The double bass is the largest and lowest-pitched bowed string instrument used in the modern symphony orchestra. It is used extensively in Western classical music as the standard member of the string section of symphony orchestras and smaller string ensembles. In addition, it is used in other genres such as jazz, blues, rock and roll, rockabilly, and bluegrass.

 

The instrument's standard English name, "double bass," comes from the instrument's Italian name contrabbasso (contrabass). The name "double bass" may be derived from the double bass' size (it is approximately twice as large as the cello), or because the double bass was originally used to double the 'cello part an octave lower.

 

	Example 1: Jazzy (finger style) Example 2: Impromptu for Piano and Contrabass

Range: can extend a perfect 4th higher than upper note. Jazz players often bend the string with their fingers for bluesy effect.

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Tuning: Tuned by turning the pegs to make strings tighter (for higher pitch) or slacker to make the pitch lower 

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