bass viol: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2technical, formal, historical, musical
Quick answer
What does “bass viol” mean?
A stringed musical instrument of the viol family, the largest and lowest-pitched member, typically with six strings and frets, played upright between the legs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A stringed musical instrument of the viol family, the largest and lowest-pitched member, typically with six strings and frets, played upright between the legs.
The term can refer specifically to the viola da gamba, a Renaissance/Baroque instrument, or more generally to any low-pitched viol, and it is also used historically to describe early forms of the double bass.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or use. Both regions use the term in historical and Early Music contexts.
Connotations
In both regions, the term connotes historical/period performance, refinement, and specific knowledge of early music.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both dialects. Slightly more common in the UK due to a stronger tradition of early music societies.
Grammar
How to Use “bass viol” in a Sentence
[play/perform on] the bass violThe bass viol [provides/has/produces] the bass line.A [consort/ensemble] featuring a bass viol.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in musicology, historical performance practice, and organology texts. Example: 'The development of the bass viol in 17th-century England is a key topic.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Precise term in instrument classification, Early Music instrumentation, and historical scores. Example: 'The continuo group consists of harpsichord, theorbo, and bass viol.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bass viol”
- Confusing it with the double bass (a different, larger, unfretted instrument).
- Pronouncing 'bass' as in the fish (/bæs/) instead of the musical term (/beɪs/).
- Using it to refer to a modern cello.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. They belong to different instrument families (viol vs. violin). The bass viol has sloping shoulders, frets, six strings, and is held differently.
Its peak was during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, roughly from the late 15th to the mid-18th century.
Yes, primarily in performances of Early Music by specialist ensembles and in recordings dedicated to historical performance practice.
The frets (usually made of gut tied around the neck) ensure pure, clear chords and stable intonation for polyphonic music, which was a key feature of viol playing.
A stringed musical instrument of the viol family, the largest and lowest-pitched member, typically with six strings and frets, played upright between the legs.
Bass viol is usually technical, formal, historical, musical in register.
Bass viol: in British English it is pronounced /beɪs ˈvaɪəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /beɪs ˈvaɪəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'BASS' = low sound, 'VIOL' = old string instrument. Combined, it's the low old string instrument.
Conceptual Metaphor
The bass viol is often metaphorically the 'foundation' or 'pillar' of a viol consort, providing structural support.
Practice
Quiz
What is a primary characteristic of a bass viol?