The Notation of Harmonics for Double Bass: A guide to the orchestral bass parts of Maurice Ravel by Lucas Drew

About the Guide Although the natural harmonic or overtone series is known to most Double Bass players, the notation of harmonics in orchestral works of Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) is sometimes difficult to interpret. Generally, Ravel used the diamond-shaped tablature in the bass clef to notate the desired shaped note also occurs below the diamond-shaped note, it points out the string on which the harmonic is to be played. And if a note occurs above the diamond-shaped note, it indicates the pitch of the harmonic. In this connection, however, it must be remembered the Double Bass actually sounds an octave lower than written, regardless of whether the note in question is a harmonic or not. In addition to this harmonic notation system, Ravel used, at times, the term "sons réels" to indicate the actual pitch of the harmonic to be played. This occurs whenever he wrote the harmonic in the treble rather than the bass clef. About Lucas Drew Lucas Drew, after a distinguished career of more than 4