Scordatura tuning
Retuning the strings. Notated with a verbal instruction to retune, possibly
with an additional staff to show new tunings. Retuning takes time and care.
Retuning the double bass is relatively common, although most music sticks
with the standard tuning (albeit with a low C extension). The tuning pegs
on a bass enable very accurate retunings.
Scordatura tuning:
The history of bass tunings:
19th Century 'solo' tuning:
Tap instrument
Tapping the body of the instrument with fingers or with the bow. Notated with a verbal instruction, with x-shaped noteheads for extended passages. The large, hollow body of the bass makes tapping the instrument quite effective. Belly, ribs and back all produce a different sound, making the instrument resembles a tom-tom. It is best to stick to hand taps rather than using beaters.
Tapping the instrument:
Play behind bridge
Playing the strings between the bridge and the tailpiece. Notated with a verbal instruction, with x-shaped noteheads if necessary. The standard bowing and plucking techniques may be used for this effect.
Play behind bridge:
Bow on bridge
Bowing the strings directly on the bridge. Notated with a verbal instruction, with x-shaped noteheads if necessary. This is not the same as sul ponticello which plays near the bridge. (See 'behind bridge' clip for more information).
Bow tailpiece
Bowing the tailpiece. Notated with a verbal instruction. Rather uncontrollable and ugly, but fairly loud. (See 'behind bridge' clip for more information).