly! WHY is the question...

[@LisaJeanetteMe]

If this music thing doesn't work out, you could definitely be a comedian! :D

[@josephconyers7854]

😅I will consider it!

[@theresa.y5221]

@@josephconyers7854 What happens if you activate the hip shot with the B-Extension on the scroll?

[@Oscaraha]

Man, thats a absolute perfectly looking bass, and you certainly got the chops, musicality and personality to go with it❤️

[@allihaywood8561]

Absolutely love your videos! You are always so upbeat and informative. As a woodwind player and newbie to the bass, I just love learning about every aspect of it. So wish I had discovered it earlier in life, but better late than never...!

[@dimaaaaaaa2]

I love you don’t know how much you helped me

[@KevinJohnson-tw9ip]

lol, the way you said that made me think..."am i doing that lol?" Second video of today because the other one was so short. Such an awesome investment of my time. Thank you so much Maestro

[@mkwaterstone]

Great great lesson..where do you get that Rubber Thing for the bow? My finger is raw! Thanks for all you do

[@dr05guitar]

Thank you for the video! Great as always. I had a question for you as well-- do you have any recommendations on stools for bass playing?

[@josephconyers7854]

I think something that is not too high and not short. You should find a stool that you feel comfortable with.

[@Badtvset]

Hi Joseph, At 3:18, you name the piece Ethelsnodem?!? I didn't quite hear the name. You play it beautifully. I'd like to find the excerpt. Thanks!

[@doubleb6367]

He's playing Eccles Sonata I moviment you can easily find some pdfs on IMPLS

[@jeremyatkins1299]

Not sure if you ever found it, but he's playing the Eccle's Sonata in gminor, mvmt 1.

[@stevebadachmusic]

just like on electric. the open strings have their place, but it's worth thinking about avoiding them. or at least consider them in the larger context.

[@josephconyers7854]

Yes!!!! :)

[@brattingprincess]

Nice glasses hahahahaha TIL open strings on bass is sacrilegious. We use 4th finger depending on the color and interpretation or just efficiency.

[@josephconyers7854]

Thank you 😅 and yes!!!

[@MrDanilop45]

Your no-good is still amazingly good 🤩

[@alfieharries]

Dear god that is a pretty bass

[@joshr6058]

😂 Reggaeton

[@Musicman914]

I am hating open strings....