I started the Discover Double Bass YouTube channel back in 2013 and since then we have had 1,663,684 views, published over 200 videos and added 23,000 subscribers. It's been an amazing journey and I've loved meeting bassists from across the globe and seeing our community grow.
Looking back at my lessons with the most views they are amongst the very first I filmed. I cringe when watching them, it's a bit like looking at old photos and there's lots I would change if I did them now. However I'm really proud that they have reached so many people and helped them with their bass playing. Plus I'm working flat out to record new material that will be even better.
Check my five most popular lessons and if you have any suggestions for topics I can cover in future lessons please leave a comment at the bottom of this page.
#1 - Left Hand Technique for Double Bass
If my memory serves me correctly this was literally the first lesson I ever filmed and I'm happy it's also my most viewed lesson to date.
Lesson Notes:
In this beginners lesson we look in detail at left hand double bass technique. Good left technique is crucial if you are looking to improve your intonation and want to play with comfort.
The upright bass is such a large instrument that it's essential that you learn to play with good technique, right from the start. By following this method you will be able play for longer, without pain or discomfort and with great tuning.
#2 - Right Hand Technique for Double Bass
This was also one of my first few lessons and it's fun looking back at how much the videos have improved. I don't miss the introduction music and strange screen flash between scenes, but I'm happy with the lesson content it still covers some really important information for jazz bassists.
Lesson Notes:
Do you want bigger tone and better time? If so you need to really focus in on your right hand technique. Playing with efficient use of your right hand is an essential skill for all upright bassists, but especially jazz bassists. It really pays off to isolate the right hand and focus in on ways to improve your time and your tone. In this lesson I give an in depth look at how you can develop these essential skills. A lot of bassists are so focused on their left hand and their tuning they forget about how important right hand technique is to their tone, and their time.
#3 - Six Common Problems with Left Hand Technique
Lesson Notes:
In this beginners upright bass lesson I show you the 6 most common problems that I see with left hand technique and of course, how to put them right. It's kind of a follow on video from my first lesson on left hand technique and covers similar issues.
#4 - Standing Posture & Setting the Double Bass Height
This was also one of my first ever lessons and I can understand why as it's such an important topic. If you don't get your posture right it will cause problems with your left hand technique and hold back your development.
Lesson Notes:
In this beginners lesson I teach you everything you need to know, before you actually start playing. If the double bass height is wrong, or you are not standing correctly, you will never be able to align your hands and play with good technique.
#5 - Thumb Position Method
This is the only lesson not filmed in the first few days of starting the work on Discover Double Bass. I hope to revisit this topic in future.
Lesson Notes:
In this video I give you an overview of the three main hand shapes that I use, as well as the techniques you need to know to play into thumb position. If you want to play higher up the neck without worrying about your intonation then this lesson is for you! The upright bass can seem like a hard instrument to play up high, but if you use the simple fingering patterns described in this method you will soon be able to play solos and bass lines in thumb position just as easily as you do with the low notes.
If you want to learn more from me please check out one of my step-by-step courses, exclusively on Discover Double Bass.
