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 rely on play-along software, reference tones, or backing tracks.

Relying on a drone-like instrument or synthesizer sound can help you feel the distance between notes. In Karnatic 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 randomly changes the root note, either D or Eb, with added perfect fifths and octaves, and also randomizes when this change occurs.

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