string bass: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Specialist (music), semi-formal to informal.
Quick answer
What does “string bass” mean?
A large, low-pitched musical instrument of the violin family, played upright with a bow or by plucking the strings.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large, low-pitched musical instrument of the violin family, played upright with a bow or by plucking the strings; also called a double bass or contrabass.
In jazz and popular music contexts, it can refer specifically to the acoustic upright bass as opposed to the electric bass guitar; sometimes used metaphorically to denote a foundational or deep supporting element.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'double bass' is the standard term; 'string bass' is understood but less common and can sound like an Americanism. In American English, 'string bass' is common, especially in jazz, school, and popular music contexts to distinguish it from the tuba (brass bass) or bass guitar.
Connotations
UK: Slightly technical/classical (orchestral) connotation with 'double bass'. US: Broader, includes orchestral, jazz, and folk contexts; can sound more casual or descriptive.
Frequency
High frequency in American musical contexts (education, jazz). Medium-Low frequency in UK, where 'double bass' dominates.
Grammar
How to Use “string bass” in a Sentence
[Someone] plays (the) string bass (in [group])The [song/band] features a string bassThe sound of a string bass [verb]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “string bass” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He is learning to string bass? (Not typical; 'play the double bass' is used.)
American English
- She string basses? (Not typical as a verb; 'plays the string bass' is used.)
adjective
British English
- The string bass part is written in clef. (Rare as adjective; 'double bass part' is standard.)
American English
- He's the string bass player in the jazz combo.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in music industry (e.g., 'We need to rent a string bass for the session').
Academic
Used in musicology, performance studies, and descriptions of instrumentation.
Everyday
Used by musicians, music enthusiasts, and in educational settings (e.g., school orchestra).
Technical
Precise term in musical scores, instrument catalogs, and discussions of acoustics or technique.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “string bass”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “string bass”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “string bass”
- Confusing 'bass' (instrument/fish) pronunciation with 'base' (foundation).
- Using 'string bass' in formal British orchestral contexts where 'double bass' is expected.
- Misspelling as 'string base'.
- Using it to refer to a bass guitar with strings.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A string bass (upright bass) is a large, acoustic, fretless instrument played standing up. A bass guitar is electric, smaller, usually fretted, and played horizontally.
Not all. In orchestras and bands, the term 'bass' can also refer to low-pitched wind instruments like the bass clarinet or brass instruments like the tuba (sometimes called a 'brass bass'). 'String bass' specifies the string family.
The string bass (double bass) is significantly larger than the cello. It is the largest and lowest-pitched instrument in the modern string family.
Yes. The technique is called 'arco'. The other primary technique is plucking the strings, called 'pizzicato', which is very common in jazz and folk music.
A large, low-pitched musical instrument of the violin family, played upright with a bow or by plucking the strings.
String bass is usually specialist (music), semi-formal to informal. in register.
String bass: in British English it is pronounced /ˌstrɪŋ ˈbeɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌstrɪŋ ˈbeɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Hold down the low end (like a string bass)”
- “As foundational as a string bass line”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: STRING BASS = STRINGS for the low BASE (foundation) of the music.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOUNDATION/SUPPORT (The string bass provides the foundational harmonic and rhythmic support for the ensemble.)
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'string bass' MOST commonly used?