I've often been asked which I prefer to play: the double bass or the electric bass. My answer is simple—but often surprising. I don’t have a preference. These are two distinct instruments with different histories, techniques, and physical demands—but they share one powerful role: "to link harmony with rhythm".

In this edition, I’ll share some personal insights and draw inspiration from Massimo Cavalli’s excellent study, Double Bass and Electric Bass: The Case Study of John Patitucci.

🎼 A Brief History

The double bass: Born in the 16th century. Orchestral roots. Played acoustically, pizzicato or with a bow. Big, bold, and beautiful.

The electric bass was created in the 1950s for portability and volume. A staple in modern pop, funk, rock, and fusion.

As Cavalli points out, both instruments serve the same musical role but require different approaches.

👐 Technique and Approach

Left Hand: 1-2-4 fingering on upright vs. 1-finger-per-fret on electric.

Right Hand: Upright pizzicato or arco vs. fingerstyle, slap, pick, or tapping on electric.

Learning one doesn't automatically mean mastering the other. They speak different dialects of the same musical language.

🎵 Different Contexts, Different Voices

Some gigs ask for the upright. Others demand the electric. Jazz standards and acoustic settings feel more natural with a double bass. Funk or fusion tracks need the presence and agility of an electric bass.

Players like John Patitucci have mastered both—and let the music decide which to use.

🎙️ My Personal Take

I don’t see these instruments as interchangeable—they’re complementary. Each opens up different parts of my musical identity.

And more often than not, it’s the music itself—the arrangement, the genre, or the sonic goal—that dictates my choice. Some songs cry out for the depth of the upright, others for the precision of the electric.

What I consider:

The genre and style

The space (and how well it carries sound)

The vibe I want to bring to the band

🧰 Final Thoughts

If you're new to bass, don’t feel like you need to master both right away. Start with the one that fits your hands, your goals, and your musical context.

But over time, expanding your toolkit opens new opportunities. The more versatile you are, the more calls you’ll get—and the more music you’ll get to make.

💬 I'd love to hear from you:
Have you played both? Thinking of making the leap from one to the other? Do you prefer to listen to music with the double bass or electric bass in it, or both? Hit reply and share your experience—or your questions.

📖 Reference:
Massimo Cavalli – Double Bass and Electric Bass: The Case Study of John Patitucci (University of Évora, 2016)