More than any other string instrument, the double bass is associated with pizzicato. In jazz, plucking is the normal way to play the instrument. This has led to a vast range of nuances available to the bass player. Corin Long describes the main sounds then demonstrates others as follows:

Normal - piano

pizz (piano)


Normal - forte

pizz (forte)

 

Snap pizzicato

snap pizz

 

Finger techniques

Flesh, tip (hammered), different fingers :

Various techniques

2 or 3 fingers. Using the thumb. Strumming. Jazz v. orchestral techniques:

 

Sustained pizzicato

Pizzicato sustained:

 

 

Glissando

glissando

 

 

Tremolo

Tremolo:
tremolo