top of page
Search

Two Basses, One Purpose: Comparing the Double Bass and Electric Bass


I've often been asked which I prefer to play: the double bass or the electric bass. My answer is simple—but often surprising. I don’t have a preference. These are two distinct instruments with different histories, techniques, and even physical demands—but they share one powerful role: “to link harmony with rhythm”.


That core function remains the same across genres and settings. But how we achieve it—how we learn, play, and interact with the music—is very different on each instrument. In this article, I’ll share some thoughts from my own experience, and draw inspiration from Massimo Cavalli’s excellent study, Double Bass and Electric Bass: The Case Study of John Patitucci.


A Brief History




The double bass dates back to the 16th century, born into the world of orchestras and chamber ensembles. It was originally played without amplification, often with a bow, and tuned in fourths. Its size and acoustic nature make it both majestic and demanding.


The electric bass, by contrast, was created in the 1950s to address practical limitations. It’s easier to transport, easier to amplify, and more forgiving when it comes to intonation. Leo Fender’s Precision Bass changed the game, making bass playing more accessible and defining the sound of popular music for decades to come.


As Cavalli notes, although both instruments serve the same function in a musical ensemble, “the capacity of a bassist to fully support an ensemble... can be achieved individually playing electric or double bass.” Some, like John Patitucci, master both—and that mastery is what Cavalli’s study explores.


Technique and Approach




One of the biggest differences between the two instruments lies in how we physically approach them.


  • Left Hand Technique: On the electric bass, we typically use a one-finger-per-fret approach, similar to guitar. On double bass, because of the longer scale and string tension, players use a 1-2-4 fingering system. Classical methods like Simandl and Rabbath differ even more in fingerboard navigation.

  • Right Hand Technique: The electric bass allows for a wide range of styles—fingerstyle, slap, pick, tapping. On the double bass, pizzicato is a fine art, especially in jazz, and bowing (arco) adds another layer of complexity not found in electric playing.


These differences mean that learning the two instruments is not simply a matter of translation. As Cavalli points out, each has its own set of pedagogies, histories, and physical demands.


Different Contexts, Different Voices


In many cases, the choice between electric and double bass comes down to musical setting.


  • Jazz standards, orchestral works, and acoustic ensembles often call for the double bass.

  • Rock, funk, pop, and fusion lean toward the electric.


That said, there are crossover artists who bring both to the table—like John Patitucci. In his recordings and performances, he switches between the two effortlessly, letting the music dictate the voice.


My Personal Take




For me, the joy is in the contrast. The upright’s resonance and physicality make it feel like a dance. The electric’s speed and precision unlock different musical instincts. I never see them as interchangeable—but complementary. Each expands my musical vocabulary and keeps me growing as a bassist.


Most of the time, it’s the music itself—whether through the arrangement, the genre, or simply the sound being sought—that dictates which instrument I bring to a gig. Some songs cry out for the woody depth of the upright, while others demand the punch and clarity of the electric.


When I choose, I consider:

  • The genre and style the band is playing.

  • The space (is it acoustic-friendly? Will I be heard?).

  • The vibe I want to contribute—earthy warmth, or tight articulation?


Final Thoughts


The double bass and electric bass are not just two versions of the same instrument. They are different beasts entirely—but both powerful in their own way. As Cavalli puts it, they may be “two different instruments sharing a common function: to link harmony with rhythm.”


If you're a beginner bassist reading this, don’t feel pressured to master both right away. Start with what suits your goals and your hands best. But over time, if you're curious, explore the other. Every tool you add to your kit increases your adaptability—and your chances of getting called for a wider range of gigs.




Buy Simon Sammut's music here on melodija.eu

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page