What are the two different bows bowing styles used when playing the double bass?

Bass players use two different types of bows: the French bow and the German bow. The French bow is shorter and heavier than the cello bow, and utilizes an overhand bow hold similar to what cello players use.

Can you play a double bass with a bow?

The double bass is played with a bow (arco), or by plucking the strings (pizzicato), or via a variety of extended techniques. In orchestral repertoire and tango music, both arco and pizzicato are employed.

How is the German bow different from the French bow?

The French bow has a smaller frog (the part of the bow you hold) and looks more like the bows you’d use to play cello, viola or violin. It is also held in a similar fashion as with those instruments, with an “overhand” grip. The German bow (aka “Butler”) has a taller frog and is held in an “underhand” grip.

What are the strings on a double bass?

A double bass is usually strung with four heavy strings pitched E1–A1–D–G; a fifth string is occasionally added—in jazz band basses, at the top of the register to allow high notes to be played more easily; in symphony orchestra basses, below the E string, tuned to C.

What is the difference between a French and German double bass bow?

French double bass bows are shaped like a cello bow or violin bow, but larger. The French-style frog is smaller and shorter than the German, which is noticeably taller. Usually the length of the German-style stick is slightly longer. As well as having a larger frog, overall the double bass bow is heavier and shorter than a cello bow.

Should double bass players use an overhand bow or an underhand bow?

A: One of the seemingly most controversial, yet entirely manufactured non-controversies among double bass players is whether one should play using an overhand (aka “French”) bow or an underhand (aka “German”) bow. Note: “German” and “French” are used here in a broad sense as there are multiple underhand Bow Holds, and Multiple overhand bow holds.

Is there a difference between French and German basses?

…And there are plenty of bassists who play French with power and/or German with finesse. French bows used to have a substantial edge in the USA, but German bows have made a resurgence. We still sell more French than German, but not by nearly as big a margin.

What is the difference between a French bow and violin?

The French bow has a smaller frog (the part of the bow you hold) and looks more like the bows you’d use to play cello, viola or violin. It is also held in a similar fashion as with those instruments, with an “overhand” grip.