Beginner's Classical Bass

Everything you need to get started with classical double bass.

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Are you ready to get started or refresh your knowledge classical bass techniques?

We are here to help! Check out this short video learn how.


Beginner's Classical Bass is an online course by acclaimed bassist and educator Jason Heath.

This course is designed for beginner bassists who want to learn how to play classical music, or for more experienced players who wish to revisit the foundations of technique. The course comprises 66 lessons over four hours and covers a wide range of topics on classical bass which will make a real difference to you playing! It is the perfect course for beginners to build a solid foundation of double bass technique and help you to feel confident playing.

Many of the lessons include transcriptions of the pieces, exercises and etudes so you have everything you need to practice at home.

This course is available to stream online, exclusively at Discover Double Bass.

Your Tutor


Jason Heath
Jason Heath

Renowned bassist, educator, clinician, blogger and podcaster at Contrabass Conversations, Jason Heath is well known as the 'voice of the double bass world'. His engaging teaching style and ability to clearly communicate ideas make him one of our most popular tutors at Discover Double Bass.


 

This course is designed for new classical double bassists who are ready to learn the fundamentals of technique.

What will I learn?

Jason Heath presents 66 video lessons which cover a wide range of topics on classical double bass starting from taking your bass out of the case, and leading to different bow strokes such as staccato and portato. The topics also include:

  • Posture
  • Simple scales and arpeggios
  • Left hand technique
  • Bowing technique
  • Simple pieces which are fun to play
  • Practice tips
  • ...and much more

Many of the topics are demonstrated using well known melodies including Swing Low Sweet Chariot, Ruben and Rachel, Shortnin’ Bread and Amazing Grace.

Lesson Index


  Course Introduction
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  Chapter 1 - Getting Started
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  Chapter 2 - Posture
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  Chapter 3 - First Motions on the Double Bass
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  Chapter 4 - Bow Fundamentals
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  Chapter 5 - Third Position
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  Chapter 6 - First Position
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  Chapter 7 - Connecting First and Third Position
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  Chapter 8 - Expanding our Range
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  Chapter 9 - New Melodies
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  Chapter 10 - Second Position
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  Chapter 11 - Lower Register Workout
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  Chapter 12 - Bowing Concepts
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  Chapter 13 - Essential Scales
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  Chapter 14 - Final Thoughts
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  Bonus Content
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Want to check out a free preview lesson? Click here.

 
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Transcriptions

Sheet music for the pieces and exercises are included. These PDFs are displayed on the lesson pages and can be downloaded if required.

Here's what's being said about the course:

"Jason has done it once again! This course is full of clear and concise lessons to get introduced (or re-introduced) to all the most important building blocks of solid technique on the double bass.

The high-quality video/audio and user-friendly chapter breakdown makes it a simple and enjoyable way to improve alongside a seasoned professional without leaving your practice space at home."

Eric Steffens, Principle Bass of Philharmonie Südwestfalen

"This course is an impressive pedagogical resource. It welcomes aspiring students to the bass world with its clear, easy-to-follow and engaging videos. I also appreciate the thoughtful progression in this course. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to begin playing the bass or to any beginners who want some guidance. Jason Heath is the perfect musical guide, and Discover Double Bass is the best platform to level up."

- Cielito De Jesus, Director of Rabbath Institute Los Angeles

"Jason draws from this vast network with his contagious enthusiasm and love of learning. Presented through the beautifully organized and easily accessible framework of Discover Double Bass, this is a terrific learning experience for any beginner, as well as a great model for any new teacher!"

- Nicholas Walker, Professor of double bass at Ithaca College, Past President of the International Society of Bassists

"If you’ve found yourself looking to learn a new skill or just to remind yourself of the fundamentals, look no further than Beginner’s Classical Bass."

- Ian Hallas, Principal Bass, Lyric Opera of Chicago

"This wonderful extensive course includes 14 chapters of 66 lessons varying in length from one to eight minutes each. It is SOOOO comprehensive. While it is called a 'beginners course', this only means that the course begins with the parts of the instruments including how to take the bass out of the case. However it also takes the player through the most advanced left hand and right hand techniques including shifting, pivoting, harmonics, positions up to thumb position, tuning the bass, scales and arpeggios, as well as left hand techniques of dynamics, bow placement, articulations including portato, staccato and slurring.

- Barry Green, Instructor of bass at The Ohio State University, formerly Principal Bassist of the Cincinnati Symphony, author of The Inner Game of Music

"The amount of material presented could easily be broken up into a couple of courses, so there is great material for not just beginners, but those progressing beyond the basics."

- Geoff Neuman, Bassist with the Las Vegas Philharmonic

 

'These lessons I’m sharing with you are drawn from the past 25 years of my bass life, and they’ve helped a ton of beginning bassists to get started on the instrument.'

Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
Will the course work on a tablet?
Yes, all of our courses can be viewed via an internet browser on any device. However, please note an up-to-date operating system and/or browser may be required for video playback.
Can I download the videos?
No, they are only available to view online. However PDFs of the transcriptions are available to download.
Can I ask Jason Heath questions?
Jason Heath isn't available to answer questions, but we do include membership to the 'Study Group', which is a private Facebook group where you can ask Geoff Chalmers and our community of double bassists questions.
Is this course suitable for complete beginners?
Yes! It's designed with new players in mind, but it's also a great fit for those more experienced players who wish to revisit the fundamentals of classical double bass playing.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
I’m sure you will love the course, but if you’re not completely satisfied we offer a 30 day money back guarantee.
Will this course suit me if I play jazz?
Yes, many of the concepts and techniques can be applied to jazz. The melodies are all fun to play, regardless of your musical background. However, we also have a course which has the jazz bassist in mind called Beginner's Double Bass by Geoff Chalmers.

Start Learning!



Our courses are only available on DiscoverDoubleBass.com and include a 30 day, no questions asked, full refund policy.

Have questions about the course or need help? Contact us.