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Contrabass Conundrums Trivia Quiz

For string enthusiasts, this is a quiz about the oddball of the string section - the double bass!

A multiple-choice quiz by buscarela. Estimated time: 3 mins.

Author
buscarela

Time
3 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
362,048

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
144

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. In what interval are the strings of the double bass tuned? Hint

sixths

fifths

fourths

thirds

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Question 2 of 10

2. What is the device commonly used to lower the range of the bass to a low C called? Hint

The fingerboard

An extension

An extender

A lever

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Question 3 of 10

3. What are the names of the two bow holds used by bassists? Hint

French and American

French and German

German and American

Left and Right

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Question 4 of 10

4. How is the bass considered a transposing instrument? Hint

Its notes sound an octave lower than written

Its notes sound four intervals lower than written

Its notes sound two intervals higher than written

Its notes sound four intervals higher than written

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Question 5 of 10

5. Does the bass have the lowest range in the orchestra, assuming that it is equipped with a low B extension? Hint

No, the contrabassoon can reach one half step lower

Yes, it has the lowest range

No, the tuba can reach a full octave lower

No, the bass clarinet can reach two notes lower

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Question 6 of 10

6. What are the strings tuned to for solo tuning on the bass, from lowest string to highest? Hint

E-A-D-G

F#-B-E-A

C-G-D-A

D-G-C#-G

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Question 7 of 10

7. In orchestral (normal) tuning, in what key is the bass considered to be? Hint

In the key of C

In the key of G

In the key of D

In the key of B

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Question 8 of 10

8. What shape does the body of the bass NOT come in? Hint

Busetto

Violin

Gamba

Gourd

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Question 9 of 10

9. What is the most common size that basses come in? Hint

1/2

3/4

7/8

4/4

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Question 10 of 10

10. What is the average string or scale length (from the nut to the bridge) in inches of a 3/4 size bass? Hint

41.5

40.8

41.3

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. In what interval are the strings of the double bass tuned?

Answer: fourths

While all of the other string instruments (with the exception of harp, obviously) are tuned in fifths, the bass is tuned in fourths. For example, violin strings are tuned G-D-A-E, whereas bass is tuned E-A-D-G.

2. What is the device commonly used to lower the range of the bass to a low C called?

Answer: An extension

A low C extension is commonly added to the bass of professionals because a lot of orchestral pieces require a larger range than is offered by the standard four string bass. Less commonly used is the low B extension.

3. What are the names of the two bow holds used by bassists?

Answer: French and German

The bass is the only string instrument with the option of two bow holds. The French bow hold is similar to the other string instruments; the player grips the bow in an overhanded way. The German bow hold is the remnant of how bass players held bows in the Baroque period; this bow hold grips the bow under the frog and from the side.

4. How is the bass considered a transposing instrument?

Answer: Its notes sound an octave lower than written

The bass' notes sound an octave lower than written. So, if a note is the first ledger line above the bass clef staff - a middle C - the bass is actually playing the C an octave lower than middle C.

5. Does the bass have the lowest range in the orchestra, assuming that it is equipped with a low B extension?

Answer: No, the contrabassoon can reach one half step lower

The contrabassoon can reach down to a Bb below the low B extension on bass. Contrabassoons also transpose to an octave lower than written. Also, technically, pianos also reach to a low A lower than the B extension, but are not always included in orchestral instrumentation.

6. What are the strings tuned to for solo tuning on the bass, from lowest string to highest?

Answer: F#-B-E-A

Many times in difficult solo works for the bass, composers will call for solo tuning which makes the bass have a brighter sound and allows for more virtuosic playing.

7. In orchestral (normal) tuning, in what key is the bass considered to be?

Answer: In the key of C

All string instruments are in the key of C, as is the bassoon, the trombone, the tuba, etc. When in solo tuning, however, the bass is in the key of D.

8. What shape does the body of the bass NOT come in?

Answer: Gourd

The violin shape of a bass mimics the shape of the smaller string instrument. The Gamba shape generally has a smaller top arc and a larger bottom arc. The Busetto is mostly for show as it has ornamentation on the top "shoulders" of the instrument.

9. What is the most common size that basses come in?

Answer: 3/4

If one is a giant, then, congrats, he can play a full-size or 4/4 size bass, but for the rest of us, a 3/4 size bass is the norm. A 3/4 size bass is about 5'11" and a 4/4 size is about 6'3".

10. What is the average string or scale length (from the nut to the bridge) in inches of a 3/4 size bass?

Answer: 41.3

While basses range in string length, on average a 3/4 size string length is 41.3 inches. Bassists just hope that the fingerboard covers most of that as well.

Source: Author buscarela

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