Definition

Noun: - Largest and lowest member of the violin family: The "bass fiddle" is a very large, stringed musical instrument that is played with a bow or by plucking the strings. It produces the deepest and lowest-pitched sounds in the violin family. It is also commonly known as the double bass or contrabass.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The jazz band's rhythm was anchored by the steady pulse of the bass fiddle.
  • He carefully transported his bass fiddle to the orchestra rehearsal.

Advanced Usage

• "to slap the bass fiddle": A playing technique in some styles of music, like rockabilly, where the strings are pulled and released so they slap against the fingerboard, creating a percussive sound.
  • The musician added a lively rhythm by choosing to slap the bass fiddle.

Variants and Related Words

• Double bass (n): Another common name for the same instrument.
• Contrabass (n): A formal term, often used in classical music contexts, for the bass fiddle.
• Upright bass (n): A term frequently used in jazz and popular music to distinguish it from the electric bass guitar.
• Bassist (n): A person who plays the bass fiddle (or bass guitar).

Synonyms

• Double bass
• Contrabass
• Upright bass
• String bass

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "to hold down the bass line": To maintain the foundational low-pitched rhythm and harmony in a piece of music, a primary role of the bass fiddle player.
  • Her job in the ensemble was to hold down the bass line on the bass fiddle.

Noun

1. largest and lowest member of the violin family