Upright Electric Bass article
Upright Electric Bass for Beginners: A Complete Guide
The technique is substantially different from electric bass guitar. Here's what to expect, what to prioritise and how to set the instrument up correctly before you start.
Coming to this instrument without a background in double bass presents a steeper learning curve than many beginners expect. The posture, the scale length, the fretless intonation and the right-hand technique are all substantially different from electric bass guitar playing. The good news is that the core of what you need to learn — ear training, posture and left-hand position — can be established within the first few weeks of consistent practice.
Posture and Physical Setup
The first and most important thing to get right on an upright electric bass is physical position. The instrument should rest on its endpin with the body at roughly a 45-degree angle to the player, the neck extending up and to the left, and the body against the inside of the right knee and lower torso. The left thumb sits at the back of the neck, opposing the fingers, with the wrist kept low and the elbow raised — this allows the fingers to fall naturally onto the strings without cramping. The right arm hangs naturally for pizzicato, with the index finger or index and middle fingers pulling upward and outward across the strings rather than down.
Bad posture creates tension and inhibits playing; it also causes injury over extended periods. If possible, one or two lessons with a double bass teacher who can observe and correct your position will save months of unlearning bad habits. Most problems with EUB technique begin with posture.
Intonation and Ear Training
Fretless upright playing requires your ears to confirm intonation in a way that fretted electric bass doesn't. The positions on a fretless neck are approximate guides, not guarantees — you need to hear whether the note is in tune and adjust in real time. The most effective practice for this is playing scales and simple melodies slowly with a drone note or tuner reference, training your ear and fingers simultaneously. This isn't a quick process: accurate fretless intonation takes months of consistent practice to develop, but once established it becomes intuitive.
Amplification and Sound
The upright electric bass requires amplification for all but the quietest practice situations. A bass amplifier with a clean, uncoloured sound works well for instruments with magnetic pickups; a preamp designed for piezo transducers is strongly recommended for piezo-equipped models, which sound thin and harsh through a standard bass amp input without one. A dedicated acoustic bass amp or a DI box with a preamp will produce more natural results. For guidance on choosing the right instrument before you start learning, the buyer's guide covers the key decisions.
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