Intonation
Intonation on the Upright and Fretless Bass
There is a wide range of techniques and approaches to intonation exercises on the double bass. Some use playback software, tuning notes, or tracks to train.
Relying on a drone-like instrument or synthesizer sound can help you feel the distance between notes. In Carnatic and Hindustani music, a drone—tambura (or tanpura in North India)—is used to lay the groundwork1 for the melodic instruments:
Many different tunings exist, and the one using the root note, the fifth, and the octave is widely used. Here is an example of a drone on D (with 440 Hz reference tuning). The fifth A is tuned to a pure 3:2 interval ratio.
Randomized change of root note and fifth with a drone
The following exercise uses a random change of the root note, either D or Eb with an added perfect fifths and octaves and also random lengths where this change will occur.
Beginner students can make use of this exercise by:
- focusing only on the root change from D to Eb
- playing D and Eb in all ranges across the neck
- using bowing or pizzicato
- adding a fifth or an octave
- experimenting with different fingerings or same-finger shifts
Intermediate and advanced students can:
- play other intervals based on the root
- play whole intervals
- play whole scales
- play with dissonance
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for a more detailed explanation cf. Drones in Indian Music ↩︎