LibGuides: Double Bass: Technique

Recommended Resources

Technique Books in the Allen Library (selections)

101 Upright Bass Tips by Andy McKee
Call Number: MT320 M35 O533 [Allen shelves]

Publication Date: 2014

Covers right- and left-hand technique, improvising and soloing, practicing, proper care of the instrument, ear training, performance, and much more.
Double Bass Solo Techniques by Keith Hartley (Editor)
Call Number: MT331 H33 D68 [Allen shelves]

Publication Date: 2008

Combines a technique book with a collection of orchestral excerpts.
A Double Bassist's Guide to Refining Performance Practices by Murray Grodner
Call Number: MT320 G76 D 2013 [Allen shelves]

A compendium of performance philosophy, bowing and phrasing recommendations, fingerings and scales, bowing and string crossing exercises,
instrument and bow purchase advice, and more.
New Method for String Bass by Franz Simandl; Stuart Sankey (Editor)
Call Number: MT322 S58 I5 v.1

Publication Date: 1968

A standard in bass education. Volume 2 available in other editions.
Simplified Higher Technique for Double Bass by Francesco Petracchi
Call Number: MT330 P48 S5 [Allen shelves]

Publication Date: 1982

A pivotal book for bassists. Organizes the left hand into a measuring device to expand possibilities with your upper position.

Discover More

Browse the Catalog

Browse by subject in the catalog, for example:

Double bass > Instruction and study
Double bass > Methods
Double bass > Orchestral excerpts
Double bass > Studies and exercises

String instruments > Instruction and Study

Browse the Shelves

There are many more technique books available in the library! Use these call numbers to find more:

Call Number	Topic
MT259	String technique (general)
MT320	Double bass technique (general)
MT322	Systems and methods
MT330	Studies and exercises (general)
MT331	Orchestral studies
MT333-MT334	Instructive editions

Browse Professional Journals

Professional journals are a great place to learn from experts about the most recent developments in your field.
Search articles online or browse the Allen Library current periodicals (near the Allen entrance). See especially:

Bass World by International Society of Bassists
International Musician by American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada
Available in print (last two years on current periodicals shelf) and online (2003 - present).
The Strad
Most recent issues available online only.
Strings
Most recent issues available online only.
Symphony by American Symphony Orchestra League
Summer–Fall 2021 available free online. Other issues available in print only (Current Periodicals or Bound Periodicals, ML1 S98).

Suggest a Resource

Know of a resource you think should be added to this guide? Let us know!

Want to suggest we purchase something new? Contact Tracey Rudnick (rudnick@hartford.edu).