There are many techniques for plucking string instruments. This article lists and describes the main types. Demonstrations and discussion of various techniques can be found in the video and audio clips in the articles below....[more]
Bass Pizzicato
More than any other string instrument, the double bass is associated with pizzicato. In jazz, plucking is the normal way to play the instrument.This has led to a vast range of nuances available to the bass player. In the clips below Corin Long demonstrating the main ones:
clip 1 -
Pizzicato - Corin explains how the sound changes when different parts of the string are plucked eg near the middle or towards the bridge.
clip 2 -
Different ways of plucking the strungs.
clip 3 -
Corin demonstrates different ways of plucking with two or three fingers, playing chords and strumming the bass.
clip 4 -
All string players use vibrato to help sustain pizzicato notes.
clip 5 -
Pizzicato tremolos with alternating 'running' fingers or strummed.
Pizzicato Phrases
By listening to the two clips below from the Phrases Sample Library you can hear the difference between loud and soft pizzicato across the entire range of the Double Bass. You can also hear how vibrato is used on some of the notes.
clip 1 -
Loud pzzicato phrase...
clip 2 -
Soft pizzicato phrase...
Snap Pizz
Description: Snap or 'Bartok' Pizzicato involves pulling the string upwards and allowing it to 'snap' sharply against the fingerboard.
Notation: snap pizz written instruction or the symbol shown opposite - a circle with a vertical line at 12 o'clock.
Comments: Often used by Béla Bartók, hence the nickname. It is also very common in Jazz bass playing because of the extra volume and attack.
clip 1 -
Snap pizz example from the Sample Library - Phrases.
Pizzicato Glissando
Description: after the note is plucked the left hand finger slides up or down the string.
Notation: the same as a bowed example, but with the word pizz underneath
Comments: A quiet effect. If you listen to the examples below you will notice that the glissando part is very quiet compared to the plucking sound at the start of the note.
clip 1 -
Pizzicato glissando example from the Phrases Sample Library...
Pizzicato Tremolo
Description: rapid motion of the finger against the string
Notation: standard tremolo notation with the word pizz underneath.
Comments: Bass players either use two or three repidly alternating fingers of the right hand or sometimes they will use a guitar plectrum.
clip 1 -
Loud pizzicato tremolo...
clip 2 -
Soft pizzicato tremolo...