TRUMPETS

SNARE DRUM

FRENCH HORNS

TROMBONES

BASSOONS

CLARINETS

BASS DRUM

TUBA

OBOES

CONTRABASSOON

BASS CLARINET

PICCOLO

FLUTES

SECOND VIOLINS

VIOLAS

ENGLISH HORN

PIANO

HARP

FIRST VIOLINS

CELLOS

BASSES

• The largest and lowestpitched string instrument in the orchestra

• Tuned in fourths , whereas all other bowed string instruments are tuned in fifths

• Can be bowed underhand in the “ German ” style ( with fingers pointed upward ) or overhand in the “ French ” style ( fingers pointed down , as with violin , viola , and cello )

Bridge

Scroll

Pegbox

Fingerboard

Bow

F-holes

Tail Piece

Endpin

HISTORY OF THE DOUBLE BASS

Early history : Low-pitched bowed string instruments like the cello , bass violin , and bass viola da gamba were in common use starting in the 15th century . However , the 17th-century development of metalwound strings ( previously unwound sheep or beef gut ) allowed for strings to be thicker and , therefore , instruments to be larger and deeper . This gave rise to the direct precursor to the double bass : the violone .

Recent history : Prior to the 20th century , many double basses had only three strings , and their shoulders were rounded as with a violin or cello . Over time , the shoulders became more sloped to accommodate modern styles of playing . The advent of a C extension on the lowest string , ordinarily tuned to an E , further expanded the instrument ’ s range .

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