The upright bass (or double bass) is the largest and lowest-pitched bowed string instrument in the modern symphony orchestra.  It is played either with a bow (arco) or by plucking the strings (pizzicato) with your right hand. The player stands, or sits on a high stool, and leans the instrument against their body, turned slightly inward to put the strings comfortably within reach. The instrument height is set by adjusting the end pin such that the player can reach the desired playing zones of the strings with their bow or plucking hand.

The double bass is a standard member of the orchestra’s string section, as well as the concert band, and is featured in concertos, solos and chamber music in western classical music. The bass is used in a range of other genres as well, such as jazz, blues, rock and roll, rockabilly, traditional country music, bluegrass, tango and many types of folk music.

Whether acoustic, electric or upright, the bass is of the utmost importance in anchoring the harmonies and establishing the beat for whichever style it is performing in.