David Heyes: Daily Exercises for Double Bass

  About the Exercises Daily Exercises for Double Bass is designed to build confidence and to develop and consolidate technique, primarily in the orchestral register of the instrument. Technique is simply a means to an end, and music is the ultimate goal. Care should be taken not to put too much strain on the left hand, and, much like an athlete, technique, strength, and stamina should be built gradually. Do not work through the 'pain barrier' and 'a little and often' is a good maxim. The book is a starting point for you to discover and devise new technical exercises to extend and increase your technical skills throughout the entire range of the double bass. The exercises are in no particular order, although the first (Chromatic Positions) is helpful as a warm-up study and to develop a good hand shape. Choose two or three exercises each day, gradually working through the ones you can tackle and eventually adding the more challenging exercises when you feel confident. It is possible to a