What is the Difference Between Cello and Double Bass

Cello and double bass are two string instruments in the violin family. Both are larger than the other string instruments, like the violin and viola. They produce rich, resonant sounds that add depth to music.

What is the main difference between cello and double bass? A double bass is much larger than a cello. A full-size double bass stands around 6 to 7 feet tall, while a full-size cello is about 5 feet.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a Cello  
     – Definition, Features
2. What is a Double Bass
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Cello and Double Bass
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Cello and Double Bass
     – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Cello and Double Bass
     – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Cello, Double Bass, Violin

What is a Cello

The cello is a string instrument that belongs to the violin family. Its full name is violoncello, an Italian word that means “little violone.”  This instrument has four strings, which are tuned in perfect fifths: C, G, D, and A, starting from the lowest pitch. Music for the cello is usually written in the bass clef, but depending on the piece, it can also use the tenor, alto, or even treble clef for higher notes.

Cellists can play solo pieces and concertos or perform with other musicians in chamber groups and orchestras. In orchestras, the cello often provides the bassline, sometimes doubling the double bass an octave higher. Its sound can range from deep and rich to high and sweet.

During the Baroque period, the cello was often part of the basso continuo, playing alongside instruments like the harpsichord or lute. Today, the cello is also found in many types of music, such as modern Chinese orchestras or even rock bands.

What is a Double Bass

The double bass, often called the upright bass, acoustic bass, or simply “the bass,” is the largest and lowest-pitched string instrument in the orchestra. It’s similar in shape to the cello but much bigger, with four or sometimes five strings. Its deep, rich sound makes it an essential part of many musical styles.

Unlike most string instruments, the bass is tuned in fourths, similar to a bass guitar, with the strings usually set to E, A, D, and G. It’s written an octave higher than it sounds. This avoids too many extra lines on the staff.

In an orchestra, the double bass plays the lowest notes. It supports the harmony and adds depth to the music. It’s also common in concert bands and chamber music. Outside classical music, the double bass is widely used in jazz, blues, rock and roll, bluegrass, country, folk music, and even tango.

Similarities Between Cello and Double Bass

1. Both are string instruments in the violin family.
2. They are played with a bow or by plucking the strings.
3. Both are part of the orchestra’s string section.
4. Both have a hollow wooden body, a neck, a fingerboard, and strings.
5. They are larger than the other string instruments, like the violin and viola.

Difference Between Cello and Double Bass

Size

• The double bass is much larger than the cello. A full-size double bass stands around 6 to 7 feet tall, while a full-size cello is about 5 feet.

Sound

• The cello has a tenor voice with a deep and rich tone, but the double bass can produce even deeper sounds that the cello cannot match.

Tuning

• The cello is tuned in fifths (C, G, D, A), while the double bass is tuned in fourths (E, A, D, G).

Tuning Mechanism

• The cello uses tuning pegs on the side of its scroll, while the double bass has tuning “machines” mounted on the side of the scroll.

Playing Position

• Cellists play seated with the cello between their knees, while double bass players stand or use a tall stool.

Transposition

• Double bass is a transposing instrument, whereas cello is a non-transposing instrument. This means cello music is written as it sounds, while double bass music is written an octave higher.

FAQ: Cello and Double Bass

1. Can you play double bass if you play cello?

You can play the double bass if you play the cello. Both are similar in how they are played with a bow, but the double bass is bigger and tuned differently.  Therefore, it may take some time to adjust.

2. Which is harder to learn, cello or double bass?

The double bass is generally considered harder to learn than the cello. It’s much larger, and its lower tuning requires more finger strength and precision. The cello is smaller and has a more comfortable playing position, which makes it easier for beginners.

3. Is a bass bigger than a cello?

Yes, the double bass is bigger than the cello. The double bass stands about 6 to 7 feet tall, while the cello is usually around 5 feet. The double bass is the largest instrument in the string family.

4. Do cello and bass play the same notes?

No, the cello and double bass do not play the same notes. The cello has a higher pitch range and typically plays in the tenor and alto ranges. Meanwhile, the double bass has a much lower pitch range and plays the deepest notes in the string family.

Reference:

1. “Cello.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.

2. “Double Bass.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation. 

Image Courtesy:

1. “Cello front side” By Georg Feitscher – File:Cello front side.jpg (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia

2. “AGK bass1 full” By User:AndrewKepert created this and uploaded this to the English Wikipedia. (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia