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Technique: Shifting on the double bass

2026-05-08T08:39:00

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Shifting can be especially tricky for bassists, Nina Decesare gives tips on how to best approach it

Shifting well on any bowed stringed instrument is challenging, but for double bassists it is especially demanding because of the long distances involved. It is therefore very important to figure out effective and efficient ways to shift, taking into account the fact that within the shift it is often necessary to change the entire torso/shoulder/arm/hand position. This is not just to reach the destination note on time, but to arrive at it with a hand position well set up to play what follows with ease…

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