double bass
C1Formal/Technical
Definition
Meaning
The largest and lowest-pitched bowed string instrument in the modern symphony orchestra, with a deep, resonant sound.
The instrument that provides the bass line in orchestras, jazz ensembles, and various folk music traditions; by extension, can refer to the role of providing foundational, low-frequency support in a musical group.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
While 'double bass' is the standard full name, in many contexts (especially jazz/rock) it is shortened to 'bass'. This shortening can cause ambiguity with the electric bass guitar.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Terminology is largely identical. 'Double bass' is standard in both. 'Upright bass' is more common in American vernacular (especially jazz/blues), while 'contrabass' is slightly more formal/classical and used on both sides.
Connotations
In the UK, 'double bass' is the unmarked, standard term across registers. In the US, 'upright bass' carries a more informal, jazz/roots music connotation.
Frequency
'Double bass' is the most frequent term overall in written English and formal contexts globally. 'Upright bass' is notably more frequent in American spoken English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] plays/studies the double bass.The [Musical piece] features a double bass.A [Adjective] double bass provides the foundation.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Hold down the bottom end”
- “Walk the bass line”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; only in contexts of instrument manufacturing, retail, or music school administration.
Academic
Common in musicology, ethnomusicology, and performance studies texts.
Everyday
Used when discussing music, hobbies, or cultural events.
Technical
Specific in orchestration, instrument construction (luthiery), and audio engineering for its frequency range.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He's been double-bassing for the BBC Symphony for years.
- She double-bassed her way through the concerto with remarkable agility.
American English
- He double-basses in a bluegrass band on weekends.
- She's double-bassing for the studio session tomorrow.
adverb
British English
- The piece was performed more double-bass than intended.
American English
- The arrangement sits very double-bass heavy in the mix.
adjective
British English
- The double-bass part is written in the clef.
- He attended a masterclass for double-bass technique.
American English
- The double-bass line drives the entire song.
- She's looking for a double-bass amplifier.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I can see the double bass in the orchestra.
- That instrument is very big. It is a double bass.
- The double bass has a very deep and warm sound.
- In our school orchestra, my friend plays the double bass.
- The jazz quartet was excellent, particularly the improvisation by the double bass player.
- Composers often use the double bass to create a sense of gravity and tension in film scores.
- His pioneering technique transformed the double bass from a purely accompanimental instrument into a formidable solo voice.
- The acoustics of the hall were such that the resonant frequencies of the double bass became slightly muddied.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BASS (fish) that's DOUBLED in size—so huge it needs to be played standing up, like the double bass.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOUNDATION/ANCHOR (The double bass provides the solid, grounding foundation upon which the harmonic structure is built.)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate as 'двойной бас' (double bass in a literal, non-musical sense). The correct Russian term is 'контрабас' (contrabass).
- The word 'bass' in the name is pronounced /beɪs/ (like 'base'), not /bæs/ (like the fish).
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'double base'.
- Confusing it with the electric bass guitar (simply called 'bass').
- Using 'bass' pronounced as /bæs/ when referring to the instrument.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a common synonym for 'double bass'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The instrument is 'double bass' /ˌdʌb.əl ˈbeɪs/, where 'bass' rhymes with 'ace'. 'Base' /beɪs/ is a separate word meaning foundation or headquarters.
The double bass (or upright bass) is a large, acoustic, bowed/plucked string instrument played standing up. The bass guitar is a solid-bodied, fretted electric instrument played horizontally, often with a strap. They serve similar harmonic roles but are distinct instruments.
The name likely originates from its historical role of 'doubling' the bass line an octave below the cellos in Baroque and Classical music, or because its strings are tuned approximately an octave below the cello.
While primarily known for bass lines, the double bass has a significant solo repertoire, especially in jazz and 20th/21st-century classical music. Players use techniques like *pizzicato* (plucking) and harmonics to execute complex melodies.