Bite-size Double Bass Instruction
for String Teachers and Self-Taught Students
Renata Soares Cáceres, D.M.A.
Double Bassist, Performer, and Teacher
Bass Bites is a series of “bite-size” videos covering all fundamental aspects of double bass technique. Short, straight to the point, and easy to understand, this video series is organized sequentially but can be watched individually or in any given order, depending on your preference and needs. For both students and instructors, Bass Bites will provide all you need to know to cultivate the correct technique from the start.
More than an online course
Bass Bites is a method in a video format
Short and straight to the point
Bass Bites videos are about 2 minutes long, introducing one element at a time, in an accessible manner. The videos are organized in a progressive order. However, each video can be watched individually and in any order. Feel free to search for the topic that interests you the most and jump right in.
For String Teachers and Self-Learners
Designed with string teachers and self-taught students in mind, Bass Bites provides thorough explanation of the unique characteristics of the double bass. String teacher will benefit from the many exercises that can be used with their students, while self-taught students will benefit from a more in-depth experience in learning the double bass.
Volume I
The first volume of Bass Bites is a beginner’s guide introducing basic aspects of double bass playing from setup and gear to posture, introduction to the left hand, jazz pizzicato, and playing with the bow. Designed to accommodate different schools of playing, Bass Bites addresses both French and German Bows and both standing and sitting playing positions.
Upcoming series
Bass Bites is an ongoing project and further volumes will include a progressive curriculum that builds up from Volume I.
Watch a Free Sample
Is it best to sit or stand for playing the double bass? Found out how to choose.
Every bass player should know the jazz pizzicato, even the most classical-inclined.
Let’s see how to produce a full and resonant sound with the bow right from the start.
The double bass left hand shape is quite unique! Here’s how to get started.
Bass players shift like no one else. Even for a half step! Learn how to do it properly.
Bass Bites Volume I
Beginner's Guide
Setup and Gear
1) Instrument Size
2) Types of Endpin
3) Endpin Height
4) Types of Bow
5) Standing vs. Sitting
Playing Posture
6) Body Balance and Posture
7) Standing with the Double Bass
8) Sitting with the Double Bass
9) Moving Around the Fingerboard Right from the Start
Bow Holds
10) French Bow
11) French Bow Preparatory Exercises
12) German Bow
13) German Bow Preparatory Exercises
Right Hand
14) Arm Weight
15) The Open Strings Blues
16) Jazz Pizzicato
Playing with the Bow
17) Sound Production with the Bow
18) Bow Control: Playing in the Lower Half
19) Bow Arm Angle for Each String
Introduction to the Left Hand
20) The Double Bass Hand Shape
21) Preparatory Exercises in the 4th Position
22) Playing with Harmonics in the 4th Position
Introduction to the Left Hand
23) The First Position
24) First Notes
25) The 4th Finger Blues
26) The Triad Blues
Bow Technique and Control
27) Understanding Arm Weight and Bow Distribution
28) Arm Movement: Moving the Bow Straight
29) String Crossing
Left Hand Technique and Endurance
30) Finger Articulation
31) Notes in the Fourth Position
32) Shifting on the Double Bass
33) Mapping the Fingerboard from the Start